The best way to see the attractiveness of Quito is to know its special dates. The rituals, the celebrations and the culture are fundamental to the celebrations in Quito and around Ecuador. Know more about these festivities and join them.

January 1 st

New Year
The beginning of a new year initiates a new cycle of life for the people. It's a time of gatherings between relatives and friends, celebrations and rituals to bring good energy into the New Year. There is general rest throughout the country.

January 15

Dance of the Innocents
Place: Chillogallo (South of the city)
The traditional neighborhood of Chillogallo maintains the long time traditions of the Day of the Innocents (commemoration of the death of children under 2 years of age, ordered by Herodes when Jesus was born). Jokes and tricks are present from the 28th of December to the 6th of January and are celebrated with dances and mascarades, enlightened with music from typical bands in the streets and with the participation of neighbors and families.

How to get there?
To get to Chillogallo, you have to take 1 bus from the United Nations Ave. (Olympic Stadium, Quicentro Shopping center, etc.) to Chillogallo. Cost: $0.25. Approximate time: 35 minutes.

February-March **
Carnival

The origin of the word carnival comes from the old ages of the great Greek and Roman festivals, guided by disorder and pleasure. In Ecuador and other countries of the world, this celebration is for the human needs for entertainment. Forty days before Ash Wednesday, the day that is the starting point for the preparation for Easter, characterized by the penance and fasting.

The playing with water is very popular in the city and the most colorful carnivals are in Ambato, Guaranda, Peguche and Esmeraldas, where everybody enjoys indigenous festive dance, rituals and other events.

22 March

Spring Solstice
Place: Tulipe (Northwest Quito)
The Spring Solstice brings shamans from indigenous communities close to Quito to celebrate the ceremony of the fire that generously gives the Inti God (Sun) to its children. This is the beginning of the year for the indigenous communities and is an important celebration.

How to arrive?
From Quito, take a bus from Rio Coca station, (next to the Ecovia station) with destination to El Quinche. Approximate time 1-½ hours. Cost $0.85

March 8 th

International Day of the Woman - Festival "Women in Dance"
Place: Quito
For the International Day of the Woman, the Municipality of Quito and the Dance House, organized by Susana Kings each year this international festival with the participation of several provinces and countries of the world that put in scene more than 350 artists. The objective is to celebrate, from the art, to conflicts, dreams and successes of woman.

May 1 st

Celebration of the Gentleman of good Hope *
Place: Checa (towards Quinche)
The Gentleman of Good Hope brings faith of the settlers of Checa for more than fifty years. The celebration begins with the novena (9 days before May 1st), with a procession of torches. In the evening, mass begins with bon fires, fireworks and dances. On Sunday there is the procession with the Image of the Gentleman of Good Hope, where he receives tribute on behalf of the population, headed by church leaders; they are offer: Singing and typical dances accompanied by the town band. At the same time there is a parade of flowers and decorated cars.

How to get there?
From Quito, take the bus from Rio Coca Station (next to the Ecovía Station) to El Quinche. Ask the conductor to leave you at the entrance to Checa. Approximate time: 1 hour. Cost $0,65

May 24ht

Battle of Pichincha
On May 24 th of 1822 was the independence of Quito from the Spanish crown. The heroe was the liberator Simón Bolivar, along with general Antonio Jose de Sucre, who led this battle. The famous battle took place on the skirts of Pichincha volcano where today a monument exists that commemorates this fact and was given the name Top of the Freedom is called. Different official and cultural acts are done.

June 21 st

Celebrations of the Inti Raymi - Solstice of summer
Place: Quito (Mount Catequilla - Equatorial monument - Historical Center)
The solstice of June is an astronomical phenomenon of great importance in the world and our indigenous ancestors have celebrated for a long time. The celebration is held in the streets of the Historical Center with the presentation of folkloric groups and special rituals, as in Equatorial monument. In 2005, this phenomenon will have a special connotation that could be appreciated in Monte Catequilla, the true Equatorial monument. Every 19 years, during the solstice, when the falling sun reaches the horizon, the moon will appear on mount Catequilla and will be perfectly aligned with an ancestral line of stones. Do not miss this special event.

How to get there?
Take the Metrobus from America or Prensa Ave. and in the Ofelia Station take the transfer bus that goes to the Mitad del Mundo. If you wish to participate in the events of Catequilla, contact Quitsató to register for this expedition. Email: quitsato@andinanet.net

July 19th Celebrations of the Chagra *

Place: Machachi
Machachi celebrates its Cantonization with a colorful festivity and the Chagra (man of the fields), riding horses will be the center of attention as they perform the famous "Stroll of the Chagra". On horses, they will cross the city streets to the beat of the town bands. Food, Typical dress, bulls and the famous alcoholic drink served in a shuyo (horn of a cow) and the election of the Pretty Chagras the 3rd of July, complete this colorful celebration.

