Jorge Sanchez, director of the Ecuadorian dance group "Muyundi" from our branch campus in Quito spoke about traditional celebrations in Ecuador which was broadcast live through Facebook @Cultura UPS.

Participants learned about the meaning of symbols of music, literature and gastronomy festivals, the groups that take part in the festivals, the clothing and dance, elements that communicate the identity of our community. "Hard, continuous and community work is necessary to have a popular festival and preserve them over time as a social and cultural fact", said Sánchez.

The National Institute of Cultural Heritage has a record of 19 celebrations in the country, such as: La Mama Negra, La fiesta de flores y las frutas; blancos y negros and others; while La Marimba, Paja Toquilla and Zápara are recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage.

Sánchez spoke about the history of six popular festivals, including the Diablada de Píllaro in Tungurahua; the celebration of La Chonta in the Amazon, the millennial ritual of planting and harvesting Coraza, in Otavalo. Also, the Fiesta San Martín de Porras on the island of Limones, Esmeraldas, the festival of the Sun or Inti Raymi and Rama de Gallos in Pesillo. To commemorate International Dance Day every April 29 because of the birth of Jean-Georges Noverre, French dancer, innovator and creator of modern ballet, members of the Contemporary Dance Group shared their experiences on how this activity has helped improve their emotional status during quarantine due to the COVID – 19.

Johanna Franco, director of the group, highlighted dance as a methodological resource in education to lower stress levels in children and as a tool to improve people's health. She noted that dance is a link between body movement and emotions. "When we dance, endorphin levels increase, we connect with ourselves, with others, security increases, it improves self-esteem and prevents brain aging," he said.