Transformaciones socioespaciales en el espacio público en Latacunga durante festividades de la Mama Negra en 2024

Abstract

This research project analyzes the socio-spatial transformations that occur in the public space of the city of Latacunga during the Mama Negra festivities in 2024. The research aims to understand how these popular celebrations, recognized as intangible cultural heritage of Ecuador, temporarily alter the urban structure, reconfigure its everyday use, and promote new dynamics in public and semi-public spaces. The research is based on a qualitative approach, using techniques such as non-participatory observation, semi-structured interviews, mapping, and documentary analysis. Key areas of transformation were identified at two different times of the year (September and November), characterized by symbolic appropriations of space, intensive use of public roads, expansion of informal trade, differences in origin, and temporary reconfigurations that turn the city into a festive ritual setting. The results show that the Mama Negra festival not only physically modifies urban space, but also strengthens cultural identity, activates collective memory, highlights social tensions between the traditional and the institutionalized, and encompasses several axes of transformation. These transformations generate a symbolic re-signification of space, turning streets and squares into territories of community and cultural encounter and expression. The research contributes to the understanding of the role of public space as support for cultural manifestations and promotes the integration of socio-spatial analysis into urban planning.