Quito Events
International Sacred Music Festival
Religious music played and sung by ensembles from around the world.
Date: 01 April 2017 - 30 April 2017(Date to be confirmed)
Venue: Old Town churches
Easter Week
Easter Week is known as 'Semana Santa' and is celebrated with great fervour, with processions through the streets, religious statues carried shoulder high, and thousands of devotees, often carrying great crosses. The processions take place across the country, notably in the town of Banos, south of Quito, but are perhaps most conveniently seen in and around the Spanish Colonial churches and squares of the capital's historic centre. The events begin on Palm Sunday, when the traditional 'ramas' (palm fronds - which Ecuador possesses in abundance) are much in evidence. A delicious traditional stew known as 'Fanesca' is typically eaten throughout the Easter week. Church services and masses take place on Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday and Good Friday. Saturday is a national holiday, leading to the main event on Easter Sunday.
Date: 09 April 2017 - 14 April 2017Venue: Various churches and squares in Quito.
Cost:
Free.
Independence Day
Independence Day is a national holiday in Ecuador and is celebrated throughout the country. It is the anniversary of the Battle of Pichincha, fought on the mountain slopes above Quito, which resulted in a decisive victory for the rebels over the Spanish army and secured the beginnings of political independence. Military parades, cannon fire and cultural exhibitions and events mark the occasion.
Date: 10 August 2017 - 10 August 2017Venue: Public squares throughout Ecuador
Cost:
Many events are free.
Dia del Muertes
Indigenous and Catholic customs mix in this celebration of the deceased when people make human-shaped bread dolls and the blueberry drink Colada Morada.
Date: 02 November 2017 - 02 November 2017Venue: All around the city.
Fiestas de Quito
Carnival parades, nativity scene performances and bullfights.
Date: 29 November 2017 - 06 December 2017Venue: Old Town
Dia de Quito
Quito was a city long before the arrival of the Conquistadores. Nevertheless it was the re-founding of the city by Spanish General Benalcazar on 6 December 1534 that has become the subject of celebration. For a full week around this date, the people of Quito indulge in partying, with street parades, bullfights, street dances, and rides around Quito in open top buses called 'Chivas', equipped with live music and drinks. Quito is one of the highest capitals in the world and, set against the snow-capped backdrop of Pichincha volcano, it provides a fine stage for a street party.
Date: 01 December 2017 - 06 December 2017(Date to be confirmed)
Venue: Streets of Quito.
Cost:
Many events are free.