Ecuador — Events
Independence Day
December 6, 2011
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.
Founding of Guayaquil
July 25, 2012
Ecuador’s second city celebrates the day of its founding, an event that goes back to 1537 and the early days of the Conquistadores. Francisco de Orellana gets the credit for the rather scrambled initiation of this huge, buzzing, tropical metropolis and the anniversary of that day is celebrated with great enthusiasm. Street parades, dances, art exhibitions, music and cultural events take place on the day itself, as well as warm-up events during the run-up. An international beauty contest, ‘Perla del Pacifico’ (the Pearl of the Pacific), is central to proceedings.
