Salasaca
Encyclopedia
Salasaca is located in the Tungurahua Province
in the center of Ecuador
, halfway along the road from Ambato to Baños
. The Salasacas speak Spanish and Quichua. Their main economic activities are agriculture, livestock-raising and handcrafts.
Local crafstmanship includes items such as tapestries, which are woven by hand on looms of very ancient technology. Many of the designs depict different aspects of their lives. There is a market in the central plaza of Salasaca called "Plaza of the Arts".
The Quichua Salasacas perform traditional music using a flute and drum. Nowadays, the Quechua Salasacas have been incorporating other sounds that complement their traditional melodies.
In June, Salasaca people celebrate the harvest festival called Inti Raymi
that is celebrated in all Quechua communities of the Highlands (Sierra). However, in the Salasaca festival circuit, the Varayuk or Mayor, who carries a wand which represents power and authority within the community, is the main personality.
Tungurahua Province
Tungurahua is one of the twenty-four provinces of Ecuador. Its capital is Ambato. The province takes its name from the Tungurahua volcano, which is located within the boundaries of the provinces.-Population:...
in the center of Ecuador
Ecuador
Ecuador , officially the Republic of Ecuador is a representative democratic republic in South America, bordered by Colombia on the north, Peru on the east and south, and by the Pacific Ocean to the west. It is one of only two countries in South America, along with Chile, that do not have a border...
, halfway along the road from Ambato to Baños
Baños
Baños de Agua Santa , commonly referred to as Baños, is a city in eastern Tungurahua Province, in central Ecuador. Baños is the second most populous city in Tungurahua, after Ambato, the capital, and is a major tourist center...
. The Salasacas speak Spanish and Quichua. Their main economic activities are agriculture, livestock-raising and handcrafts.
Local crafstmanship includes items such as tapestries, which are woven by hand on looms of very ancient technology. Many of the designs depict different aspects of their lives. There is a market in the central plaza of Salasaca called "Plaza of the Arts".
The Quichua Salasacas perform traditional music using a flute and drum. Nowadays, the Quechua Salasacas have been incorporating other sounds that complement their traditional melodies.
In June, Salasaca people celebrate the harvest festival called Inti Raymi
Inti Raymi
During the Inca Empire, the Inti Raymi was the most important of four ceremonies celebrated in Cusco, as related by Inca Garcilaso de la Vega. The celebration took place in the Haukaypata or the main plaza in the city....
that is celebrated in all Quechua communities of the Highlands (Sierra). However, in the Salasaca festival circuit, the Varayuk or Mayor, who carries a wand which represents power and authority within the community, is the main personality.