In Quito, the Capital of Ecuador, the enormous influence that the Spanish had in the origin of many Ecuadorian celebrations is most evident. During December Quito celebrates its "Spanish Foundation", by the Conquistador Sebastian de Benalcazar on December 6, 1534. This was the second site where the city was founded - the first foundation was in August of the same year in Sicalpa, near the city of Riobamba.
One of the central events during this celebration is
the bullfight, with the participation of more
Spanish "matadors" than local ones. During the
week of festivities Quito lives a Spanish fiesta, with
flamenco dancers, manzanilla drinkS, people
wearing the typical Spanish hats to the bullfights
and afterwards, enjoying long lunches with the
most famous dishes of the Spanish cuisine to
delight local people. This year, bullfight will take
place between November 30 and December 6,
2011, at the Plaza de Toros of Quito. The different
"barrios" organize dancing in the streets - the
largest events take place at Rodrigo de Chavez
Street in the southern section of the city and in
Shyris Avenue in the north. These are all-night
events with orchestras playing Latin Music. People
come in groups of friends or family, to socialize,
listen to the music, dance and drink the famous
canelazo, a hot drink with cinnamon and
"firewater".
Traditionally, parades take place in different areas of the city, with the participation of dancing groups of the schools of Quito and music bands. Many cultural events that keep the traditions of Quito alive take place during the week, like fireworks, poetry reading, recreation of legends and traditions, art exhibitions, food and traditional sweets festivals, folk dancing and much more take place the first week of December.
Families and groups of friends of all ages get together to play an Ecuadorian game of cards called "cuarenta" or forty, since it is played with 40 cards. The World Championship of Cuarenta takes place as one of the highlights of the festivity.
Throughout the week, open sided
buses called chivas, originally from the
Coast, take groups of friends who climb
to the roof to party, singing, dancing
and drinking, accompanied by music
bands. Many chivas run along the
streets of the city in this festive mood.
The first week of December is a great
time to be in Quito, come and join the
festivities!
Quito's cultural richness is reflected in their food and the variety of dishes that are even pre Inca ancestry. You can enjoy at any time, in the best restaurants and popular. You can not help but marvel at the diversity in Quito kitchen has traditional dishes such as:
LOCRO DE PAPA EMPANADAS DE VIENTO BUÑUELOS