Salasaca
Salasaca is a community and an indigenous people located in the Tungurahua Province in the center of Ecuador, halfway along the road from Ambato to Baños. The Salasaca speak Spanish and their traditional language of Quichua. Their main economic activities are agriculture, livestock-raising, and handcrafts.
Local craftsmanship includes items such as tapestries, which are woven by hand on looms of very ancient technology. Many of the designs depict different aspects of their lives. A market in the central plaza of Salasaca is called "Plaza of the Arts".
The Quichua Salasaca perform traditional music using a flute and drum. In the 21st century, the Quechua Salasaca have been incorporating other sounds that complement their traditional melodies.
In June, Salasaca people celebrate the Inca new year festival called Inti Raymi, an ancient festival of the sun, which is celebrated in all Quechua communities of the Highlands. In the Salasaca festival circuit, the Varayuk or Mayor, who carries a wand that represents power and authority within the community, is the main personality.
