Residents of Quito celebrate the 477th anniversary of its
founding (in 1534) on December 6th by holding the "Fiestas de
Quito".
People enter the street, dance and have fun, huge display of
fireworks is put on show and all the squares and venues of Quito
are packed with shows organised in remembrance of the event. There
are dancers, musicians and merriment all around and the festivities
are no less than a carnival. The celebrations typically start
as much as a week before the 6th.
The Marathon de Ultimas Noticias, a 10km race, is staged each year
and the full speed go-cart competition down the notoriously steep
Olmedo Street continues to ignite friendly rivalry amongst kids in
the city.
Many businesses are likely to be closed on Monday, December
5th, and Tuesday December 6th.
For more info (in Spanish) see:
www.fiestaquito.com
Thanks to volunteeringecuador.info, and wikipedia for this
information.
