Day of the Foundation of Quito

The Day of the Foundation of Quito (Spanish: Día de la Fundación de Quito) is an annual regional public holiday observed in Quito, the capital of Ecuador, on December 6th.

This holiday commemorates the founding of Quito in 1534, a pivotal moment in the Spanish colonization of Ecuador. On December 6th of that year, 204 settlers, led by Sebastián de Benalcázar, established the city.

Quito experienced rapid growth, earning the status of a city in 1541. By 1563, it became an administrative region of Spain and an integral part of the Viceroyalty of Peru.

Despite its enduring ties to Spain, Quito played a pioneering role in Latin American history. In August 1809, it became the first location in the region to rebel against colonial rule and declare independence, an event commemorated on Ecuador's Independence Day.

Renowned for its well-preserved and minimally altered historic center, Quito earned the distinction of being one of the first cities worldwide to be inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List in 1978.

While December 6th is the official public holiday, the citizens of Quito, known as Quitenos, engage in nearly ten days of festivities leading up to the occasion. The peak of celebrations occurs on December 5th and 6th, creating a vibrant and joyous atmosphere in the city.