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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>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Quito Stands At The Second Highest Capital City</h3><p class='facts-content'>Quito is the second highest capital in the world. Standing at an impressive altitude of about 2,850 metres, or approximately 9,350 feet above sea level, the city allows distinctive flora and fauna to grow.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Quito's Historical Buildings Were Built Using Volcanic Stone</h3><p class='facts-content'>The city's architectural heritage includes many structures made from pumice stone, quarried from nearby volcanic deposits. This is why Quito's historical old town has a unique, grayish hue.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The City's Full Name Is San Francisco De Quito</h3><p class='facts-content'>While most people simply refer to this place as Quito, the full designation for Ecuador’s capital is San Francisco de Quito, a homage to Francis of Assisi, a Catholic friar and the patron saint of animals and the environment.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Quito Is In Close Proximity To The Equator</h3><p class='facts-content'>Built on the eastern side of Pichincha Volcano, Quito is only 25 kilometers south of the Equator, a geographical location that offers a unique climate of warm, humid summers and cold, dry winters.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Quito Was The First UNESCO World Heritage City</h3><p class='facts-content'>In 1978, UNESCO designated Quito as the first World Heritage city due its well-preserved colonial center. It remains one of the best historical old towns in Latin America with excellent examples of 16th and 17th century Spanish colonial architecture.</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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