By Vahid Alaghehband
The Quito festivities celebrate the city's foundation and are commemorated every December 6. Cuenca's Independence Day is on November 3, right after the Day of the Dead.
Here's what each celebration is about and simple phrases to talk about them in English.
The Quito festivities
They celebrate the foundation of San Francisco de Quito in 1534. According to El Universo, the city's historical archive says Diego de Almagro founded it on August 15, 1534, and December 6 is commemorated because that's when Sebastián de Benalcázar brought the founding act to Quito. It's a local holiday in Quito, with parades, concerts, street parties and chivas, open party buses with music and lights.
Cuenca's Independence Day
On November 3, 1820, Cuenca declared its independence from Spanish rule, according to El Universo. It's a national holiday and usually makes a long weekend together with the Day of the Dead on November 2.
Phrases to talk about city festivities
- Quito was founded in 1534.
- We celebrate the city's foundation on December 6.
- People ride around the city in a chiva.
- Everyone shouts "¡Que viva Quito!", which means "Long live Quito!"
- Cuenca declared its independence on November 3, 1820.
Mini quiz
Quito ___ founded in 1534. (is / was)
Show answer
was: past passive, was founded.
Cuenca declared its independence ___ 1820.
Show answer
in: years take in.
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Frequently asked questions
Why does Quito celebrate on December 6?
That's when Sebastián de Benalcázar brought the 1534 founding act to Quito, according to El Universo.
What happened in Cuenca on November 3?
Cuenca declared its independence from Spanish rule on November 3, 1820. It's a national holiday.
What is a chiva?
An open party bus with music and lights, typical of the Quito festivities.
