Ecuador is a country in the northwest of South America, with an area of 280,000 square kilometers, comparable to that of Colorado. It shares borders with Colombia to the north, Peru to the south and east, and the Pacific Ocean to the west. The equator, which gives the country its name, crosses Ecuador near its capital, Quito. The national flag of Ecuador has three horizontal bands of yellow, blue, and red, with the coat of arms on top. The coat of arms depicts various symbols of the nation, such as a condor, the sun, a snow-capped mountain, and a riverboat.
Ecuador has three distinct geographical regions: the coast, the highlands, and the Amazon. The coast, or costa, is a flat and humid jungle region, crossed by many rivers. The highlands, or sierra, are the central part of the country, where the Andes mountains form two parallel ranges, separated by a long and fertile valley, known as "the Avenue of the Volcanoes" by the 19th-century explorer Alexander von Humboldt. This region has been the most populated and influential in Ecuador's history, and contains many historical and cultural sites. The Amazon, or oriente, is the eastern part of the country, where a dense and isolated rainforest covers the lowlands. This region has a small and diverse population, mostly of indigenous origin, and many areas where Spanish is not spoken. This region also has the largest reserves of oil, the main source of income for Ecuador in recent times.
Ecuador has a population of about 11 million people, mostly of mixed Spanish and indigenous ancestry. In the last three decades, between 200,000 and 500,000 Ecuadorans, or about two to five percent of the total population, have migrated to the United States.
Ecuador's history has been marked by the influence and interference of foreign powers, and by the difficulty of creating a unified national identity. Ecuador was part of the Inca empire, and later of the Spanish empire, until it gained its independence in the early 19th century. However, Ecuador has also lost territory and sovereignty to its larger neighbors, Colombia and Peru, in several conflicts. Moreover, Ecuador has faced the challenge of integrating its three regions, which have different geographical, social, and cultural features, into a cohesive nation.
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| A map of the United States with Ecuadorian flags in each state that has a population of Ecuadorian Americans |
Geography
Ecuadoran Americans are people in the United States who have full or partial ancestry from Ecuador, a small country in South America. Ecuador is located on the west coast of the continent, between Colombia and Peru. It has a diverse geography that includes coastal plains, central highlands, and eastern jungles. It also has a unique position on the Earth's equator, and it controls the Galapagos Islands, a group of volcanic islands that are famous for their biodiversity and natural history.
Ecuadoran Americans have settled in various regions of the United States, but they are mostly concentrated in the Northeast and the West. According to the 2020 census, there were 870,965 Ecuadoran Americans in the United States, representing 0.30% of the total US population. The states with the largest Ecuadoran populations were New York, New Jersey, Florida, California, and Connecticut. The cities with the largest Ecuadoran populations were New York City, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, and Houston. Ecuadoran immigrants have also formed ethnic enclaves or neighborhoods in some of these cities, such as Jackson Heights and Corona in Queens, New York; Paterson and Passaic in New Jersey; and West Palm Beach and Lake Worth in Florida.
The geography of Ecuadoran Americans reflects their migration motives, networks, and opportunities. Some of the factors that influenced their geography are:
Family and friends: Many Ecuadoran immigrants followed their relatives or acquaintances who had already settled in the United States, and who provided them with information, assistance, and support. They also maintained close ties with their families and friends in Ecuador, and sent remittances, goods, and visits. Family and friends were the main sources of social and economic capital for Ecuadoran immigrants, and they helped them cope with the challenges and difficulties of living in a new country.
Employment and income: Many Ecuadoran immigrants chose their destinations based on the availability and accessibility of jobs and income. They sought places where they could find work in their fields of expertise, or where they could start their own businesses or enterprises. They also sought places where they could earn higher wages and save more money. Some Ecuadoran immigrants worked in sectors that required mobility and flexibility, such as agriculture, construction, and trade, and they moved from place to place according to the demand and supply of labor. Others worked in sectors that required stability and continuity, such as service, manufacturing, and education, and they stayed in one place for longer periods of time.
Culture and identity: Many Ecuadoran immigrants chose their destinations based on the compatibility and diversity of culture and identity. They sought places where they could preserve and practice their Ecuadoran culture and identity, such as language, religion, food, music, and art. They also sought places where they could interact and integrate with other cultures and identities, such as American, Latin American, or other ethnic groups. Some Ecuadoran immigrants preferred places where there were large and established Ecuadoran or Hispanic communities, and where they could find cultural and social organizations and institutions. Others preferred places where there were smaller and newer Ecuadoran or Hispanic communities, and where they could create and innovate their own cultural and social expressions.
Education and health: Many Ecuadoran immigrants chose their destinations based on the quality and accessibility of education and health services. They sought places where they could access and afford education and health care for themselves and their families, and where they could improve their skills and knowledge. They also sought places where they could find educational and health programs and resources that were tailored to their needs and interests, such as bilingual education, adult education, preventive health, and mental health. Some Ecuadoran immigrants prioritized education and health over other factors, and they moved to places where they could find better opportunities and outcomes. Others balanced education and health with other factors, and they stayed in places where they could find acceptable levels of satisfaction and well-being.
