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The legend of the Caja Ronca is a popular tale from Ibarra.

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Telling the story of a sinister funeral procession, made up of spirits who found no rest.

The Caja Ronca is a procession of spirits who wander in search of peace, dragging chains and making metallic sounds.

The procession is said to travel through the streets of Ibarra, especially the San Juan Calle area and the old San Felipe neighborhood.

Please be advised that you should not disturb the procession or speak to them, as this could have serious consequences.

The legend is passed down from generation to generation, instilling fear and respect for the supernatural in the Ibarra community.

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In the 1600s, in colonial Quito, there was a monk called Father Almeida. He lived in the San Diego Monastery. At night, he secretly left the monastery to enjoy the city. But each time, a statue of Jesus would ask him:
Until when, Father Almeida?
This scared him, but he didn’t stop.

One night, after hearing the same question again, he finally changed. He returned to the monastery and never left again. He became a good and faithful priest.

Today, people say the statue still speaks to those who lose their way, reminding them to return to the right path.

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Last year Helen and I visited Ecuador as part of a holiday trip and spent two days in the capital Quito. Quito is known as the "City of Legends" and one legend in particular intrigued us. It was the legend of Father Manuel Almeida who was a Franciscan priest and was to become Master of Novices and Provincial secretary of the Franciscan order in Ecuador. The young Almeida joined the Franciscan order at the young age of 17 allegedly due to a 'broken heart' after being jilted by a young lady. Almeida was tall, played the guitar and had a fine tenor voice. Despite becoming a monk in the San Diego monastery, he maintained his fondness for the young ladies and soon discovered that his fellow young monks undertook nightly escapades in which they jumped over the wall of the monastery and visited a 'house' for a night of music, dancing and female comforts!

Manuel Almeida became an instant hit with the ladies and was soon addicted to 'wine, women and song'. However the authorities got wind of what was going on and heightened the walls of the monastery to prevent the monks escaping. Not to be deterred, Manuel Almeida discovered a new escape route that entailed climbing up to the chapel window and jumping down to the square below. In order to do this he had to climb up a statue of the crucified Christ and stand on its shoulders. After many nights of freedom gained in this way he was again climbing up the statue when it opened its lips and declared " Until when, Father Almeida?" Not to be outdone the young monk replied "Hasta la vuelta, Señor." " Until I come back Lord!"

This continued for many nights until one early morning when Father Almeida was the 'worse for wear' and was returning to the monastery, he encountered a funeral procession and asked one of the mourners who the dead person was. The reply was 'its Father Almeida and we are on our way to bury him." When Almeida approached the bier and lifted the shroud he was shocked to see himself dead! He quickly ran back to the monastery and climbed down the statue of Christ which asked him the usual question, "Until when Father Almeida?" However this time he gave no reply!

The legend goes on to recount that Manuel Almeida never sneaked out of the monastery again and became a devout novice and eventually almost earned a sainthood! Indeed a Christmas carol is attributed to him the words of which are:
Dulce Jesus mio Sweet Jesus of mine Mi niňo adorado My adored child yen a nuestras Come into our souls
ven no tardes tanto. Come don't take so long.

Taken from "Historias quitenses" by Marco Villaquirdn.

What can this legend teach us? I suppose that we are all like Father Almeida to a greater or lesser degree. We can be tempted to continue a lifestyle we know to be incompatible with the Christian faith and yet when we look at our lives with a true perspective we can see that there is a 'better way.'

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By Roger Sturrock Last year Helen and I visited Ecuador as part of a holiday trip and spent two days in the capital Quito. Quito is known as the "City of Legends" and one legend in particular intrigued us. It was the legend of Father Manuel Almeida who was a Franciscan priest and was...

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The Shadow Bride of Quito ( Karen Molina)

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The Shadow Bride of Quito ( Karen Molina)

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Long ago, in the cobblestone streets of colonial Quito, people spoke in hushed tones of a mysterious woman known only as the Shadow Bride.

She appeared only at night—dressed in a long white gown, her face hidden beneath a delicate lace veil. Men who walked alone were often enchanted by her elegance and silence. She never spoke, only gestured for them to walk beside her.

Those who followed her down the winding alleys of the old city would disappear into the night. Some were found the next morning, terrified, their hair turned white, unable to speak of what they had seen. Others were never found again.

