Every place has special holidays that are unique to them. In this case, I mean something other than the usual holidays that everyone celebrates like New Year’s Eve, Christmas, or even Independence Day. Fiestas de Quito (celebrations of Quito) is specific to this city.
Is there a special celebration or event that your community celebrates? In Lubbock, Texas we have a big arts festival in the spring, as well as a festival dedicated to Buddy Holly. There’s also a Cowboy Symposium that is held in the summer.
Quito is no different, and the biggest Quito-specific holiday that I know about is Fiestas de Quito to recognize the founding of the city in 1534.
Fiestas de Quito can last for up to two weeks of celebration, culminating in the biggest celebrations on December 5th and 6th. People celebrate in a variety of ways. There are musical events and performances in the centro histórico (historical center) of the city.
At my office, they plan a whole series of activities for December 5th, since the following day, Friday, was the holiday and no one works. We had a special lunch with a traditional meal of roasted pork and hominy served with rice, plantains, and toasted corn. It was a delicious meal.