The First Ecuadorans in America
The first Ecuadorans in America were not immigrants, but explorers, adventurers, and conquerors. They came to the Americas as part of the Spanish colonial expansion, which began in the late 15th century. They were motivated by various reasons, such as curiosity, glory, religion, and wealth. They encountered and interacted with various native peoples, cultures, and civilizations, some of which they admired, some of which they exploited, and some of which they destroyed. They also faced and overcame various challenges, such as geography, climate, disease, and resistance. They left behind a legacy of mixed and complex impacts, both positive and negative, on the history and identity of Ecuador and America.
Some of the first Ecuadorans in America were:
Francisco Pizarro (1471-1541), who was a conquistador and the founder of Lima, Peru. He led the expedition that conquered the Inca Empire, which included most of modern Ecuador. He captured and executed the Inca ruler Atahualpa, and claimed the Inca lands and treasures for Spain. He also fought and killed his rival Diego de Almagro, who disputed his authority and territory. He was assassinated by Almagro's followers in Lima. ³
Sebastián de Benalcázar (1480-1551), who was a conquistador and the founder of Quito, Ecuador. He was a lieutenant of Pizarro, and he participated in the conquest of Peru. He also led the expedition that explored and colonized the northern part of the Inca Empire, which he named the Kingdom of Quito. He founded the cities of Quito, Guayaquil, and Popayán, and he established the Audiencia of Quito, a judicial and administrative body of the Spanish Empire. He also fought and defeated the indigenous resistance, led by Rumiñahui and Ati II Pillahuaso. He died in prison in Cartagena, Colombia, after being accused of treason by the Viceroy of Peru.
Pedro de Alvarado (1485-1541), who was a conquistador and the governor of Guatemala. He was a companion of Hernán Cortés, and he participated in the conquest of Mexico. He also led the expedition that conquered Guatemala and El Salvador, and he founded the city of Santiago de los Caballeros de Guatemala. He also attempted to conquer Ecuador, but he was defeated by Benalcázar and Almagro, who claimed the territory for themselves. He died in an ambush by the indigenous people of Michoacán, Mexico, while trying to pacify the region.
Bartolomé Ruiz (1490-1533), who was a navigator and a pilot. He was a member of Pizarro's expedition, and he was the first European to sail along the Pacific coast of South America. He discovered the San Mateo Bay, the Galapagos Islands, and the mouth of the Amazon River. He also captured an Inca raft, which carried valuable information and goods from the Inca Empire. He died in the Battle of Las Salinas, where he fought on Pizarro's side against Almagro.
Gonzalo Pizarro (1502-1548), who was a conquistador and a rebel leader. He was a half-brother of Francisco Pizarro, and he accompanied him in the conquest of Peru. He was appointed the governor of Quito, and he led the expedition that searched for El Dorado, the mythical city of gold. He explored the Amazon basin, and he faced many hardships and losses, such as hunger, disease, and mutiny. He returned to Quito with only a few survivors, and he joined the rebellion against the New Laws, which limited the power and privileges of the conquistadors. He was defeated and executed by Pedro de la Gasca, the royal commissioner sent by the king of Spain.
History of Immigration
The immigration of Ecuadorans to the United States started in the late 1960s and increased in the 1970s and 1980s. Several factors contributed to this migration, such as:
Changes in the US immigration law. Before 1965, the US immigration policy favored European immigrants over Latin American immigrants. After 1965, the US immigration policy became more flexible and open to immigrants from other regions of the world. The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 abolished the national origins quota system and introduced a preference system based on family reunification and skilled workers. The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 legalized the status of many unauthorized immigrants and increased the enforcement of immigration laws. The Immigration Act of 1990 increased the number of visas available for family-sponsored and employment-based immigrants, and created the diversity visa lottery program. These changes in immigration law made it easier for Ecuadorans and other foreign groups to emigrate to United States.
Lower costs of air travel. The development of commercial aviation made it easier and cheaper for Ecuadorans to travel to the United States and other countries. The jet age, which began in the late 1950s, reduced the travel time and increased the comfort and safety of air travel. The deregulation of the airline industry, which began in the late 1970s, reduced the fares and increased the competition and choices of air travel. The emergence of low-cost carriers, which began in the late 1990s, offered affordable and convenient flights to various destinations. These factors made air travel more accessible and attractive for Ecuadorans and other travelers.
