Festivities of Quito celebrate Ecuador's Spanish roots, so traditional Spanish culture is appreciated and enjoyed during these days. Traditional food as well as wine, are commonly consumed. Joke telling in theaters and cuarenta card game comptitions are two other traditions during the festivities.
For the ten days running up to and including 6th December, there are also bull fights at the Plaza de Toros, the only time during the year when the bull ring is actually used for bull fighting. The fights are considered by most to be a high-class social event, and Quito’s elite flock to the fights, dressed in their finest smart-casual wear, donning cowboy or panama hats to keep the sun off. Many also have botas (wineskins). Those who can’t afford to go inside linger outside and in the surrounding streets in groups drinking beer and whiskey and dancing in makeshift discos.
In late November, the festivities start with the election of the Queen of Quito. From this point onwards, in the streets you can see Chivas, or colorful open-topped buses driving through the streets, carrying as many as 50 people who may be dancing to the banda del pueblo (town band) which play on the top, or drinking canelazo, a potent alcoholic drink with a sugar cane alcohol and cinnamon base. This happens night and day, with Chivas getting booked up weeks ahead of time for the early days of December.
On the night of 5th December, the partying reaches a climax and there are street parties all over Quito.
In late November, the festivities start with the election of the Queen of Quito. From this point onwards, in the streets you can see Chivas, or colorful open-topped buses driving through the streets, carrying as many as 50 people who may be dancing to the banda del pueblo (town band) which play on the top, or drinking canelazo, a potent alcoholic drink with a sugar cane alcohol and cinnamon base. This happens night and day, with Chivas getting booked up weeks ahead of time for the early days of December.
On the night of 5th December, the partying reaches a climax and there are street parties all over Quito.
It was the first time I went to a bull fight, I was glad I went but felt very sad for the bulls.
The chiva was tons of fun because you get to drink and dance on the open bus that is going 30-40 mph I think it's the adrenaline. The card game 40 was interesting but it requires great memory and a slick tongue.
The best part of it all was, after the fiestas de Quito I called my parents and they were able to re- live their youth by telling me stories on how they celebrated that week. ( now I was able to relate to the streets, the names etc...)
That is awesome Jackie! Ecuador knows how to party, but what I liked the most was your connection with your parents, priceless :-)
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