Fiestas de Quito

ANTHONY`S BLOG

The Fiestas de Quito (celebrations of Quito) is a weeklong period from the end of November to the 6th of December celebrating the foundation of Quito. During this period, bullfighting at the Plaza de Toros, flamenco dancing, opera and theater shows are presented. Parades that present the new Reina de Quito, marching school war bands, and other events can be enjoyed. In addition to celebrating the founding of Quito, some neighborhoods celebrate their favorite saint and for processions and block parties with live music and bands. People can also take a ride around the city on a Chiva, which is an open "party" bus with live bands. Plaza Foch is also a destination for the people because of its vast space with restaurants, bars, clubs, hotels, shops and special events

Bullfights


Much of the action moved the Fiestas de Quito were bullfights. The two city arenas bullfighting had for days in which nearly a dozen bulls died at the hands of foreign nationals "murderers" and even from Spain who came here to show off their skills with the banderillas, sword and cloak. For many, this tradition connected with the Iberian past, while another sector of the population defended and defends Quito, because the subject is still under debate, a very different philosophy, which roughly states that bullfights are not other things that an imported tradition, far from giving them a sense of identity, away from their ancestral indigenous roots who worship life through the Pachamama or Mother Earth and have nothing to do with the violent death of an animal with a fun and lucrative purpose. The fact is that in recent years this stance began to take hold within civil society and debate and confrontation between the two sectors reached a sticking point so high that was taken into account and included in the referendum held the May 7, 2011 and that resulted thereafter be restricted by one third the number of flags that could strike the bull and the animal's death did not take place in the ring, to the public, but the interiors of the squares

Chivas


Even those who do not participate in the revelry in the Fiestas de Quito, they can not avoid at least look and smile at the party in motion that are the iconic Quito goats. It is old trucks of past decades turned into true mobile dance tracks that move along the main arteries of the city. When they reach the "hot spots" for nightlife, revelers descend in droves and continue the party in the streets or clubs

The Fiestas de Quito are one of the most traditional and important celebrations of Ecuador, this year commemorating the 476 anniversary of the founding of San Francisco de Quito; a party marked by the multiculturalism of the city, its traditions and gastronomy, where issues of miscegenation and nationalism play in a fragrant and colorful musical date.

If "! Long live Quito" it is the only phrase heard from the goats (buses) passing filled with people dancing, and the only sound heard in the streets; whether in offices and begin to organize neighborhoods traditional "championships forty", a game of cards with Ecuadorian catchphrases that each player must say while playing cards; And if, in the environment is increasingly smell canelazos, a traditional Ecuadorian liquor brandy and cinnamon, it means who started the Fiestas de Quito, starting from late November in the capital of Ecuador and culminate on December 6, day of the Spanish founding of the city.

During the festivities and dancing to admire the town bands, and head out to see the platforms (stages set up in the street) where dances, music groups and varied artistic expressions in many parts of the city are presented.

"Lindo Quito My Life" is almost the anthem of the celebrations, along with the song Chulla Quiteño, typical character who was known for being original, talkative, with a reputation for bohemian and intellectual.