How to arrive?
From the Cumandá Terminal take the bus Cooperativa San Pedrito to Machachi (2 570 463), the buses leave from 06:30 to 14:30. Cost: $2,00 approximate Time: 45 minutes.

July 3 rd

Cantonization of Santo Domingo de los Colorados*
Place: Santo Domingo de los Colorados
Santo Domingo celebrates its foundation each 3rd of July but their celebrations start from the middle of June with different activities like bonfires and the election of their queen. A great cattle fair takes place in the facilities of the Association of Cattle dealers, on kilometer 7 of the route to La Concordia. Horseback riding, rodeos, step horses competitions and other activities complete this celebration.

How to arrive?
From the Panamericana Terminal ( Colón y Reina Victoria , Tel: 2 570 425), take a bus to Santo Domingo. Approximate time: 3 hours. Cost: $5,00

August

Month of the Arts

Place: Quito
Like every year, a series of cultural events are held for the occasion of summer in the capital. August, month of the arts has become a cultural tradition between all the inhabitants of Quito and visited by people worldwide. Theater, dance, music and the beautiful arts are just a few of the hundreds of events that are prepared for your enjoyment.

August 10 th

First Shout of Independence
On the 10th of August of 1809, Ecuador declares itself free from the Spaniards. This day is remembered with great respect by all citizens, although true freedom would not be obtained but until May 24th of 1822. In Quito solemn sessions and official acts fill the day.

August - September

Festival of the Maize and Tourism *
Place: Sangolquí
This county in Pichincha is famous for its delicious "hornados", a typical Ecuadorian dish from the highlands, get dressed to celebrate the maize and all its blessings. Fireworks, cockfights and parades are part of the celebration.

How to arrive?
From Quito, go to the Marín and take a bus to Sangolqui. Approximate time: 1 hour. Cost: 0.75

October 12th

Discovery of America (Day of the Race)
In 1492, Christopher Columbus, supported by Queen Isabel La Católica and with the eagerness to find a new commerce route to the Indians, arrived to American soil. This fact marked the conquest and Spanish colonization of the New Continent until the first years of the 19 th century. With the course of the years, there is the controversy of who actually discovered America, since America was already discovered and populated thousands of years ago before the arrival of the Spaniards. On the other hand, the 12th of October celebrates the Day of the Race because it is when the "encounter of two cultures", Indians and Spaniards

November 2

Day of the Deceased
This celebration of an indigenous origin, soon combined with catholic rituals, now only maintains a few of its original traditions. On this day, the Ecuadorians gather with their family to remember their deceased family members. On this day it is common to drink colada morada (a flour drink with fruits) and eat guaguas (bread rolls in the shape of dolls), while visiting cemeteries and churches.

21st of November

Festivities of the Virgin of El Quinche *
Place: El Quinche
The 21st of November it is celebrated in all Ecuador, in honor of the Virgin of el Quinche, where hundreds of faithful people gather at "La Basilica del Voto Nacional en Quito", to walk to the sanctuary of El Quinche. Along the way, the devotees pray and sing to the Virgin. This tradition dates back to 1585 a combination of indigenous beliefs and Christianity.

How to arrive?
From Quito, take a bus from the Rio Coca station (next to the Ecovía Station) to El Quinche. Approximate time: 1 ½ hours. Cost $0,85

6th of December

Quito Spanish Foundation festivities *
The capital of Ecuador celebrates its Spanish foundation. On the 6th of December 1534, Sebastián de Benalcázar founded the city over the old Shyris ruins. There is Bullfighting, elections of the Queen and Parades on the 4th and 5th of December.

How to arrive?
From Guayaquil - Go to the Américas Terminal and take the Coop. Ecuador bus. (04 2 294 787) Cost: $7.00. Approx Time 8 hours.

24th and 25th of December

Holy night and Christmas
Like anywhere in the world, 24th and 25th of December celebrate Holy night and Christmas. Lights and decorations fill the streets and homes. Christmas trees and nativities can be found in the homes. On the night of the 24th, there is a family Christmas supper and at 12:00 there is the exchange of gifts.

31 of December

Old Year - New Year
One of the most unique celebrations of Ecuador is on Old Year. In addition to the atmosphere of celebration with family and friends, the 31 st of December is marked by the elaboration of the typical "old year" dolls, made from old clothes, newspaper and sawdust, which satirically represent themes and political characters of the year that they want to burn away. Many men disguise themselves as widows of the character they are going to burn at midnight. In their shining black clothes, they ask for "alms" for the dead. Testaments are made, that include critics of the evils of the past year and for the hopes and goals for the New Year, mixed with humor and talent. Dance, food and rituals are also part of the last day of the year.

The celebrations of cities, counties and towns always start a few days before and extend several days later. To the previous and later days of the own day of celebration. Consult the programs of celebrations that are always updated.

* Some dates that fall close to the weekend may be moved by the Government to promote the tourism by one more day.

** Carnival and Easter are dates that change every year, due to the catholic calendar.

SOURCES:
Municipality Of Quito
Investigation team of Getquitoecuador.com