COURSE: 2nd BGU "C"
THEME: Quito´s party
Quito´s parties
The Quito´s
parties are a relatively new event in the calendar of events of Ecuador and the
city. It is the commemoration of the Spanish Foundation of the city of San
Francisco de Quito, which took place on December 6, 1534, under the direction
of Spanish conqueror Sebastian de Benalcázar on the remains of what was once
the second capital (or equity north) of the Inca Empire before the capital of
the legendary kingdom of Quito, run by the Quitu-Faces. Until the 1950s, on
December 6 was commemorated with only a possible parade and a civic event in
the city and the traditional Solemn Session of the Municipality of Quito. Since
around 1960, at the initiative of Quito evening "News", the
celebration took a 180 degree turn and became a holiday of three weeks full of
events that are expected throughout the year as the most festive season from
the city.
When is
celebrated?
The Fiestas
de Quito are made from the last week of November until the second week of
December each year and have its height between 1 and December 6, where the
entire city is the setting for a great holiday.
Major
events and activities:
When the
newspaper "News" urged a more festive way to celebrate the city by
its Spanish foundation, the central idea around which turned the celebration
into the early years was the great "Serenata Quito," the night of
December 5 , the eve of the anniversary of the foundation, which is motivated
to make in all areas of the city serenades were organized with traditional
music of the city and the people ran several neighborhoods enjoying the music,
joy and dancing. "Albazos" and typically Quito "parade"
were since the hymns of joy with which people went to the streets to celebrate
their city. Among the most famous are the "Chulla Quiteño" and
"What is my Lindo Quito". Here also came the relentless sound and
shouting "Viva Quito ... !!" with the air of the city is filled
during those days.
Over time,
the events were extended and expanded in scope and variety, this being a season
of concerts, exhibitions, popular fairs, competitions of typical meals, opening
of churches, convents and museums.
Central to
the celebrations of Quito is the world famous Bullfighting "Jesus del Gran
Poder", originally sponsored by the community of Franciscans and is today
considered one of the most important fairs in the very special and highly
ritualistic world Tori. They concur here for 9 days at the most famous
bullfighters of Spain, the birthplace of bullfighting, as well as other
countries with bullfighting tradition, including of course the best Ecuadorean
bullfighters. The beautiful and elegant Monumental Plaza de Toros Quito is the
scenario that day, at twelve o'clock noon, a colorful crowd gathers not only to
enjoy the bullfighting art that captivates his followers, but for a festive
gathering music, colorful, joy and moments to share emotions, loud cries of
"Long live Quito" in the Spanish style dress and tasting of typical
dishes as well as Spanish and international. A bullfighting, usually followed
evenings meals, dances and celebration extends until evening.
Among the
most unique traditions are the wooden racing cars in which children and adolescents
intrepid descend steeply, with appropriate security measures, the steep streets
of the old Quito in small and original cars without engine, made by hand,
showing their expertise at the wheel of these small vehicles.
Quito
Another tradition is the "world" championship "forty", a
Quito Ecuador and especially playing cards, full of rituals, expressions full
of wit, a lot of strategy and a good memory. Forty tournaments are spread
throughout the city in public and private institutions, companies, schools and
universities. You will often see taking part in these tournaments the
President, senior government officials and certainly an inevitable character is
the Mayor of the city.
In recent
years they have proliferated and have become popular very traditional
"Chivas", uncovered vehicles on the sides, rather common on the coast
and in warm areas of Ecuador, filled with revelers joyful singing and dancing
as they move throughout the city and in the vehicle roof, and colorful typical
"bands of people," sing traditional songs. The "Quito
serenade" in its original form design and has been losing some space in
recent years, but still remains a highlight of the festivities element.
Of course
along the main week, Quito are decorated neighborhoods, the city has previously
had "Mingas" (community work) cleaning, painting and decoration and
cheerful dances are organized with orchestras around the country and some from
abroad in an atmosphere of boundless joy, as at any party, complemented by
abundant food and drink. Buildings, churches, towers and monuments look
beautifully illuminated at night while fantastic shows of fireworks filled the
beautiful Quito nights of lights and colors that enhance the charm of the
historic capital of Ecuador.
Today, the
festival of Quito not only summon thousands of Quito and city residents but
attracts thousands of visitors from the rest of Ecuador and other countries,
some of them, the amateur bullfighting seduced by the great Quito Fair.
