Each year the community of Salango hosts the Festival de la Balsa Manteña to commemorate the Indigenous heritage of the Ecuadorian coast and to celebrate the ethnic diversity present in Ecuador. Beginning in 1992, the 500th anniversary of Columbus’ arrival in the Americas, the festival takes place each October. The festival is one of the largest cultural events on the Manabí coast. The focus of the festival is the construction and sailing of a balsa raft similar to those sailed by the pre-Columbian inhabitants of coastal Ecuador. Musicians, dancers, and other entertainers from Ecuador and abroad also take part in the festivities. In addition, the festival provides an important economic boost to the host community of Salango. This year, REDI is working closely with local organizers in support of the festival. In part, REDI will be providing meals and financial support for travel for the various performers who will be attending the festival from throughout Ecuador.
2018 Festival de la Balsa Manteña
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