They say the Shadow Bride was once a woman named Isabela, abandoned at the altar by a wealthy man who chose fortune over love. Heartbroken, she died alone in a small chapel. On stormy nights, her spirit rises—searching not for revenge, but for someone brave enough to walk beside her without fear.

One man, a humble musician, is said to have returned unharmed. He offered her a song instead of fear. As he played, she slowly vanished into the morning mist, and the city knew peace—at least for a while.

To this day, if you hear faint footsteps behind you in the quiet hours of Quito’s night, do not turn around too quickly. It might be the Shadow Bride, still searching for someone who sees her not as a ghost… but as a forgotten soul.

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(Based on the natural phenomenon of the Tungurahua volcano)

In the Andean region of Ecuador, among green mountains and quiet villages, stands the Tungurahua volcano, towering and feared by many. While scientists explain it as an active volcano with frequent eruptions, the local people believe in something deeper and older: the spirit of Mama Tungurahua.

Legend has it that hundreds of years ago, when gods still walked among humans, the mountain was a beautiful woman named Mama Tungurahua, wife of the powerful Taita Chimborazo. They lived happily—until he fell in love with a younger mountain: Carihuairazo.

When Mama Tungurahua discovered the betrayal, she wept with such fury that the fire in her heart broke the earth, and her body transformed into a volcano. Ever since, whenever she is angry, the volcano trembles, roars, and spits ash, like a woman crying out over lost love. Her tears become hot rain and ash, and her rage can be felt in even the farthest villages.

Locals believe that when Mama Tungurahua erupts, it’s not just a geological event—it’s her furious soul crying out for justice. That’s why, before every possible eruption, the village elders light candles, offer flowers, and pray to calm her spirit.

Despite scientific advances, many locals say they have dreamed of her—dressed in fire, walking through the mist, and they feel her presence is still alive. The myth has passed down through generations, reminding us that nature is not only to be respected, but also heard and honored.

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Long ago, in the Andes, there was a strong and passionate woman named Mama Tungurahua. She fell in love with a brave warrior, Taita Chimborazo, who lived on a nearby mountain. Their love was powerful, but the gods disapproved because both were volcanoes. One day, Chimborazo left to fight in a distant war and never returned. Mama Tungurahua waited for years. Her sadness turned into anger, and she cried so much that fire and ash came from her heart. She transformed into the Tungurahua volcano, which still erupts with rage and sorrow. Today, people say that when the volcano roars, it is Mama Tungurahua crying for her lost love. This legend explains why the volcano remains active in Ecuador.

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Today I’m going to tell you a beautiful legend from my homeland, Santo Domingo.

The Legend of the Tsáchila Who Became the Sun

Many generations ago, when the earth was shrouded in mist and the sky was cold and dark, the Tsáchilas did not know the light of day. The forest was a labyrinth of shadows, and time seemed to be asleep.

A wise Tsáchila, concerned for his people, climbed to the highest peak of the sacred mountain and offered his energy to the ancestral gods. Covered in achiote—symbol of life and protection—he raised his arms and sang in an ancient tongue.

The gods heard his call. In reward for his sacrifice, they lifted him into the sky and transformed him into the sun: a blazing disk that banishes darkness and guides future generations.

Ever since, the Tsáchilas honor the sunrise by painting themselves with achiote, remembering that light was born from the brave heart of one of their own.

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In the Ecuadorian jungle, there is the myth of the Sacred Ceiba, a giant tree that connects the human world with that of the spirits. It is said that, long ago, a boy cut down a ceiba tree without permission, and from then on, everything changed: the sky darkened, the animals fled, and the river dried up. Wise men said that this tree was the home of the jungle spirits, and that damaging it had consequences. Therefore, to this day, many believe that cutting down a ceiba tree can cause illness or loss in the jungle. This myth teaches the deep respect that ancient peoples have for nature.

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The Legend of the Vailed Lady.       Gabriela Ocampo

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The Legend of the Vailed Lady.       Gabriela Ocampo

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Long ago, in the colonial streets of Ecuador, especially in cities like Quito and Cuenca, people spoke in hushed voices about a mysterious woman known as "The Veiled Lady" (La Dama Tapada).

She appears late at night, wearing a long black dress and a lace veil that covers her face completely. She is said to be incredibly beautiful and elegant, walking silently through dimly lit streets.

