Ecuador is home to singer Christina Aguilera. It gained independence from Greater Colombia in 1830 which led to revolts and dictatorships. Conservatives ruled until 1895 when a revolution brought liberal rule and separation of church and state. The culture celebrates many holidays and festivals throughout the year marking historical events and Catholic traditions. Popular sports include football, tennis, basketball and volleyball while typical meals consist of coffee and pastries for breakfast and larger lunches and dinners with soup, rice and meat dishes.

1. Ecuador Home to singer Christina Aguilera By: Sarah Johnson

2. Ecuador’s Flag

3. Brief History When Greater Colombia collapsed in 1830, Ecuador became independent. Revolts and dictatorships followed; it had 48 presidents during the first 131 years of the republic. Conservatives ruled until the revolution of 1895 ushered in nearly a half century of Radical Liberal rule, during which the church was disestablished and freedom of worship, speech, and press was introduced.

4. Cultural Celebrations and Holidays January 6th King's Day. There are celebrations in the cities of Cuenca, Ambato and Riobamba February 1st Virgin of the Charity's Day (Ibarra). February 12th Discovery of the Amazon river (The whole country). March 4th Peach's Day in Gualaceo (Azuay). April 19th to 21th Celebrations commemorating the foundation of the City of Riobamba (Chimborazo Province). May 24th Battle of Pichincha 1822 the day that the City of Quito was liberated from Spaniards. (National Civic Day). June 24th San Juan Otavalo (Imbabura), Tabacundo (Pichincha), Guamote (Chimborazo). July 23rd to 25th Foundation of Guayaquil, a big military parade is held. The City of Guayaquil is where the main port of Ecuador is located. August 5th to 7th Virgin of the Snows Day in Sicalpa (Chimborazo Province).

5. Cultural Celebrations and Holidays September 24th - 28th Lake's celebration in Ibarra. This city is known for its wonderful lakes. October 9th Independence Day of the city of Guayaquil. A lot parades and street parties all around the city. This city really goes wild in this part of the year. November 3rd Independence of Cuenca. Cuenca is the third city in importance of Ecuador. December 5th - 6th Foundation of Quito. This could be one of the most visited and celebrated from all Ecuador holidays listed above.

6. Deportes- (Sports) Football Tennis Basketball Volleyball Bullfighting Mountain biking Motor biking Surfing Paintball Barcelona Sporting Club

7. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner! The morning meal is typically a light meal, while lunch and dinner are usually a bit heavier. Breakfast in the Andean region, including Quito, usually consists of coffee and a bread pastry. A very common breakfast (or snack throughout the day) is empanadas, which are bread dough with another ingredient (like cheese or some type of meat) rolled in the middle. Lunch is the biggest meal of the day. It is usually the cheapest meal of the day as well because restaurants prepare the lunch, or almuerzo , in bulk and only offer one or two set options. Many Ecuadorians eat in restaurants for lunch. Lunch always consists of soup and a main dish. The main dish always has rice and usually is served with a meat stew. Dinner in Ecuador is very similar to lunch. Consisting of the same items. Most of the time dinner is not as big as the lunch portion.

8. Major Holidays January 1 - New Year's Day February 27 -National Community Spirit Da y Easter and Holy Week* May 1 -Labor Day August 10 - Quito Independence Day September 1-15 -Fiesta del Yamor October 9 - Guayaquil Independence Day October 12 - Columbus Day November 1 - All Saints' Day November 2 - All Soul's Day (a.k.a."Day of the Dead") November 3 - Cuenca Independence Day November 11 - Latacunga Independence Day December 24 - Christmas Eve December 25 - Christmas Day December 28-31 - Year's End Celebrations