Ecuadorian Independence

Ecuadorian Independence

Friday the 10th of August was Ecuadorian Independence day. This was the day of the first cry of Independence in Latin America. Celebrations of Columbus’ day and Independence Day are combined. I cannot comprehend why a nation of mostly indigenous people would celebrate Columbus’ day but they do.

Ecuador became part of the Inca Empire around 1450. In 1526 the Inca Huayna Capac died and left the empire to 2 sons. The northern empire based in Quito was given to Atahualpa. War between the brothers softened the Inca empire for the Spanish. Atahualpa was murdered by Pizzarro on August 29 of 1533 and Ecuador became part New Granada (Peru). The Incas burned Quito to the ground rather than leave it to the Spanish.

Guayaquil was the first city in Ecuador to achieve its independence from the Spanish on 10/9/1820. Ecuador along with Venezuela and Colombia became Gran Colombia. This only lasted 8 years. Ecuador achieved full independence in 1830.

Quito is the capital of Ecuador; but Guayaquil is the largest city. The regional differences sometimes make Ecuador seem like two countries. The country has a rich culture which is a blend of the Indigenous and the Spanish heritage. The music features indigenous flutes and melodies that are absolutely haunting. The “panama hat” comes for Ecuador. The country actually has two capitals. Quito and Guayaquil.

The popular foods include “cuy” which is Guinea Pig. The most popular sport is Soccer. When the FIFA adopted a rule that official games could not be played above 2500 meters. President Rafael Correa made an official protest.

The Galapagos Islands are a UN World Heritage site. They are considered very instrumental in the formation of Darwin’s “Origin of Species”. 65% of the population is mixed indigenous and Spanish. The pure indigenous population is about 25% . Only 7% is of pure Caucasian descent.

70% of population of Ecuador lives below the poverty line. This is probably why so many Ecuadorians have emigrated to other countries. They are a valuable inclusion to the culture here in Charlotte, NC. and in the other countries where they have settled. Viva Ecuador!!!!









David Segrest is a REALTOR in Charlotte, NC

David S. Segrest, CIPS, CCIM, TRC, CEA
david@segrestrealty.com
http://www.segrestrealty.com
Serving the world in the Carolinas, Serving the Carolinas in the World