Social inclusion of the Montubio people of Ecuador through musical practices; [Inclusión social del pueblo Montubio de Ecuador a través de las prácticas musicales]

In the current context of globalization and exclusion, traditional musical practices play a crucial role in preserving cultural identity and strengthening social cohesion, as determining elements of social inclusion. The aim of this article was to analyze the social inclusion of the Montubio people of Ecuador through musical practices. This exploratory, qualitative study was based on a bibliographic review and a systematic documentary analysis of academic sources, to investigate the cultural, social and economic dynamics of Montubio musical practices and their impact on social inclusion. The results revealed that the musical practices of the Montubio people empower communities and foster social cohesion. However, this cultural heritage faces significant challenges for its conservation and visibility, especially at the institutional level. It is concluded that the musical practices of the Montubio people have a significant impact on their cultural identity, social cohesion and social inclusion, in addition to contributing to economic development through community tourism. Despite some limitations, such as the scarce production of studies available in academic databases and the non-generalizable nature of the qualitative approach, in conclusion, the importance of these cultural practices is underlined. © (2025), (Universidad del Zulia). All rights reserved.