Christmas in Ecuador: Religious Observances

A nine-day Christmas novena (a series of special prayer services offered on nine consecutive days) begins on December 16 and lasts until December 24. These sessions of prayer and song offer occasions for family and friends to spend the evening at one another’s homes. In addition, Nativity scenes appear in churches, homes, schools, and workplaces at this time. Some of these locations sponsor competitions for the best Nativity scene. Many families also add a Christmas tree to their home decorations.