Fiestas de Quito
Que Viva Quito!
Ecuadorians love a good party, and few are as fun or raucous as the Fiestas de Quito.
During the first week of December every year the city of Quito comes alive with concerts, dance, parades, traditional events, and homebrew alcohol.
Yes, it’s chaos and carnage on the streets as impromptu gatherings pop-up, and colorful party buses do the rounds.
The best part? Everyone is welcome to join in the celebrations. So, if you happen to be visiting Ecuador around that time, get your dancing shoes ready, and prepare for an unforgettable local fiesta.
Keep reading for more information about the Fiestas de Quito. We’ll cover everything you need to find the best local concerts & events, plus information about some unusual Quito customs and traditions to look out for.
What is Fiestas de Quito?
First things first, the full name of Ecuador’s capital city is in fact San Francisco de Quito.
Quito City was officially founded by the Spanish on 6th December 1534. Before that date, there had also been a city on the same site, but it was destroyed to ashes by the Inca general Rumiñahui to prevent it from falling into enemy hands.
The Fiestas de Quito was not established until much later, in 1960, as a date for Quiteños to celebrate their city. Since then, the city springs to life every year as proud citizens mark the occasion in style.
When is Fiestas de Quito?
Fiestas de Quito festivities begin when the beauty Queen of Quito is crowned, usually towards the end of November.
The parades and parties continue throughout the following week, reaching a crescendo on December 6th, the official date that marks the founding of Quito.
This date is also recognized as a public holiday long weekend in Ecuador, adding fuel to the non-stop partying.
Fiestas de Quito Traditions
So, how do local Quiteños typically celebrate the Fiestas de Quito?
Chiva Party Buses
One of the most popular ways to party is aboard a colorful, open-air Chiva bus, complete with a dance floor. During the Fiestas de Quito week, the streets of Quito are full of these quirky, mobile parties.
With music blaring, and local moonshine in full flow, the Chivas drive around principal areas of the city, as well as making short stops where revelers can jump out and dance in the street.
It’s common for a business, family, or group of friends to club together to hire a Chiva for their private party. Invites then do the rounds to fill up the spaces, so, you can always befriend some locals in order to secure an invite to a party bus.
Drink Hot Canelazo
Canelazo is a delicious homemade alcoholic brew that without fail appears everywhere during the fiestas. This is the rocket fuel that keeps the party jumping!
The recipe for Canelazo is a mixture of local citrus fruit naranjilla, cinnamon, and local sugar-cane moonshine. Served thick, sweet, hot, and strong, Canelazo is known to put hairs on your chest!
Where to buy a cup of Canelazo? During Fiestas de Quito, street vendors sell it on virtually every street corner around party districts. But probably the best place is La Ronda Street in the old town of Quito. Here, local restaurants and bars serve hot Canelazo by the gallon, together with tasty wind empanadas, often accompanied by street musicians.
Chulla Quiteño Music
On the subject of street musicians, the Fiestas de Quito even have their very own song, El Chulla Quiteño.
This song is dedicated to the “Chulla”, that is a gallant, charismatic, bohemian gentleman who needs no excuse for a party.
He has friends in every part of town and is always ready for a good time.
Although he dresses as if he has money, usually his pockets are empty. He is single, and something of a lovable rogue.
This famous song is played by live bands across the city during Fiestas de Quito, usually resulting in spontaneous dancing and celebration in the street.
Cuarenta Card Games
If loud parties and dancing aren’t your thing, join the locals for a more civilized game of Cuarenta.
Cuarenta is a local card game played throughout the Fiestas de Quito, often whilst sharing a few beers. You might see it played in local cafes, or even in the street.
The card game itself is relatively quick and easy to pick up once the rules have been explained. The goal is to be the first team to reach 40 points by winning cards over a series of rounds.
Usually played in teams of 2, large tournaments are held across Quito, and whilst usually fun can also become quite serious as pride comes into play.
Fiestas de Quito Events & Activities
Having covered the informal traditions of Fiestas de Quito, let’s talk about the many public events that locals and tourists can attend. The best part, they are all free!
Fiestas de Quito Calendar Program
In the weeks running up to the festivities be sure to check out the official program of events published by the Municipio de Quito. This is the easiest way to plan your time and avoid missing out on the fun.
Fiestas de Quito Concerts
Probably the biggest and most popular event is QuitoFest, a live music festival spread over 2 or 3 days.
As well as up-and-coming Ecuadorian bands, some big, well-known names from Latin American pop and rock are usually invited.
QuitoFest is an outdoor event with free entry, making it a great way to spend a day out with killer tunes and good company.
For a more cozy vibe, there are also classical and traditional concert events throughout the week at Quito’s Casa de la Cultura.
Fiestas de Quito Parade Floats
Parades and processions take place across the city, together with speeches from the city mayor, and appearances by the Beauty Queen of Quito. Check the official program as these events vary in date and location each year.
For the more popular parades, Quito’s streets flood with onlookers, showing the heart of the people and the resilient spirit of the country.
School bands and marching dancers also compete against one another in colorful processions.
Wooden go-kart Racing
Coches de Madera (wooden go-karts) is one of the city’s most-loved and unusual traditions during the fiestas.
Neighborhood kids excitedly build their own wooden carts, before racing them down the famously steep-sloping streets of old town Quito. Large crowds gather to support the racers and to see who will win this year’s title.
It’s a wonderful event that brings together members of each different community. While there is a healthy dose of competition, I like to think that the Coches de Madera is more about nostalgia.
Museum Extended Opening Hours
Beyond the many official events around the city, the Fiestas de Quito week is also a great time to explore the museums of the capital.
Quito’s numerous museums open with extended hours into the evening, including the City Museum which tells the story of Quito.
Tips for Tourists During the Fiestas de Quito
First and foremost, don’t be shy. This is a great time to visit the city of Quito and join in with the fun. The locals are wonderful hosts and love to see visitors experiencing their traditions and celebrating their city. Everyone is always welcome to join in!
It’s best to pre-book accommodation over the long public holiday weekend, as Quito hotels get busy.
The city is noisy during the fiestas, so look for lodging away from the old town and party districts. This way you’ll get a good night of sleep, fresh and ready for the next day of partying.
For the easiest way to join a Chiva party bus, contact the most popular hostels and Quito bars in advance. Most will book their own chiva bus for their clients, and often sell tickets.
Again, I cannot stress this enough, DO check out the program of local events. There is so much going on during the Fiestas de Quito, so the program is the only way to avoid missing out on some of the lesser-known local parades and activities.
For more information about Quito city check out these blogs and tours:
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In conclusion, the Fiestas de Quito is the biggest annual party in Ecuador’s capital city.
There are free public events for all tastes, from street parades to live music. Parties pop up everywhere, while colorful Chiva buses liven up the city at night. It’s also easy to enjoy local traditions, including card games, and popular local liquor.
The best way to experience the festivities is to join in with the locals. Que Viva Quito!!!
