| In Quito, the Capital of Ecuador, the enormous influence | | | | come in groups of friends or family, to socialize, listen |
| that the Spanish had in the origin of many Ecuadorian | | | | to the music, dance and drink the famous canelazo, a |
| celebrations is most evident. During December Quito | | | | hot drink with cinnamon and “firewater”. |
| celebrates its “Spanish Foundation”, by the | | | | Traditionally, parades take place in different areas of |
| Conquistador Sebastian de Benalcazar on December | | | | the city, with the participation of dancing groups of the |
| 6, 1534. This was the second site where the city was | | | | schools of Quito and music bands. Many cultural |
| founded - the first foundation was in August of the | | | | events that keep the traditions of Quito alive take |
| same year in Sicalpa, near the city of Riobamba. | | | | place during the week, like fireworks, poetry reading, |
| One of the central events during this celebration is the | | | | recreation of legends and traditions, art exhibitions, food |
| bullfights, with the participation of more Spanish | | | | and traditional sweets festivals, folk dancing and much |
| “matadors” than local ones. During the week of | | | | more take place the first week of December. |
| festivities Quito lives a Spanish fiesta, with flamenco | | | | In the homes, families and groups of friends of all ages |
| dancers, manzanilla drinking, people wearing the typical | | | | get together to play an Ecuadorian game of cards |
| Spanish hats to the bullfights and afterwards, enjoying | | | | called “cuarenta” or forty, since it is played with |
| long lunches with the most famous delicacies of the | | | | 40 cards. The World Championship of Cuarenta takes |
| Spanish cuisine to delight local palates. This year, | | | | place as one of the highlights of the festivity. |
| bullfights will take place between November 30 and | | | | Throughout the week, open sided buses called chivas, |
| December 6, 2005, at the Plaza de Toros of Quito. | | | | originally from the Coast, take groups of friends who |
| The different “barrios” organize dancing in the | | | | climb to the roof to party, singing, dancing and drinking, |
| streets - the largest events take place at Rodrigo de | | | | accompanied by music bands. Many chivas run along |
| Chavez Street in the southern section of the city and | | | | the streets of the city in this festive mood. The first |
| in Shyris Avenue in the north. These are all-night | | | | week of December is a great time to be in Quito, |
| events with orchestras playing Latin Music. People | | | | come join the festivities! |