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Get ready to party like it's 1534! Join in the festivities for Foundation of Quito Day and honor the rich history and culture of Ecuador.
Mark your calendars for December 6, because it's time to celebrate Foundation of Quito Day! This holiday honors the founding of the beautiful city of Quito, Ecuador in 1534 by Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro. The city is known for its stunning architecture, rich history, and vibrant culture. On this day, locals and visitors alike come together to celebrate with parades, traditional dances, and delicious food. It's a perfect opportunity to learn more about this fascinating city and its roots. So let's join in on the festivities and show our appreciation for the foundation of Quito!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1534</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Founding of Quito</div><div class='timeline-text'>Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro officially founded the city of Quito in what is modern-day Ecuador.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1541</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Metropolitan Cathedral Construction</div><div class='timeline-text'>Construction began on the Metropolitan Cathedral of Quito, one of the city's oldest and most notable architectural landmarks.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1573</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Quito Becomes a Diocese</div><div class='timeline-text'>Pope Gregory XIII elevated Quito to the status of diocese, contributing to the city's growing importance and influence.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1809</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Independence Movement</div><div class='timeline-text'>Quito's citizens participated in a large-scale independence movement, marking the beginning of the rebellion against Spanish rule.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1822</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Battle of Pichincha</div><div class='timeline-text'>The decisive Battle of Pichincha took place near Quito, leading to Ecuador's independence from Spanish rule.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>Late 1900s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Cultural Celebrations Initiated</div><div class='timeline-text'>Quito's Foundation Day celebrations evolved, including traditional dances, parades, and cultural exhibits to honor the city's history and heritage.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Explore Quito's historic center</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take a guided tour or explore on your own the beautiful and well-preserved historic center of Quito, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Learn about the city's foundation and its rich history.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a traditional parade</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Celebrate with the locals by attending one of the many parades that take place in Quito during Foundation Day. You'll see colorful costumes, lively music, and traditional dances.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Indulge in traditional Ecuadorian cuisine</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Sample some of the delicious traditional dishes of Quito, such as hornado (roasted pork), llapingachos (potato and cheese patties), or fanesca (a hearty soup made with beans, grains, and fish).</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a concert or cultural event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Check out the local events calendar and see if there are any concerts, theater performances, or other cultural events happening on Foundation Day. It's a great way to experience the city's arts and culture scene.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Take a day trip to nearby attractions</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>If you have some extra time, consider taking a day trip from Quito to visit nearby attractions such as the Cotopaxi volcano or the Quilotoa crater lake. These natural wonders are just a short drive away and offer stunning views of the Ecuadorian landscape.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It celebrates the history and culture of Quito</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Foundation of Quito Day is a celebration of the founding of the city in 1534 by Spanish conqueror Sebastian de Benalcazar. It's a great opportunity to learn more about the rich history and cultural heritage of this vibrant city.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>There are fun and festive events</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>On Foundation of Quito Day, the city comes alive with parades, concerts, street festivals, and other lively activities. It's a great chance to experience the local traditions and customs while having a blast with friends and family.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes unity and pride among residents</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Foundation of Quito Day brings people from all walks of life together to celebrate their shared love for their city. It fosters a sense of community and pride among residents, reminding them of all the reasons why they love living in Quito.</p></div></div>
Foundation of Quito Day is celebrated on December 6 every year. In 2024 Foundation of Quito Day will occur on a Friday.
2023
Dec 6
Wednesday
2024
Dec 6
Friday
2025
Dec 6
Saturday
2026
Dec 6
Sunday
2027
Dec 6
Monday
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