Men who see her are drawn to her beauty and follow her, enchanted. She says nothing—just gestures for them to come closer. But when the man is finally alone with her, far from the crowds, she lifts her veil.

What they see underneath is a horrifying skull or a demonic face, and the man either drops dead from fear, loses his mind, or vanishes forever.

Some say she is the spirit of a woman who was vain and cruel in life, cursed to roam the earth forever. Others believe she appears to punish unfaithful or lustful men.

To this day, in some parts of Ecuador, people say:
"If you're walking home at night and meet a beautiful woman in black who doesn't speak—look away, and don't follow her."

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In the province of Santa Elena, Ecuador, there is a famous archaeological discovery called The Lovers of Sumpa. Around 6,000 years ago, a young man and woman from the ancient Las Vegas culture were buried together in an emotional pose. The man’s arm is around the woman’s waist, and her head is covered by her arms, as if seeking protection. This position shows a deep connection between them, which is why they are called “lovers.”

Their burial was found in 1977 and has become a symbol of eternal love. Today, you can visit the Museo Amantes de Sumpa, where their remains are displayed. This discovery teaches us not only about ancient traditions, but also about the human need for love and companionship—even thousands of years ago.

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The legend of Quilotoa Lagoon says that the Cotopaxi volcano cried for his lost love: the young Tungurahua, who left with the Chimborazo volcano.

Cotopaxi cried so much that his tears filled the volcano’s crater, and that is how the beautiful Quilotoa Lagoon was formed.

The local people believe this lagoon is the reflection of Cotopaxi’s broken heart, and a special place where spirits protect nature.

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Near the Guayllabamba River, among cherimoya and cactus fruit orchards, lived a curious and brave young girl named Luzmila, who helped her grandmother harvest fruit to sell at the Quito market. Her grandmother had always warned her:

— Never walk alone at dusk along the path by the old mill… that's where the Goblin lives, and he doesn't like the curious.

But Luzmila, as restless as the hummingbirds fluttering around the orchard, disobeyed one day. Tired of carrying heavy baskets, she decided to take a shortcut past the mill.

The air changed. Everything fell silent. In the middle of the path appeared a small boy, dressed in old-fashioned clothes with a wide-brimmed hat covering his face. He spoke in a sing-song voice:

— I can help you, Luzmila. Just tell me your full name…

She hesitated. She remembered her grandmother’s words: “Never give your name to the Goblin.”

So she lied.

— My name is Rosa María.

The boy laughed, spun around, and vanished into the mist. That night, Luzmila dreamed of talking trees and winding paths that twisted like snakes. She woke up drenched in sweat, and from then on, each evening, someone gently tapped on her window… even though they lived far from anyone else.

When her grandmother found out, she lit a white candle and placed a branch of rue by the door, praying ancient prayers in Kichwa.

— You made a pact, Luzmila. But because you lied to him, the Goblin is confused. You must break the bond.

Luzmila returned to the path, carrying a tagua amulet, a piece of guayusa bread, and the truth in her mouth. This time, the Goblin was waiting.

— Have you come to tell me your real name? he asked.

— My name is Luzmila. But I don’t want to go with you.

The Goblin sighed, lowered his hat, and said:

— I won’t return… for now. But someday, when you’re sad or alone, I will come to find you.

From that day on, Luzmila never took shortcuts again. But the villagers still remember her story. They say that when you hear a whistle among the trees at dusk, it’s the Goblin, still searching for children who dare to lie to him.

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The Mountains’ Fight – An Ecuadorian Myth

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The Mountains’ Fight – An Ecuadorian Myth

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Long ago, Mama Tungurahua was married to the great mountain, Taita Chimborazo, but she secretly fell in love with another volcano, Altar, for a while, they met in secret. One day, Chimborazo discovered their love from above and furious, he attacked Altar with great force; while the brave Carihuairazo tried to defend Altar, but even together, they couldn’t stop the mighty Chimborazo.

Now, people say that’s why Altar and Carihuairazo are broken and full of craters, the fight left them wounded. Tungurahua, filled with anger and sadness, still breathes smoke today, but Chimborazo, proud and tall, has forgiven her and remains majestic in the Andes.

