Carnival in Ecuador has its origins in ancient Sumerian celebrations but was incorporated into Christian traditions starting in the 15th century. It remains a time of parades, costumes, masks, music and dancing to celebrate fertility and the coming of spring. Indigenous traditions from before the arrival of Europeans involving face painting, animal skins and drinking merged with Catholic rituals. Today, Ecuadorian Carnival features popular music bands, traditional dishes like fried pork and hominy, and games that involve throwing water, foam, eggs or flour on others.