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Manta, Ecuador - Background
Even though Ecuador is one of South America’s smallest nations, it is a place of broad cultural diversity. The social quilt begins with a clear distinction between residents of the coastal region and those of the interior highlands. High sierra denizens have traditionally farmed - hunting and fishing sustained those on the coast. Since European colonization, the dissimilarities have grown more distinct, to the point that most of the nation’s contemporary artistic and cultural institutions are based in the capital, while the coastal region is the center of business and commerce. In the ports, where much of the wealth is generated, many people view Quito as a disdainful “resource drain”. Of course, a contrary view is held by many quitenos. The “feud” is one of words and attitude, but it does manifest in occasional outright prejudicial behavior.
The nation’s broad cultural diversity transcends geography. There is no true Ecuadorian “majority”. The two largest ethnic groups are mestizo, a non-distinct hybrid of European and indigenous people, and Amerindian, a broad category that includes Cofan, Saraguro, Quichua, Huaorani, and many other subgroups. Many indigenous people maintain isolated communities. Ethereal notes drift from Ecuadorian wind instruments - the Peruvian pipe is similar but distinct. Ecuadorian styles are somewhat more sorrowful than their Peruvian counterparts - some people call it “soul”.
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