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Writin and speaking: El duende del pueblo

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Writing and speaking : The Legend of the Silent Lake 

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Writing and speaking : The Legend of the Silent Lake 

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A long time ago, in a village near Ibarra, there was a beautiful lake that people loved because its water was calm. One day, a stranger came to the village and warned that if anyone made noise near the lake, the water would disappear forever. The people did not listen, and one night, some children shouted and played loudly by the lake. The next morning, the lake was gone. The villagers were very sad, but they learned to respect the silence of nature. Since then, whenever someone visits that place, they stay quiet as a sign of respect, and the land remains peaceful.

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The Legend of the Enchanted Lake of Quilotoa

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The Legend of the Enchanted Lake of Quilotoa

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Many years ago, high in the Andes, villagers spoke of the beautiful Quilotoa crater lake. It was said that beneath the lake lived powerful mountain spirits, and anyone who showed disrespect or tried to take water would face misfortune.

One day, a stranger ignored the warnings and filled a jug from the lake. Suddenly, storm clouds gathered, the earth trembled, and he dropped the jug in fright. The water returned to the lake, and the storm cleared. Since then, locals believe the lake must always be treated with reverence—the spirits protect it, and only those who respect nature can safely visit its shores.

This legend reminds everyone to honor natural places and the spirits believed to dwell within Ecuador’s unique landscapes.

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In colonial Quito, around 1650, a young woman named Magdalena fell in love with Pedro, the son of her family's servant. Their love was forbidden, so they met secretly in the Church of San Agustín, where Pedro disguised himself as a “cucurucho” a hooded figure. To gain respect, Pedro joined an expedition to the Amazon but was presumed dead. Heartbroken, Magdalena agreed to marry another man. The day before the wedding, she gave charity to beggars, as tradition required. One beggar, dressed as a cucurucho, approached her. It was Pedro alive, angry, and heartbroken. He stabbed Magdalena and fled. As he passed the church, his hood fell, revealing his identity. The crowd, shocked and furious, took justice into their own hands and killed him. This tragic legend explains why one street in Quito is called “La Calle del Cucurucho.”

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A Kichwa legend that explains the origin and behavior of volcanoes, which translates as the "Devil Child."

The legend of Guagua Auca explains the volcanic activity in the Ecuadorian Andes, especially the eruptions and the roaring that often precedes these events.

The legend tells of Guagua Auca as a mischievous child with immense power. He lived in the bowels of Cotopaxi, and his behavior reflected the state of the volcano. According to the story, when Guagua Auca is calm, Cotopaxi remains serene, with its snow-capped summit. However, when the child becomes angry, he begins to scream and move violently inside the volcano. This causes tremors and underground roars.

If the Guagua Auca is particularly angry, his anger spills out in the form of ash and lava, which are the result of volcanic eruptions. The smoke and clouds emanating from the crater are interpreted as the child's breath exhaling in his fury.

Furthermore, some versions of the legend suggest that the Guagua Auca has a relationship with other volcanoes, such as Tungurahua or Chimborazo, sometimes considering them his siblings or playmates. When one of them is active, it is often interpreted as an interaction between these volcanic "children."

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Grace Anahi Bombon Morillo The legend of the guayacan tree 

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Grace Anahi Bombon Morillo The legend of the guayacan tree 

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The legend of the guayacan tree, from Montubio culture in coastal Ecuador, explains why these trees bloom all at once after the first rains. Long ago, a young couple deeply in love was separated when the girl died suddenly. Heartbroken, the boy planted a guayacán tree at her grave and cried every day. The gods, touched by his sorrow and love, decided that every year, after the first rain, all guayacán trees would bloom together as a symbol of eternal love and renewal. That is why today, the dry fields are suddenly covered in bright yellow flowers after the first rain.

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The Legend of Atahualpa’s Treasure

In 1532, Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro captured Inca emperor Atahualpa in Cajamarca, Peru. Atahualpa offered a room full of gold and silver for his release, but Pizarro executed him in 1533. General Rumiñahui, tasked with transporting 750 tons of treasure from Quito, hid it in Ecuador’s Llanganates Mountains upon learning of Atahualpa’s death, possibly in a cave or lake. Despite centuries of searches, guided by clues like the Derrotero de Valverde and maps, the treasure—worth $10–20 billion today—remains undiscovered. Some believe it may also include Atahualpa’s mummified body, significant for Inca rituals. The legend symbolizes Inca resistance and fuels ongoing quests in the rugged Llanganates.

