Salasaca is a community and an indigenous people located in theTungurahua Province in the center ofEcuador, halfway along the road fromAmbato toBaños. The Salasaca speak Spanish and their traditional language ofQuichua. Their main economic activities are agriculture, livestock-raising, and handcrafts.

Salasaca

Regions with significant populations
Ecuador: Tungurahua Province Galápagos islands[1]
Languages
Kichwa,Spanish
Religion
Catholicism,Incan mythology

A market in the central plaza of Salasaca is called "Plaza of the Arts." Local craftsmanship includes items such astapestries, which are woven by hand on looms of very ancient technology. Many of the designs depict different aspects of their lives. Pigments are often derived from the femalecochineal of theDactylopius family which are crushed to make red colors. Salasca women wear a woolen garment around the shoulders, personalized by choosing a different shade of red. After pressing the insects into cakes, they use the dried cakes to dye the garments three at a time. One is left crimson, one is soaked inlemon juice to turn it scarlet, and the third is rubbed withwood ashes to turn it purple.^[2]

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 calledInti Raymi, an ancient festival of the sun, which is celebrated in allQuechua communities of the Highlands (Sierra). In the Salasaca festival circuit, theVarayuk or Mayor, who carries a wand that represents power and authority within the community, is the main personality.

• Inti Raymi in Salasaca 2003 (in German, with photographs)
• "Hostal Runa Huasi", website of hostel and cultural center in Salasaca run by local weaver Alonso Pilla
• Hostal Inkahuasi, located in Salasaca

1°20′07″S78°33′58″W / 1.33528°S 78.56611°W /-1.33528; -78.56611