On October 31 is celebrated the Day of the Shield of Ecuador and Halloween

Ecuadornews:

Halloween? or Day of the Shield? That is one of the questions that arise in the Ecuadorian few days before October 31.  A couple of days are missing for that date and the subject is already being discussed among families and groups of friends.

In Ecuador, the Day of the Shield is officially celebrated, on October 31, since 1900, the Congress adopted this national symbol.

Patricia Guevara has two children: Emilia, 10, and Adrián, 4. She usually talks with the two little ones about the Ecuadorian civic dates, since it is important that they know the reality of the country. Additionally, she explains the meaning of other dates like Halloween, which is the contraction of the words All Hallows’ Eve.

Its meaning in Spanish is eve of all the saints or known as night of witches or night of deads. This celebration is a custom in countries like Canada, the United States, Ireland or the United Kingdom. To her children, she says, they are attracted by the costumes and the black and orange colors, which are typical of that foreign date.

In this year, for example, Emilia will disguise on Wednesday, October 31 with her friends from the residential complex. This situation does not bother Patricia because she recognizes that children enjoy these events and sweets. “She is very excited about this activity.”

The girl will wear a wig, dress and paint her face. “The idea is not to celebrate Halloween but to have a happy time with your friends”. A similar dynamic lives Andrea Sanabria with her son Rafael, 6 years old. She talks with the child about the importance of valuing civic dates, since respect for patriotic symbols must be inculcated.

In the shield, she points out, there are elements related to what Ecuador is, that is, the meaning of the condor, the sun, the river and others. In educational institutions such as the Liceo Campoverde, located a few meters from the entrance to Nayón, Halloween is not celebrated, but it is used to share the colada morada and the guaguas de pan. These foods are typical of the Day of the Dead, which is celebrated on November 2. (I)

Source: https://www.elcomercio.com/actualidad/octubre-halloween-dia-escudo-ecuador.html