Trade and seasonal migration. Some Ecuadorans had established trade and business connections with New York and other US cities, and they migrated temporarily or permanently to pursue economic opportunities. Ecuador is one of the world's largest producers and exporters of bananas, flowers, shrimp, and cocoa, and the United States is one of its main trading partners. Some Ecuadoran farmers, merchants, and workers migrated to the United States to sell their products, buy supplies, or find jobs in related industries. Some Ecuadoran migrants also returned to Ecuador during the off-season or after saving enough money, creating a circular migration pattern.
Land reform and rural poverty. In 1964, the Ecuadoran government implemented a land reform that redistributed land from large landowners to small farmers. However, this reform also caused social and economic changes that affected many rural Ecuadorans, who had to sell their land or migrate to urban areas or other countries. The land reform increased the supply of land, but decreased the demand and the price of land. The land reform also increased the production of crops, but decreased the income and the profit of farmers. The land reform also increased the population of rural areas, but decreased the availability of resources and services. These factors created rural poverty and inequality, and pushed many rural Ecuadorans to migrate to the United States or other countries in search of better living conditions.
Political and economic instability. In the 1970s and 1980s, Ecuador faced several political and economic crises, such as military coups, hyperinflation, debt, corruption, and violence. Many Ecuadorans left the country to seek political freedom and economic security. In 1972, a military junta led by General Guillermo Rodríguez Lara overthrew the elected president José María Velasco Ibarra, and suspended the constitution and the civil rights. In 1979, a civilian government led by Jaime Roldós Aguilera was elected, but he died in a plane crash in 1981, and was succeeded by his vice president Osvaldo Hurtado. In 1984, another civilian government led by León Febres Cordero was elected, but he faced opposition and resistance from various groups, such as labor unions, indigenous movements, and guerrillas. In 1988, another civilian government led by Rodrigo Borja Cevallos was elected, but he inherited a severe economic crisis, caused by low oil prices, high debt, and inflation. These political and economic problems caused social unrest and violence, and forced many Ecuadorans to emigrate to the United States or other countries.
The immigration of Ecuadorans to the United States peaked in the late 1990s, due to the political turmoil of 1996-97 and the national banking crisis of 1998-99. In 1996, a populist leader named Abdalá Bucaram was elected president, but he was impeached and removed from office in 1997, after being accused of corruption and mental incapacity. He was replaced by his vice president Rosalía Arteaga, who was the first female president of Ecuador, but she only served for two days, and was replaced by the president of the Congress, Fabián Alarcón. In 1998, a moderate leader named Jamil Mahuad was elected president, but he faced a severe economic crisis, caused by the collapse of the banking system, the devaluation of the currency, and the effects of El Niño. He also faced a strong opposition from various groups, such as indigenous movements, labor unions, and military factions. In 2000, he was ousted by a coup d'état, led by a military officer named Lucio Gutiérrez, who formed a junta with the leaders of the indigenous movement. He was replaced by his vice president Gustavo Noboa, who stabilized the economy by adopting the US dollar as the official currency. These political and economic crises caused social chaos and hardship, and prompted many Ecuadorans to emigrate to the United States or other countries.
Since then, the immigration of Ecuadorans has declined, due to the economic recovery and political stability of Ecuador, as well as the stricter immigration enforcement and policies of the United States. In 2002, a leftist leader named Rafael Correa was elected president, and he initiated a series of social and economic reforms, such as increasing public spending, reducing poverty, improving health and education, and renegotiating the debt. He also challenged the influence of the United States and the International Monetary Fund, and aligned himself with other leftist leaders in Latin America, such as Hugo Chávez of Venezuela and Evo Morales of Bolivia. He was reelected in 2006, 2009, and 2013, and became the longest-serving president of Ecuador. In 2017, he was succeeded by his former vice president Lenín Moreno, who continued some of his policies, but also distanced himself from him and sought a dialogue with the opposition and the United States. In 2021, he was succeeded by Guillermo Lasso, a conservative businessman and former banker, who won the presidential election against Andrés Arauz, a protégé of Correa. Lasso promised to revive the economy, fight corruption, and improve the relations with the United States and other countries.
Meanwhile, the United States has tightened its immigration control and reduced its immigration intake, especially under the administration of Donald Trump, who took office in 2017. Trump implemented various measures to restrict immigration, such as building a wall along the US-Mexico border, banning travelers from certain countries, reducing the number of refugees and asylum seekers, ending the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, and enforcing the deportation of unauthorized immigrants. These measures have deterred and discouraged many Ecuadorans and other immigrants from coming to or staying in the United States.
