August 10th celebrates what is known as ‘Día del Primer Grito de Independencia de Quito’ ( the day of Quito’s first independence push) which marks Quito’s declaration of independence from Spanish rule in 1809. However, this first try of independence was only for a short period of time as the Spaniards regained control 24 days later. The first city to actually gain independence in Ecuador was the city of Guayaquil in 1820. The rest of the country celebrated its independence with the victory of the Battle of Pichincha under Simón Bolivar on May 24th, 1822.
How does Ecuador Celebrate Independence Day?
As culturally traditional, in Quito, there are parades, concerts, and festivals held in historic centers such as Plaza de la Independencia. If you are in Quito, you might be able to see a military parade or catch “los ritmos de Ecuador” throughout the city. You might also want to indulge in some local cuisine like hornado, a dish that gets its name from the way it is prepared. It is slow roasted pork served with fried plantains, Ecuadorian style rice, tomato and onion curtido.
However you celebrate, from Cesar Vallejo College we want to with Ecuador and Ecuadorians across the US a happy independence day!
