Quito's party

The Fiestas de Quito are a relatively new event in the calendar of events of Ecuador and the city. It is the commemoration of the Spanish Foundation of the city of San Francisco de Quito, which took place on December 6, 1534, under the direction of Spanish conqueror Sebastián de Benalcázar on the remains of what was once the second capital (or equity north) of the Inca Empire before the capital of the legendary kingdom of Quito, run by the Quitu-Faces. Until the 1950s, on 6 December is just commemorated with a parade and an eventual civic event in the city and the traditional Solemn Session of the Municipality of Quito.

Since around 1960, at the initiative of Quito evening "News", the celebration took a 180 degree turn and became a holiday of three weeks full of events that are expected throughout the year as the most festive season from the city.

When begins?

The Fiestas de Quito are made from the last week of November until the second week of December each year and have its height between 1 and December 6, where the entire city is the setting for a great holiday.

Where is the festival?

The festivities and events are held only in the Metropolitan District of Quito, which is the geographical area that today is the capital of Ecuador and covers a large urban extension of about 50 kilometers long and 5 kilometers wide at their widest part east-west, in the narrow surrounded by hills and mountains that form the natural scenery of the great city-runner valley.

Major events and activities:

When the newspaper "News" urged a more festive way to celebrate the city by its Spanish foundation, the central idea around which turned the celebration into the early years was the great "Serenata Quito," the night of December 5 , the eve of the anniversary of the foundation, which is motivated to make in all areas of the city serenades were organized with traditional music of the city and the people ran several neighborhoods enjoying the music, joy and dancing. "Albazos" and typically Quito "parade" were since the hymns of joy with which people went to the streets to celebrate their city. Among the most famous are the "Chulla Quiteño" and "What is my Lindo Quito". Here also came the relentless sound and shouting "Viva Quito ... !!" with the air of the city is filled during those days.

Over time, the events were extended and expanded in scope and variety, this being a season of concerts, exhibitions, popular fairs, competitions of typical meals, opening of churches, convents and museums.

Another event that has become increasingly important is the Parade of the National Fraternity in which beautiful floats, chaired by him who carries the Queen City, all exquisite and originally decorated, representing characters or passages of the rich part pre-Hispanic, colonial and republican history of Quito. Involved here folk groups and delegations from all regions of Ecuador in a colorful show of music, dance and beautiful choreographies that captivate those who admire and strangers.

Central to the celebrations of Quito is the world famous Bullfighting "Jesus del Gran Poder", originally sponsored by the community of Franciscans and is today considered one of the most important fairs in the very special and highly ritualistic world Tori. They concur here for 9 days at the most famous bullfighters of Spain, the birthplace of bullfighting, as well as other countries with bullfighting tradition, including of course the best Ecuadorian bullfighters. The beautiful and elegant Monumental Plaza de Toros Quito is the scenario that day, at twelve o'clock noon, a colorful crowd gathers not only to enjoy the bullfighting art that captivates his followers, but for a festive gathering music, colorful, joy and moments to share emotions, loud cries of "Long live Quito" in the Spanish style dress and tasting of typical dishes as well as Spanish and international. A bullfighting, usually followed evenings meals, dances and celebration extends until evening.

Among the most unique traditions are the wooden racing cars in which children and adolescents intrepid descend steeply, with appropriate security measures, the steep streets of the old Quito in small and original cars without engine, made by hand, showing their expertise at the wheel of these small vehicles.

Quito Another tradition is the "world" championship "forty", a Quito Ecuador and especially playing cards, full of rituals, expressions full of wit, a lot of strategy and a good memory. Forty tournaments are spread throughout the city in public and private institutions, companies, schools and universities. You will often see taking part in these tournaments the President, senior government officials and certainly an inevitable character is the Mayor of the city.

In recent years they have proliferated and have become popular very traditional "Chivas", uncovered vehicles on the sides, rather common on the coast and in warm areas of Ecuador, filled with revelers joyful singing and dancing as they move throughout the city and in the vehicle roof, and colorful typical "bands of people," sing traditional songs. The "Quito serenade" in its original form design and has been losing some space in recent years, but still remains a highlight of the festivities element.

Of course along the main week, Quito are decorated neighborhoods, the city has previously had "Mingas" (community work) cleaning, painting and decoration and cheerful dances are organized with orchestras around the country and some from abroad in an atmosphere of boundless joy, as at any party, complemented by abundant food and drink. Buildings, churches, towers and monuments look beautifully illuminated at night while fantastic shows of fireworks filled the beautiful Quito nights of lights and colors that enhance the charm of the historic capital of Ecuador.

Today, the festival of Quito not only summon thousands of Quito and city residents but attracts thousands of visitors from the rest of Ecuador and other countries, some of them, the amateur bullfighting seduced by the great Quito Fair