Quito is Ecuador's capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Founding of Quito is also known as "Fiestas de Quito". It is one of the biggest annual events in this city. Quito was founded by Francisco Pizarro on December 6th, 1534. Its full name is "San Francisco de Quito". It is centrally located on a plateau high in the Andes Mountains. Businesses come to a near standstill on December 5, when everyone comes out to celebrate.
December is one of the best times to visit Quito and take advantage of this beautiful city. Quito Founders Day is the start of a month-long full of celebrations including Christmas and New Year.
How Quito celebrates its founding day?
Festivals start in late November with the crowning of the Queen of Quito ("Reina de Quito" in Spanish). Celebrations include street parties, card tournaments, bullfights, live music, and trips in colorful "chivas" - open-sided buses packed with dancing revelers. - It is a tradition to see parades through the historic center and events in its plazas. In the Plaza de San Francisco the city mayor and the president usually give a speech to the citizens. Festivals conclude on December 6th, on the founder’s day with a display of fireworks.
What to do in Quito?
San Francisco and Santa Domingo plazas have live concerts. The Virgin of El Panecillo is lit with festive colors in honor of the holiday. Museums extend their hours allowing visitors to learn more about the history of Quito. The music house (Casa de Musica) hosts national orchestras.
La Ronda, one of the most popular neighborhoods in the downtown of Quito, offers bars and clubs for those in the mood to celebrate. Bullfights are held at the Plaza de Toros, located about near La Carolina Park, on the Amazonas Avenue. Flamenco dancing is staged throughout the town.
Typical food
While visiting Quito, try out its delicious typical food such as "locro de papa" (creamy potato soup), "fritada" (fried pork), and "llapingachos" (potato pancakes served with peanut sauce, sliced onion salad and fried eggs). To warm you up, do not forget an Andean traditional drink called "canelazo" (an alcoholic drink made with rum and cinnamon).
