Writing POC 101

Ecuadorian/Hispanic Characters - @JTheNerdyFanWarrior

Ever been mistaken for a different race? Probably not.

So here's the thing, I'm NOT MEXICAN! (not that I have anything against Mexicans. They're good people c: )
Yes I have dark brown hair, yes my skin is tan (ok very tan). And yes my eyes are brown. That does not mean I'm Mexican. Almost every person I've met that is not from my country thinks I'm Mexican. So I'm here to give you all a little different lesson, on a race that isn't recognized as much. c:

Well y'all may be wondering what the heck an Ecuadorian is.
Let's make it into a concept everyone will understand (hopefully). Think of South America. Got it? If not, South America is where Brazil is. (world cup anyone?) Now that you've got South America pictured in your head think of the equator. See equator, Ecuador? Make sense? Ecuador is positioned right on the equator, so it's super warm there. (trust me I know)
Anyways Ecuador is a small country right next to Colombia, and Peru. If you can't quite picture it, look it up and you'll see how small we are.

HOLIDAYS AND TRADITIONS

Each country is different, due to that each country has different traditions. Some traditions are tied in to religion, such as Christmas, goodFriday, and many more. Guess what? It's fact time...

Did you know that 91.95% of Ecuadorians have a religion? *cue overly hyper voice*

80.44% being Catholic, most of the country is Catholic, so 14.01% is another religion. So religiously your character may be Catholic, though there are many more religions spread throughout the country! Now here are a few traditions and holidays from Ecuador!

NEW YEARS
For new years eve (which is on December 31st and January 1st by the way) we have a special tradition. This tradition is when we buy these sort of dummies made out of paper, and newspaper. They are resembled to look like people, or animated characters. Usually there will also be political figures and such. There also masks that you can purchase. Mostly people buy these, out in the streets because people will set up booths. Though it is possible to make your own. These people that sell these figures work mostly all year to make as many as they can. Then at exactly midnight we burn the dummy (don't worry it's totally safe!) The fire represents that we are burning away all our worries, and mistakes from the last year and starting a new year. It's very symbolic, and fun. Sometimes we even jump over the flames for fun. Unfortunately my family and I don't do this tradition anymore because we don't live there and it would be impossible to get a dummy in the US.
There are also firework shows and something called noche de viudas. A bunch of people dress up as women and they walk around like that. I've never really understood this but I'll ask my parents if you have more questions about this.

DIA DE LOS DIFUNTOS (OR DAY OF THE DECEASED)
On November 2nd Ecuadorians gather together with their families to think about their dead relatives and friends. This is nothing like how Mexicans celebrate it. Ecuadorians make this pastry called guagas de pan (which mean bread babies in Quechua , which is a native language of Ecuador) They literally look like bread dolls, and then usually the kids decorate it. In the end everyone eats it with colada morada (which means purple sort of drink) it's made from fruits and it's warm and purple of course. It tastes delicious. Usually everyone is happy during this time remembering their friends and relatives, and this is one of my favorite holidays.

CARNIVAL

When you hear the word carnival don't you think of Brazil? Well Carnival in Ecuador is quite different. It is celebrated usually in February , it usually falls between February 3rd and March 9th. To be honest this is one of my favorite things about Ecuador, and something I miss terribly. Let me tell you, carnival is super fun! During carnival we get to throw liquids and things such at each other! Ranging from just water, to juice, to even car oil! Sometimes even eggs, and flour are involved. You get to dunk your family, neighbors, and friends with all things imaginable. Though many commercials run through TV warning people to play safe, and not roughhouse as much. The time when it's the most active, is the day before Ash Wednesday. That Tuesday all heck breaks loose as kids bombard each other with things. Silly string, shaving cream, water, eggs. It is so fun! (This would also be a good place to start your story!)