Culture & Art

The Culture and Art of Banos of the Holy Waters

According to the German philosopher Max Scheller: culture is the global expression of people’s lives which commonly includes politics, art, language, work, communication, folklore etc.. It also includes the superior belief systems of philosophy, economics, religion and the legal system. Culture is no a privilege of a few, it includes all people.

Folklore: an English word that means the arrangements of people and includes details of their spiritual and material essences.

Classification of Folklore

Poetic- narrative, includes poems, reframes, romantic stories, jokes and general stories, legends, historical and verbal legends.

Magic- ceremonies, rites, spirituality, magic objects, sacred drinks, magical healings.

Social- festival and events

Ecological- typical food and drinks

Geopolitical processes, social political phenomena, anthropology and economics

Artistic- dances, songs, arts and crafts, music and instruments

Arts and Crafts

Art is the only human creation that produces in the admirer deep emotions (ecstasy, joy, sadness, melancholy etc.) Crafts are a form of art produced en mass under predetermined guidelines.

Crafts’ Booths – Ermita de la Virgin
Here we find local arts and crafts particular to Ecuador. It’s located along Ambato street –the main street- and borders the indoor market. The booths are open all day: 9:00 am to 10;00 (22:00), Especially active on the weekends and holidays.

Banos is home to many gifted artist of different specialties - for example

Music: Julio Canar, Nicolas Fiallos

Painting and Sculptor: Jamie Villa, Wilo Acosta, Edwin Barrera, Luis Vieira C., Diego Jara Jamie Perez, Jose Urquizo

Literature: Julio Pazos, Oscar Efren Reyes, Enrique Freire, Ricardo Zurito C., Rafeal Vieira, (father and son)

Historical and Cultural Heritage of Banos

National flag, country shield, and national hymn

Church and Convent of the Virgin of the Holy Waters

Dominican Museum

Statue of the Virgin of the holy waters (maker and origin unknown)

Ruins of the original church of Banos. This church was built at the end of the 18th Century. Today, only a few walls remain as a result of a great earthquake on August 5, 1949. What remains can be seen inside the complex of the city offices of Banos.

Library Cosmopolitan- located near Montalvo park where the former library stood. Today, the library serves the public located on the street Vincente Rocafuerte , ground level.

The Caves of San Pedro and the Sigsiguaycos

The public clothes washing area (Located near the waterfall of the Virgin)

Museun and Art Gallery Huillacuna – shop located in El Punto, Gallery located in El Refugio de Viento.

The house of Culture –Banos- displays and expositions

The city offices were built in 1943 using volcanic rock cut by local stonemasons. All administrative affairs of Banos take place here. It’s located at the intersection of the streets Thomas Halfants and Vincente Rocafuerte.

Monument to the Virgen of the Holy Waters- The climb and statue is located west of the city on the overlook of Windows ( Mirador de Ventanas)

Statue of the Virgin of the Holy Waters .One can see it in the Basilica of the Virgin of the Rosary of the Holy Waters. It’s situated on the main altar. It was carved between 1942-43 by the artist Manzano and Rios. The face is made of metal, it measures 1 meter 34 centimeters high, and width of 1 meter. In her left hand, she holds the baby Jesus, and in the right she holds a rosary.

Monument to Juan Montalvo- this statue is dedicated to the honored writer from Ambato and can be seen in the park bearing his name, located on calle Montalvo. The statue was built by the sculptor from Banos, Segundo Gallegos.

Typical Crafts of Banos

Pilches –dried half gords used for cup or plate usually painted ornamentally. Maracas- dried gords painted used as instruments (made by German Igessia)
Guitars (made by Jacinto Guevara), Barriles and toneless (barrels) small in size, made of wood, used for storing liquor (Villafuerte), Cofre (small round painted ornamentally wood containers used for storing things like jewelry etc., enchapados (ornamental wood decorations for wall ,furniture etc. ( made by numerous artist)

Typical Foods

There are more than 80 restaurantes in Banos, ready to please the most demanding palate.
Among the traditional foods found in the mountain regions are : fritada( fried pork often mixed with corn and vegies),
hornado con tortillas (fried pork with torts), cuyes con papas (guinea pig cooked with potatoes), tripas misqui ( cleaned intestines of animals stuffed with meat ( basically sausage), tortillas de maiz (corn tortillas) , picante (soup make with sausage), librillo (cooked cow’s utter) ,among other varieties of foods.

Melcochas taffy- made with a panela base (raw sugar directly from the sugar cane) also the juice is from the same source. This drink has existed for decades, it’s the gastronomical drink of Banos and can be found in many stand in and around Banos.

Camotes (sweet potatoes) this vegteble grows under the ground and is similar to potatoes, and is commonly grown in the province. It’s used as a base for soups made with meat and a side dish of rice, liquid strained mixed with salad or it can be fried with many different combinations .Also used to make excellent tortillas. To try this not commonly known food, simply ask in any restaurant.

Jugo de cana (fresh sugar cane juice) This excellent sweet juice is pressed though extractors, served fresh, sometimes with lemon or tangerine juice.

Caldo de Gallina- Cane liquor – white lighting – pure liquor , made by the Guevara family. The actual formula is a secret, but is believed to be mixed with chicken, various fruits and exotic plants. You can find this exotic drink at the famous stand named Gringo Coca.

El Sanduche a cocktail prepared with pure liquor mixed with sugar cane or guarpo juices. It’s mixed first with juice, liquor.Another type is mixed with juice and condiments, the juice of lemon, tangerine and it’s ready!

Traditional Games
Bolas de Fierro (steel balls) Each person has a small steel ball ,a large circle is traced in the dirt, the balls are rolled trying to push the other player out of the circle. The last on in the circle wins, a very popular game, especially on Sundays.