Estudios de la cultura en la fiesta popular de la ciudad de Machachi, corridas de toros

Abstract

This research aims to understand and analyze cultural hybridization, tradition and the symbols belonging to the popular celebrations in Machachi (Ecuador), specially the one related to “El Paseo del Chagra”, which means The Peasant’s Promenade. Constant media influence, technological and social changes have made different cultural elements to be merged and transformed to give birth to a new way to understand and live cultural identities rooted to this place. The case of Machachi’s celebrations is particular; it represents a diverse identity which is in a constantly changing process. It has a mestizo influence that takes its traits from the Spanish and Indigenous heritage. This social phenomenon becomes evident in the popular bullfights around the “Chagra’s” (peasant’s) festivity. The very social and historic reason behind this celebration shows a process that has to do with cultural mixture and combination. Thus, the main concern in this academic research is to expose, from what has been interpreted by the Machachi’s inhabitants and all the involved ones, those symbols and meanings that have emerged throughout the years. On the other hand, it looks to understand how globalization and digital social media have influenced this popular celebration. Changes around the way this celebration is experienced and inter cultural elements presents in the symbols that have been found, analyzed from a semiotic outlook, proof that no culture is static and no heritage or cultural process is unmovable. The coexistence between rites and religious, indigenous and Hispanic celebrations that are present in this popular celebration, as well as the fact that they have somehow migrated to digital contexts, show that cultural hybridization is a necessary process. It helps individuals build their own cultural identity, with meanings and feelings in order to represent themselves.)