Monday, December 7, 2009

Festivals in Quito

It has been a very exciting time to be in Quito. The city just celebrated its 475th anniversary on Sunday. Last week and weekend there were parties, music everywhere, crowds, and celebration.
Music is played everywhere. It is the lifeblood that pumps through the veins of Latin America. Shops blast salsa, merengue, and cumba into the streets. Double decker party buses called las chivas stroll the streets while live bands perform on top and people dance and celebrate below. National ensembles play music in the park. Marching bands and drummers stroll the streets.

The weekend was full of festivities consisting of music, local Ecuadorian food, costumes, and a parade last night to cap it off. I spent the last 4 or 5 days exploring the city, enjoying the music and local food, and attending a few local fiestas and the parade last night. In addition, last Wednesday was the South American soccer final between Quito (Liga) and a Brazilian team (Fluminense). Unfortunately, it was in Brazil so I couldn´t go to the game, but I watched it in a bar with Quiteños. Liga won, prompting songs, celebration, and people pouring out into the streets.

Below are a few pictures from sites in the city. Festival pictures to come...







3 comments:

  1. Que locura hombe! Parece que te este yendo bien, me alegra... y la foto? es una basilica o que?

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  2. la foto es basilica del Voto Nacional. I climbed all the way to the top on an extremely steep ladder and enjoyed some amazing views!

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  3. Esta Basílica del Voto Nacional se parece a una obra de arte jardín de infantes. Es la construcción, incluso terminado? Just kidding.

    T.P., T-Bone, Ty-Dao-Quito (new nickname), keep on having the time of your life. ¿Ha estado saliendo con cualquier bellas damas de Quito?

    Depending on where you will be hombe, the Murph and I are talking about a visit to SA (not to be confused with South Africa) in July or August. I am thinking we would stay for two weeks minimum. Send us some thoughts of dates and what cities to fly into and out of.

    Por ahora, adiós ...

    Conor

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