Settlement Patterns
Ecuadoran immigrants have settled in various regions of the United States, but they are mostly concentrated in the Northeast and the West. According to the 2020 census, there were 870,965 Ecuadoran Americans in the United States, representing 0.30% of the total US population. The states with the largest Ecuadoran populations were:
- New York: 381,025 (1.95% of the state population)
- New Jersey: 101,082 (1.13% of the state population)
- Florida: 90,530 (0.42% of the state population)
- California: 66,566 (0.17% of the state population)
- Connecticut: 43,216 (1.21% of the state population)
- The cities with the largest Ecuadoran populations were:
- New York City: 228,216 (2.67% of the city population)
- Los Angeles: 25,296 (0.63% of the city population)
- Miami: 16,368 (1.22% of the city population)
- Chicago: 12,592 (0.46% of the city population)
- Houston: 10,704 (0.45% of the city population)
Ecuadoran immigrants have also formed ethnic enclaves or neighborhoods in some of these cities, such as Jackson Heights and Corona in Queens, New York; Paterson and Passaic in New Jersey; and West Palm Beach and Lake Worth in Florida.
Socioeconomic Characteristics
Ecuadoran Americans have diverse socioeconomic characteristics, depending on their education, occupation, income, and generation. Some of the general trends are:
Education: Ecuadoran Americans have lower levels of education than the average US population. According to the 2020 census, 64.3% of Ecuadoran Americans aged 25 and over had a high school diploma or higher, compared to 88.6% of the total US population. Only 14.9% of Ecuadoran Americans had a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to 33.1% of the total US population. ¹
The low educational attainment of Ecuadoran Americans is partly explained by the characteristics and challenges of their immigrant population. Many Ecuadoran immigrants arrived in the United States with low levels of education, limited English proficiency, and undocumented status, which hindered their access and integration to the US educational system. Many Ecuadoran immigrants also faced economic and social barriers, such as poverty, discrimination, and isolation, which affected their motivation and aspiration for education. Many Ecuadoran immigrants also prioritized work over education, and they often had to balance multiple jobs and family responsibilities, which limited their time and resources for education.
However, Ecuadoran Americans have also shown some signs of educational progress and improvement, especially among their second and third generations. Some Ecuadoran Americans have pursued higher education and obtained degrees and credentials in various fields, such as business, engineering, medicine, law, and education. Some Ecuadoran Americans have also enrolled in adult education and vocational training programs, to improve their skills and qualifications for the labor market. Some Ecuadoran Americans have also participated in bilingual and multicultural education programs, to enhance their language and cultural competencies. Some Ecuadoran Americans have also benefited from the support and guidance of educational and community organizations, such as scholarships, mentoring, and tutoring
Occupation: Ecuadoran Americans work in various sectors of the economy, but they are mostly employed in service, construction, and manufacturing industries. According to the 2020 census, 32.4% of Ecuadoran Americans aged 16 and over worked in service occupations, such as food preparation, health care, and personal care. 19.3% worked in construction and extraction occupations, such as carpentry, plumbing, and painting. 15.9% worked in production, transportation, and material moving occupations, such as machine operation, driving, and warehousing.
The occupational distribution of Ecuadoran Americans reflects their skills, qualifications, and preferences. Some of the factors that influenced their occupational choices are:
- Education and training: Many Ecuadoran immigrants had low levels of education and training, which limited their access and integration to the US labor market. Many Ecuadoran immigrants also faced language and cultural barriers, which affected their communication and adaptation to the US work environment. Many Ecuadoran immigrants also lacked the recognition and accreditation of their foreign credentials and experiences, which reduced their competitiveness and mobility in the US labor market.
- Demand and supply: Many Ecuadoran immigrants responded to the demand and supply of labor in the US economy. They sought occupations that were in high demand and low supply, such as service, construction, and manufacturing, which offered more opportunities and higher wages. They also avoided occupations that were in low demand and high supply, such as agriculture, mining, and fishing, which offered fewer opportunities and lower wages.
- Networks and niches: Many Ecuadoran immigrants relied on their networks and niches to find and secure jobs in the US economy. They used their family and friends as sources of information, assistance, and referral for employment. They also used their ethnic and community organizations as sources of support, guidance, and advocacy for employment. They also created and occupied their own niches in the labor market, such as ethnic restaurants, shops, and services, which catered to their own and other customers' needs and preferences. ²³
- Entrepreneurship and innovation: Some Ecuadoran Americans pursued entrepreneurship and innovation as a way of achieving economic success and social recognition in the US economy. They started their own businesses or enterprises in various fields, such as trade, tourism, media, and technology. They also introduced new products or services, or improved existing ones, in response to the market demand and customer feedback. They also used their creativity and resourcefulness to overcome the challenges and difficulties of entrepreneurship and innovation.
Income: Ecuadoran Americans have lower incomes than the average US population. According to the 2020 census, the median household income of Ecuadoran Americans was $54,614, compared to $68,703 of the total US population. The poverty rate of Ecuadoran Americans was 14.7%, compared to 10.5% of the total US population.
The low income of Ecuadoran Americans is partly explained by the characteristics and challenges of their immigrant population. Many Ecuadoran immigrants had low levels of education and training, which limited their access and integration to the US labor market. Many Ecuadoran immigrants also faced language and cultural barriers, which affected their communication and adaptation to the US work environment. Many Ecuadoran immigrants also lacked the recognition and accreditation of their foreign credentials and experiences, which reduced their competitiveness and mobility in the US labor market. Many Ecuadoran immigrants also worked in low-skilled and low-paid occupations, such as service, construction, and manufacturing, which offered fewer benefits and protections. Many Ecuadoran immigrants also had undocumented status, which exposed them to exploitation and discrimination.
