Differing from other countries, Ecuadorian pasillo became a national music symbol. According to author Ketty Wong, since the beginning of the 20th century the Ecuadorian pasillo stopped being a festive genre played in saloons and bands became more popular. It had many singles with melancholic texts referring to nostalgic and brokenhearted feelings.
Unlike other countries, the Ecuadorian pasillo became an iconic symbol of music in Ecuador. According to author Ketty Wong, from the early 20th century on, the pasillo lost its festive nature as a genre played in saloons, while bands gained prominence instead. The music often expressed melancholic themes with nostalgic and heartbroken lyrics.