Mama Negra Festivity

The Mama Negra, also known as Holy Tragedy is a traditional festivity typical of the city of Latacunga and is a mixture of indigenous, Spanish and African cultures. In this festivity the inhabitants of this city pay homage to the Virgen de las Mercedes in gratitude for the favors received.

When does the Black Breast take place?

This festivity has two editions. The first takes place on September 24 and is organized by the devotees of the Virgin and by the donors of the markets La Merced and Mercado de El Salto and has the participation of volunteers from the ecclesiastical parishes of La Merced and El Salto.

The second edition takes place in mid-November and is organized by the Municipality of Latacunga. Originally this festival went hand in hand with the celebration of the anniversary of the independence of Latacunga, on November 11. However, in recent years the festival is celebrated the first week of November in order to encourage national tourism during the holiday of the Day of the Dead, November 2 and Independence of Cuenca, November 3.

Who are the main characters of this festivity?

The Black Mama is the central character of the party and is always personified by a man with his face painted black and his lips an intense red color. Her hair is long and curly, adorned with colored ribbons and pearls. It is always very adorned with bright and colorful necklaces and fantasy bracelets.

The Black Mama depicts a matriarch slave of black slaves who come from nearby gold mines and rides through the city on an equally ornate horse. The Black Mama carries with her three children: two black children in the saddlebags and the youngest in her arms, as a symbol of her fertility. This character is chosen according to the qualities that a relevant person must hold as a Latacungueño citizen.

The Angel of the Star is another relevant character. He rides a white horse, has two white wings and carries a crown and a scepter with a star that rises and falls, while raising messages and praises to the Virgin of Mercy, asking for protection and welfare for the Captain.

The Moorish King is a character whose origin is not very clear, but he is a mixture of Andean and Asian culture. He wears a long cloak and a large crown that simulate the vestments of a middle eastern king of antiquity and carries in his hand a scepter symbolizing his authority.

The Flag Bearer parades on foot, waving a multicolored flag that represents the interculturality of the peoples. His military-style dress with hat, gloves and ankle boots accompanies his elegant walk.
This festivity is one of the most colorful and popular in our country and also one of the most significant of our culture, since on October 31, 2005, the National Institute of Cultural Heritage, decided to declare the Fiesta de la Mama Negra or Fiesta de la Capitanía, as an asset belonging to the Intangible Cultural Heritage of the State

If you visit Ecuador on these dates, you can not miss Latacunga and marvel at this unique festival of its kind.