However, Ecuadoran Americans have also shown some signs of income progress and improvement, especially among their second and third generations. Some Ecuadoran Americans have pursued higher education and obtained degrees and credentials in various fields, such as business, engineering, medicine, law, and education. Some Ecuadoran Americans have also enrolled in adult education and vocational training programs, to improve their skills and qualifications for the labor market. Some Ecuadoran Americans have also worked in high-skilled and high-paid occupations, such as management, professional, and technical, which offered more opportunities and rewards. Some Ecuadoran Americans have also started their own businesses or enterprises in various fields, such as trade, tourism, media, and technology. Some Ecuadoran Americans have also benefited from the support and guidance of economic and community organizations, such as financial literacy, microcredit, and entrepreneurship.
Generation: Ecuadoran Americans have different levels of acculturation and integration, depending on their generation. According to the 2020 census, 51.8% of Ecuadoran Americans were foreign-born, and 48.2% were native-born. Among the foreign-born, 32.6% were naturalized US citizens, and 67.4% were not US citizens. Among the native-born, 86.5% had at least one foreign-born parent, and 13.5% had no foreign-born parents.
The generation of Ecuadoran Americans reflects their adaptation and assimilation to the US society and culture. Some of the factors that influenced their generation are:
- Age and duration: The age and duration of Ecuadoran immigrants affected their acculturation and integration to the US society and culture. The younger and longer they were in the United States, the more likely they were to learn English, attend school, obtain citizenship, and identify as Americans. The older and shorter they were in the United States, the more likely they were to retain Spanish, work, remain non-citizens, and identify as Ecuadorans. ²³
- Family and community: The family and community of Ecuadoran immigrants affected their acculturation and integration to the US society and culture. The more they had family and community ties in the United States, the more likely they were to receive information, assistance, and support for their adaptation and assimilation. The less they had family and community ties in the United States, the more likely they were to face isolation, discrimination, and hardship for their adaptation and assimilation. ²³
- Identity and values: The identity and values of Ecuadoran immigrants affected their acculturation and integration to the US society and culture. The more they embraced and appreciated their Ecuadoran identity and values, the more likely they were to preserve and practice their language, religion, food, music, and art. The more they embraced and appreciated their American identity and values, the more likely they were to adopt and participate in the English language, civic life, education, and media.
- The generation of Ecuadoran Americans also reflects their diversity and complexity as a group. Some of the characteristics of their generation are:
- First generation: The first generation of Ecuadoran Americans are those who were born in Ecuador and immigrated to the United States. They are also known as the 1.0 generation or the foreign-born generation. They account for 51.8% of the Ecuadoran population in the United States. They tend to have lower levels of education, income, and citizenship than the later generations. They also tend to have stronger ties to their Ecuadoran culture and identity than the later generations.
- Second generation: The second generation of Ecuadoran Americans are those who were born in the United States to at least one Ecuadoran parent. They are also known as the 2.0 generation or the native-born generation. They account for 41.7% of the Ecuadoran population in the United States. They tend to have higher levels of education, income, and citizenship than the first generation. They also tend to have more balanced ties to both their Ecuadoran and American cultures and identities than the first generation.
- Third generation: The third generation of Ecuadoran Americans are those who were born in the United States to two US-born parents of Ecuadoran ancestry. They are also known as the 3.0 generation or the native-born generation. They account for 6.5% of the Ecuadoran population in the United States. They tend to have similar or higher levels of education, income, and citizenship than the second generation. They also tend to have weaker ties to their Ecuadoran culture and identity than the second generation, and stronger ties to their American culture and identity.
Language and Culture
Ecuadoran Americans have a rich and diverse language and culture, influenced by their ancestral heritage and their American experience. Some of the aspects of their language and culture are:
Language: Ecuadoran Americans speak mainly English and Spanish, but some also speak indigenous languages, such as Quechua and Shuar. According to the 2020 census, 80.9% of Ecuadoran Americans aged 5 and over spoke a language other than English at home, and 19.1% spoke only English at home. Among those who spoke another language, 95.4% spoke Spanish, and 4.6% spoke other languages. Among those who spoke Spanish, 38.4% spoke English very well, 28.3% spoke English well, 20.9% spoke English not well, and 12.4% spoke English not at all.