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The Forajidos Revolution in Ecuador, which took place in 2005, explains how the Ecuadorian people defended democracy and opposed political corruption through peaceful protest. In April of that year, President Lucio Gutiérrez dismissed the Supreme Court judges to serve his own political interests, which triggered massive outrage. Thousands of citizens in Quito and other cities took to the streets to protest. The government called them "forajidos" (outlaws), trying to discredit them, but the people turned the word into a symbol of pride and resistance. Through organized and peaceful demonstrations, the public demanded justice and transparency. Eventually, the pressure forced President Gutiérrez to resign and flee the country. This real historical event shows the power of civic unity and explains how citizens can protect democracy when they act together with determination.

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La Mana is a canton located in the province of Cotopaxi, with significant archaeological remains.

La Mana is considered an energetic place full of strange sightings, as it is located near the Llanganates National Park. Some people who live in the area claim to have seen strange lights in the sky, precisely in the area where there is a stone pyramid believed to be associated with ancient civilizations and an inexplicable energetic connection.

And it is precisely here where supernatural and unexplainable energies are felt, according to what local residents say.

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The Legend of the Cerro del Chivo (Goat Hill)

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The Legend of the Cerro del Chivo (Goat Hill)

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Long ago, in the mysterious Pululahua crater near Quito, there was a strange hill known as Cerro del Chivo—Goat Hill. People believed it was a cursed place, where strange things happened, especially at night. It was said to be the darkest and most feared hill in the entire area.

According to legend, a long time ago, a wealthy man owned a herd of goats that grazed near the volcano. He was greedy and cruel, and he treated his workers terribly. One day, a poor farmer warned him: “If you continue mistreating people, nature will punish you.” The rich man laughed and ignored him.

One afternoon, the sky was turning dark, even though it was still early. Suddenly, the earth began to shake, and a terrifying noise came from deep inside the crater. The goats ran wildly, and the rich man disappeared. Some say he was swallowed by the earth. Others say he was turned into a black goat, cursed to wander the hill forever.

Since then, locals have said that if you go near the hill at night, you might hear the sound of goats or see strange shadows moving in the mist. If the greedy man had listened to the warning, he might have been saved. But now, the hill stands as a reminder that no one is greater than nature.

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The Legend of the Ceiba Tree - Ojeda Priscila

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The Legend of the Ceiba Tree - Ojeda Priscila

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In my culture, there is a beautiful story about the rainbow. It explains why the rainbow appears in the sky after it rains. The story says that the rainbow is a magical bridge made by the gods to 

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Nahual an animal spirit

In Mexican folklore, every person has a nahual (an animal spirit). When someone dies, their nahual cries for seven nights, wandering as a shadow. If it can’t say goodbye, the soul gets trapped between worlds. That’s why families hold vigils for seven days to guide the nahual to rest.

It’s believed that after death, the soul wanders for seven days, slowly understanding it has passed on, since death can arrive too quickly to comprehend.

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Name an invention that makes your life easier.

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Name an invention that makes your life easier.

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How does it help you?

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Atahualpa and the Macaw: A Story of the Last Inca Emperor

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Atahualpa and the Macaw: A Story of the Last Inca Emperor

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Atahualpa was one of the most important emperors of the Inca Empire, and also the last, as he lived just before the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors. He was brave, strong, and very skilled in warfare. From a young age, his father trained him in the arts of hunting and battle. One day, when he was still a boy, Atahualpa went hunting in the forests near Cuzco. After a while, he saw a beautiful, brightly colored macaw perched on a tree branch. Since it was a rare and difficult prey, Atahualpa set out to hunt it and, after several attempts, succeeded. He was proud and excited to show his father his feat. However, on the way back, he met his mother, Queen Pacha, who, seeing him with the dead bird, stopped and said firmly and sweetly: "The enemy is only attacked in war, because they have weapons to defend themselves. You do not attack someone who cannot protect themselves." Those words surprised Atahualpa. Instead of punishing him, his mother took the macaw's feathers and made him a headdress, an ornament he would wear to always remember that great lesson: respect for living beings.

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Story _ writing_ Mariangula_ sample Herrera A. 

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Story _ writing_ Mariangula_ sample Herrera A. 