All Souls' Day

All Souls' Day, known as *Día de los Difuntos* in Ecuador, is a significant and deeply rooted tradition celebrated on **November 2nd**. This day is dedicated to honoring and remembering deceased loved ones, blending Catholic traditions with indigenous Andean customs. Families gather to visit cemeteries, where they clean and decorate graves with flowers, candles, and offerings. A unique aspect of the celebration in Ecuador is the preparation and sharing of **colada morada**, a thick, spiced purple drink made from black corn flour and fruits, and **guaguas de pan**, sweet bread shaped like babies or children. These foods symbolize the connection between life and death. The day is marked by a mix of solemn reflection and communal celebration, as Ecuadorians pay tribute to their ancestors and keep their memories alive.