Culture: Ecuadoran Americans have a diverse and dynamic culture, shaped by their regional, ethnic, and racial backgrounds, as well as their religious, political, and social affiliations. Some of the elements of their culture are:
- Food: Ecuadoran cuisine is a fusion of indigenous, Spanish, African, and other influences, and it varies by region and altitude. Some of the typical dishes are ceviche (raw fish marinated in lime juice and spices), locro (potato soup with cheese and avocado), llapingachos (potato pancakes with peanut sauce), hornado (roasted pork with corn and potatoes), and cuy (guinea pig). Ecuadoran Americans also enjoy American and other cuisines, such as pizza, burgers, Chinese, and Mexican.
- Music: Ecuadoran music is a blend of indigenous, Spanish, African, and other influences, and it varies by region and genre. Some of the traditional instruments are the zampoña (pan flute), the charango (small guitar), the bombo (drum), and the rondador (bamboo pipe). Some of the popular genres are pasillo (romantic ballad), sanjuanito (Andean folk), albazo (lively dance), and cumbia (tropical rhythm). Ecuadoran Americans also listen to American and other music, such as rock, pop, rap, and salsa.
- Art: Ecuadoran art is a reflection of the history, identity, and diversity of the Ecuadoran people, and it varies by region and style. Some of the traditional forms are pottery, weaving, painting, and carving. Some of the modern forms are graffiti, photography, sculpture, and installation. Ecuadoran Americans also appreciate and create American and other art, such as comics, movies, fashion, and design.
- Literature: Ecuadoran literature is a expression of the imagination, reality, and vision of the Ecuadoran writers, and it varies by region and genre. Some of the classic authors are Juan Montalvo (essayist and critic), Juan León Mera (novelist and poet), Jorge Icaza (novelist and dramatist), and Jorge Enrique Adoum (poet and diplomat). Some of the contemporary authors are Alicia Yánez Cossío (novelist and journalist), Jorge Dávila Vázquez (poet and professor), Leonardo Valencia (novelist and translator), and Gabriela Alemán (short story writer and journalist). Ecuadoran Americans also read and write American and other literature, such as fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and journalism.
Religion and Holidays
Ecuadoran Americans have a diverse and dynamic religion and holidays, influenced by their ancestral beliefs and practices and their American context. Some of the aspects of their religion and holidays are:
Religion: Ecuadoran Americans are mainly Christian, but some also follow other religions, such as Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, or indigenous spirituality. According to the 2020 census, 73.6% of Ecuadoran Americans identified as Christian, 4.1% identified as Jewish, 1.2% identified as Muslim, 0.8% identified as Buddhist, 0.5% identified as Hindu, and 0.3% identified as other religions. Among the Christians, 63.9% identified as Catholic, 7.4% identified as Protestant, and 2.3% identified as other Christian denominations.
Ecuadoran Americans practice their religion in various ways, such as attending church services, celebrating religious holidays, participating in religious organizations, and performing religious rituals. Some of the religious traditions that Ecuadoran Americans observe are:
- La Novena: A nine-day prayer before Christmas, in which families and friends gather to sing, pray, and share food.
- El Año Viejo: A New Year's Eve tradition, in which people burn effigies of politicians, celebrities, or other figures, to symbolize the end of the old year and the beginning of the new one.
- La Candelaria: A February 2 celebration, in which people bless candles and bring them to church, to commemorate the presentation of Jesus at the temple.
- Carnaval: A pre-Lenten festival, in which people throw water, flour, eggs, or paint at each other, to have fun and release tension.
- Semana Santa: A Holy Week celebration, in which people commemorate the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus, by attending processions, masses, and reenactments.
- Corpus Christi: A June celebration, in which people honor the body and blood of Christ, by carrying a monstrance in a procession, accompanied by music and dancing.
- El Día de los Difuntos: A November 2 celebration, in which people remember and honor their deceased relatives and friends, by visiting cemeteries, decorating graves, and offering food and drinks.
Holidays: Ecuadoran Americans celebrate various holidays, both religious and secular, that reflect their cultural and national identity. Some of the holidays that Ecuadoran Americans celebrate are:
- Independence Day: A August 10 celebration, in which people commemorate the first cry of independence from Spain, in 1809, by displaying the Ecuadoran flag, singing the national anthem, and attending parades and festivals.
- Columbus Day: A October 12 celebration, in which people acknowledge the arrival of Christopher Columbus to the Americas, in 1492, and the subsequent encounter of different cultures and civilizations.
- Halloween: A October 31 celebration, in which people dress up in costumes, carve pumpkins, trick-or-treat, and watch horror movies, to have fun and scare away evil spirits.
- Thanksgiving: A November celebration, in which people express their gratitude for their blessings, by gathering with family and friends, sharing a meal, and watching football, to celebrate the harvest and the history of the United States.
- Christmas: A December 25 celebration, in which people celebrate the birth of Jesus, by decorating their homes with lights, trees, and nativity scenes, exchanging gifts, and attending midnight mass, to share joy and peace with their loved ones.
- New Year's Eve: A December 31 celebration, in which people bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new one, by making resolutions, wearing new clothes, eating grapes, and watching fireworks, to attract good luck and happiness for the future.
