EcuadorCulture

=Culture =
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 * Ethnic Composition:**
 * 25% indigenous or native cultures
 * 10% of European descent
 * 65% mixed ethnicity/European and Amerindian (indigenous peoples of the Americas)


 * Languages Spoken:**
 * The majority of Ecuadorians speak Spanish
 * Many Amerindian languages are also spoken, such as Kichwa or Quechue, Awapit, A 'ingae, Shuar, Paicoca, and many more.


 * Religion:** 95% of Ecuadorians are Roman Catholic, although their Christian beliefs are mixed with ancient indigenous customs.


 * Education**: Under Ecuadorian law, children are only required to receive a "basic level of education", which is usually around 9 years. Enrollment rates are approximately 97%, but don't take into account attendance and participation.

Women are generally responsible for the upbringing and care of children and of husbands in Ecuador, and traditionally men have played inactive roles in this area. Recently this has begun to change, due to more and more women joining the workforce resulting in men doing a little housework and becoming more involved in the care of their children.
 * Family:** Family is of great importance to Ecuadorians and the elderly often live with one of their children rather than a care facility.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrCY3uwWFs8&feature=pla[|Ecuador's Anthem]yer_detailpage
 * Celebrations:** Festivals and carnivals vary throughout the country and are highly expected by the general population. These celebrations usually feature many traditional games and fun. Some peoples celebrate with mask carnivals, while others have no official customs, yet all of them are related to a mixture of Amerindian and Catholic beliefs. Part of Ecuador's New Year's Eve celebration is a tradition that takes place at midnight where fireworks are lit and thousands of dummies are burned in the streets representing the year that just finished.

1. Why is the traditional role of men in the household changing?

2. What does the burning of viejos/dummies represent on New Year's Eve?

references "Ecuador Facts and Pictures -- National Geographic Kids." //Kids' Games, Animals, Photos, Stories, and More -- National Geographic Kids//. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Apr. 2011.  "Culture of Ecuador - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia." //Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia//. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Apr. 2011. . bancroftdub. " YouTube - Ecuador National Anthem ." //YouTube - Broadcast Yourself.//. N.p., n.d. Web. 2 May 2011. .