Museo del Pasillo

Can you hear the faint strumming of a guitar? That, my friends, is the spirit of Ecuadorian pasillo calling to us from the Museo del Pasillo. The Museo del Pasillo opened its doors in 2018, in a historic building from 1907. It’s a place where the heart and soul of Ecuador’s music comes alive. This museum isn’t just a collection of artifacts. It’s a vibrant, living testament to the pasillo genre. The Museo del Pasillo showcases Ecuador’s rich musical diversity, with a special focus on the beloved pasillo. The museum also houses the Escuela del Pasillo, a school offering free classes in guitar, requinto, piano, and singing. Imagine learning to play the very music that fills these halls! As you explore, you’ll discover the origins of Ecuadorian music. From pre-Hispanic instruments to the colonial era, the museum traces the evolution of this art form. You’ll learn about the controversial “fandango,” a dance so sensual it was once banned. You’ll see how European waltzes transformed into the “pasito,” or pasillo, the short, quick steps giving the dance its name. Did you know that Ecuadorian pasillo took inspiration from the melancholy “yaraví” of the indigenous people? This influence imbued the pasillo with a deep sense of emotion, with lyrics that speak of love, loss, and longing. The Museo del Pasillo celebrates iconic figures like Julio Jaramillo, the “Ruiseñor de América,” who recorded almost 200 Ecuadorian pasillos. His birthday, October 1st, is now celebrated as National Pasillo Day in Ecuador. The museum also honors greats like Carlos Rubira Infante, composer of the classic “El Aguacate,” and Carlota Jaramillo, the “Queen of Pasillo.” Their life-sized figures stand as a reminder of their contributions to Ecuadorian music. You’ll even find a karaoke room where you can unleash your inner pasillo star! The Museo del Pasillo is more than just a museum. It’s a space for education, creation, and celebration. It’s where the past meets the present. It’s where the heart of Ecuadorian music beats strong.