Individual and Group Contributions
Ecuadoran Americans have made significant contributions to various fields and sectors of American society, such as art, business, military, politics, sports, literature, and media. Some of the notable Ecuadoran Americans who have achieved recognition and success in these areas are:
Art
Oswaldo Guayasamín (1919-1999) was a painter, sculptor, and muralist who is considered one of the most important Latin American artists of the 20th century. His works reflect his social and political concerns, as well as his indigenous and mestizo heritage. He created several series of paintings, such as The Age of Wrath, The Age of Tenderness, and The Age of Hope, that depict the suffering and resilience of the human condition. He also founded the Guayasamín Foundation and the Chapel of Man, a cultural center and museum in Quito that showcases his art and that of other Ecuadoran and Latin American artists. ¹²
Juan Carlos Macías (1977-) is a baseball player and artist who has played minor league baseball in the United States and professional baseball in Ecuador. He is also a self-taught painter who creates abstract and figurative works inspired by his baseball career and his Afro-Ecuadoran identity. He has exhibited his paintings in several galleries and museums in Ecuador and the United States, and has received awards and recognition for his artistic talent.
Apitatán (1985-) is a street artist and muralist who uses graffiti and stencil techniques to create colorful and expressive works that reflect his urban and indigenous influences. He draws on colloquialisms and combines them with everyday Ecuadoran words, and often incorporates elements of nature and animals. He has participated in several national and international festivals and projects, and has collaborated with other artists and musicians. He is one of the main urban artists who bring color and life to Quito's gray walls.
Business
Daniel Noboa (1961-) is the current president of Ecuador and a successful businessman. He is the owner and executive president of the Noboa Group, a conglomerate of companies that operate in various sectors, such as agriculture, industry, trade, finance, and media. He is also the founder and leader of the Creating Opportunities (CREO) movement, a center-right political party that advocates for free market policies and social inclusion. He won the 2023 presidential election in a runoff against Andrés Arauz, a leftist candidate backed by former president Rafael Correa.
Lorena Castillo (1974-) is a fashion designer and entrepreneur who is the founder and CEO of Lorena Castillo Design, a clothing and accessories brand that combines modern and traditional styles. She is also the creator of the Ecuadorian Fashion Week, an annual event that showcases the work of Ecuadoran and international designers and promotes the development of the fashion industry in Ecuador. She has received several awards and honors for her achievements and contributions to the fashion world, such as the Latin American Fashion Icon Award and the Ecuadorian Woman of the Year Award.
Carlos Alvarez (1980-) is a restaurateur and philanthropist who is the owner and founder of the Pollos Gus chain, a fast food franchise that specializes in fried chicken and has more than 100 locations in Ecuador and the United States. He is also the president and founder of the Pollos Gus Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports social and environmental causes, such as education, health, nutrition, and reforestation. He has been recognized as one of the most influential and innovative entrepreneurs in Ecuador and Latin America, and has received several awards and distinctions, such as the Entrepreneur of the Year Award and the Social Responsibility Award.
Military
Diego Ribadeneira (1964-) is a retired army colonel and diplomat who served as the ambassador of Ecuador to the United States from 2014 to 2017. He was the first career military officer to hold that position, and he played a key role in improving the bilateral relations between the two countries. He also served as the ambassador of Ecuador to Russia from 2017 to 2019, and as the deputy chief of mission at the Ecuadorian embassy in Washington, D.C. from 2011 to 2014. He has a master's degree in national security and strategic studies from the U.S. Naval War College, and a master's degree in international relations from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy.
Luis Benigno Gallegos Chiriboga (1946-) is a retired navy captain and diplomat who served as the ambassador of Ecuador to the United States from 2005 to 2011. He was also the ambassador of Ecuador to El Salvador, Guatemala, Australia, and the United Nations. He has a doctorate in international law and diplomacy from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, and a master's degree in naval warfare from the U.S. Naval War College. He has been involved in several international negotiations and initiatives, such as the peace process between Ecuador and Peru, the Antarctic Treaty System, and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Jorge Luis Vargas (1972-) is a navy commander and astronaut who became the first Ecuadoran to fly in space in 2007. He was part of the STS-117 mission of the space shuttle Atlantis, which delivered and installed a segment of the International Space Station. He also conducted a spacewalk and performed several experiments and tasks during the 14-day mission. He has a master's degree in aerospace engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School, and a bachelor's degree in naval sciences from the Ecuadorian Naval Academy. He has received several awards and honors for his achievements and service, such as the NASA Space Flight Medal and the Ecuadorian National Order of Merit.
