Photo Exhibition: Ecuador, a Sustainable Paradise
Edited by Anna Popper
On the occasion of Ecuadorian Day, the Embassy of Ecuador in Hungary invited the Hungarian community to join the celebration on 20 July 2024, at Hunyadi tér, an enchanting green oasis in the heart of Budapest. Organised in collaboration with District 6, Terézváros, this event was part of the Festival of Nations, an international cultural series hosted by the Eötvös10 Community and Cultural Space.
The festivities began in the warm afternoon with the opening of a captivating photo exhibition entitled “Ecuador, a Sustainable Paradise” presented by H.E. Ms Cynthia Mayer Zavala, Ambassador of Ecuador to Hungary, who personally guided visitors through the exhibit, offering deep insights into Ecuador’s breath-taking natural beauty, unique biodiversity and rich cultural heritage. Featuring the work of photographers Balázs Szabó and Dr. Iván Nyíri, Honorary Consul of Ecuador in Hungary, the exhibition showcased a stunning collection of images that capture the essence of Ecuador’s natural wealth, from its majestic landscapes to its distinctive flora and fauna.
After visiting the exhibition, the Ambassador of Ecuador addressed the audience, emphasizing the importance of this cultural exchange:
“Dear Deputy Mayor Dr. Zsuzsanna Beleznay-Kerék, authorities, esteemed members of the diplomatic corps, dear Ecuadorian community and Hungarian friends, welcome to our event! It is an honour and a privilege to address you on this special day when we celebrate Ecuadorian Day for the first time within the framework of the Festival of Nations, and I thank you for your presence.
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to District 6 of Budapest for its invaluable support in providing us with the beautiful Hunyadi Park for this celebration. Thanks to their generosity and commitment, we have been able to create a diverse program that allows the Hungarian community to learn more about the cultural, touristic and natural richness of our beloved country.
Ecuador is a leading producer and exporter of bananas, roses, plantains, cocoa and shrimp, and today we have the opportunity to taste some of these products.
This event aims not only to showcase the wonders of Ecuador, but also to promote unity between our communities. I hope everyone enjoys this day, feels the warmth and hospitality of Ecuador, and takes a piece of Ecuador with them in their hearts. I wish that this celebration is the beginning of many more to come.
Thank you for your presence and for being part of this wonderful gathering of nations. May the bond between Hungary and Ecuador grow ever stronger.”
The event was honoured by the presence of Dr. Zsuzsanna Beleznay-Kerék, Deputy Mayor of District 6 in central Budapest. Representing Mayor Mr. Tamás Soproni, she warmly welcomed the attendees and underscored the importance of this tradition, which they established in Terézváros to celebrate the rich cultures of various countries. She emphasized how this event fosters ties and friendships among the different communities it brings together.
In her speech, the Deputy Mayor highlighted Ecuador’s extraordinary biodiversity, focusing on its unique flora and fauna. She mentioned the giant tortoises, llamas, and other distinctive species, as well as the invaluable natural treasure of the Galapagos Islands.
Additionally, she drew special attention to Mount Chimborazo, Ecuador’s highest peak in the Cordillera Occidental of the Andes. Standing at 6,310 meters (20,702 feet), Chimborazo is notable for being the farthest point from Earth’s centre, surpassing even Mount Everest.
The celebration featured a vibrant line-up of activities on stage, starting with a series of folkloric dance performances that brought the stage to life with colourful costumes and energetic rhythms.
A highlight of the day was a concert by Dani Torres, a talented singer and musician who is very proud of his Ecuadorian-Hungarian origin, who received enthusiastic acclaim from the audience.
Dr. Iván Nyíri, Honorary Consul of Ecuador in Hungary is a distinguished expert on the country, delivered a highly engaging presentation. His talk included informative content and showcased intriguing, typical objects from Ecuador, thereby captivating the audience’s interest.
The organizers also ensured that children had a lot of fun by offering storytelling sessions, painting activities and various games to keep them entertained. Attendees could also explore a curated selection of renowned Ecuadorian products, getting a taste of the country’s rich culture.
The day culminated in the screening of Ecuador’s highest-grossing film, “Dedicated to My Ex”, a family-friendly comedy that left the audience in high spirits.
Participants greatly enjoyed the rich cultural offerings of Ecuadorian Day and gained valuable insights into a country far from Central Europe yet increasingly present in their daily lives through its high-quality products that are steadily winning the hearts of Hungarians, including Ecuadorian bananas.
215th Anniversary of Ecuador’s Independence Celebrated in Budapest
The Embassy of Ecuador in Hungary commemorated the 215th anniversary of Ecuador’s First Cry of Independence at the Ervin Szabó Budapest Metropolitan Library. This pivotal moment in Ecuador’s history, marked on 10 August 1809, symbolizes the nation’s initial steps toward freedom from Spanish rule.
To honour this milestone, the Embassy organised the photo exhibition “Ecuador, a Sustainable Paradise”, showcased in the library’s atrium. The exhibition was inaugurated by H.E. Cynthia Mayer Zavala, Ambassador of Ecuador to Hungary, together with Mrs. Ágnes Kovácsné, Director General of the Budapest Metropolitan Ervin Szabó Library.
The breath-taking collection of images by photographer Balázs Szabó captures Ecuador’s rich biodiversity, stunning landscapes and unique flora and fauna. These photographs not only celebrate the natural beauty of Ecuador, but also highlight the country’s commitment to conservation and sustainable development. Each image invites the viewer to reflect on the need to protect and preserve these natural treasures for future generations, emphasizing Ecuador’s vital role in global environmental conservation efforts.
The celebration was further enriched by the active participation of the Ecuadorian community and friends of Ecuador. Traditional Ecuadorian dance performances by the Capulí Ñawi group added a lively cultural touch and showcased the vibrant heritage of Ecuador.
Source: Embassy of Ecuador in Budapest
Photos by Eötvös10 Community and Cultural Space, Embassy of Ecuador, DPA