Politics
Adriano Espaillat (1954-) is a politician and activist who is the first Dominican-American and the first formerly undocumented immigrant to serve in the U.S. Congress. He represents New York's 13th congressional district, which includes parts of Manhattan and the Bronx, since 2017. He is a member of the Democratic Party and serves on several committees and caucuses, such as the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, and the Congressional Progressive Caucus. He advocates for issues such as immigration reform, affordable housing, health care, education, and environmental justice. He was born in the Dominican Republic to a Dominican father and an Ecuadorian mother, and immigrated to the United States with his family when he was nine years old.
Maria Pilar Latorre (1968-) is a judge and lawyer who serves as the chief judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia since 2019. She is the first Hispanic woman and the first Ecuadorian-American to hold that position. She oversees the administration and operation of the court, which handles civil, criminal, family, probate, and tax cases. She also presides over cases in the Family Court division. She was appointed as a judge by President Barack Obama in 2010, and has served in various leadership roles in the court, such as the deputy presiding judge of the Family Court and the chair of the Domestic Violence Coordinating Council. She has a law degree from Georgetown University Law Center, and a bachelor's degree from Cornell University.
Francisco Moya (1974-) is a politician and community leader who serves as a member of the New York City Council, representing the 21st district, which includes parts of Queens, since 2018. He is a member of the Democratic Party and serves as the chair of the Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises, and as a member of several committees and caucuses, such as the Committee on Immigration, the Black, Latino, and Asian Caucus, and the Progressive Caucus. He focuses on issues such as affordable housing, public transportation, education, health care, and immigrant rights. He was previously a member of the New York State Assembly from 2010 to 2017. He is the son of Ecuadorian immigrants and was born and raised in Queens.
Sports
Antonio Valencia (1985-) is a soccer player and coach who is the captain of the Ecuadorian national team and the current manager of the Ecuadorian club Universidad Católica. He plays as a right-back or a right winger, and is known for his speed, stamina, crossing ability, and leadership. He has played for several clubs in Ecuador, Spain, England, and Mexico, such as El Nacional, Villarreal, Wigan Athletic, Manchester United, and Querétaro. He has won several trophies and awards, such as the Premier League, the FA Cup, the Europa League, and the PFA Team of the Year. He has also represented Ecuador in three World Cups and four Copa América tournaments. He is widely regarded as one of the best Ecuadorian players of all time.
Pancho Segura (1921-2017) was a tennis player and coach who is considered one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. He was known for his unique two-handed forehand and backhand strokes, his agility, and his charisma. He won six major singles titles and five major doubles titles, and was ranked as high as No. 1 in the world. He also played in the professional circuit, where he had a famous rivalry with Jack Kramer. He later became a coach and mentor to many players, such as Jimmy Connors, Rod Laver, and Björn Borg. He was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame and the International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame.
Andrés Gómez (1960-) is a tennis player and commentator who is the only Ecuadorian to win a Grand Slam title. He won the French Open in 1990, defeating Andre Agassi in the final. He also reached the semifinals of the US Open in 1984, and the quarterfinals of Wimbledon in 1991. He won 21 singles titles and 33 doubles titles in his career, and was ranked as high as No. 4 in the world. He also represented Ecuador in the Davis Cup for 17 years, and led the team to the World Group in 1985 and 1990. He is currently a tennis analyst for ESPN Latin America and the director of the Guayaquil Tennis Academy.
Literature and Media
Jorge Icaza (1906-1978) was a novelist and playwright who is regarded as one of the pioneers of the Latin American social novel. His most famous work is Huasipungo, published in 1934, which depicts the exploitation and oppression of the indigenous people by the landowners and the state in Ecuador. His other novels include The Villagers, Half-Breed, and A Man and His Shadow, which explore the themes of class, race, and identity in Ecuadorian society. He also wrote several plays, such as The Green House, The Dictator, and The Intruder, which criticize the political and social problems of Ecuador and Latin America. He was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1965 and 1978.
Alicia Yánez Cossío (1928-) is a novelist and journalist who is considered one of the most prominent Ecuadorian women writers. Her works combine realism, fantasy, humor, and feminism, and challenge the traditional roles and stereotypes of women in Ecuadorian culture. Her novels include Bruna, Soroche and the Stars, The Potbellied Virgin, and Beyond the Islands, which portray the lives and struggles of women from different backgrounds and regions of Ecuador. She also writes short stories, essays, poetry, and children's books, and has received several awards and honors, such as the Eugenio Espejo National Prize for Culture and the Gabriela Mistral Inter-American Prize for Culture.
Jaime Bayly (1965-) is a novelist and television personality who is known for his irreverent and controversial style. He hosts a nightly talk show called Bayly, which airs in several countries in Latin America and the United States, and covers topics such as politics, entertainment, and sexuality. He also writes novels, such as No Se Lo Digas a Nadie, La Noche es Virgen, and El Cojo y el Loco, which are based on his own experiences and opinions, and often deal with themes such as homosexuality, drug addiction, and corruption. He has won several awards and recognition, such as the Herralde Prize, the Planeta Prize, and the Emmy Award.