The capital of Ecuador is coming alive during the “Los mercados saludan a Quito”- Ecuador

The day is the 26th of November and this was a «Desfile de los Mercados» or a «Markets Parade». From where I stood on the corner of Plaza Grande, at the street Venezuela, I could see all the paraders and music bands all the way up to the Basilica del Voto Nacional. The parade started at the Benito Juarez Park and the ending point was San Francisco Square. We had no idea that this was a special day. After breakfast we walk up to San Francisco Plaza. We were going to find a tourist information center and asked a couple of police officers for directions. At the same time we saw that something was planned to take place at the plaza. The officer who didn't speak much English said that it was a market festival. We changed our plans. Instead we were standing at the corner of Plaza Grande for three hours, watching the parade - The "Markets Greet Quito" parade.

One of the participants with Quito's city flag. A flag we saw in several places all over Quito. Ecuadors capital is also celebrating 491 years since its foundation in 1534. The founder was the Spaniard Diego de Almagro. Quito is located 2,850 meters above sea level and is considered one of the highest capitals in the world. I did feel the hight the first couple of days. Quito's historic center is declared a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. It is one of the largest an best-preseved you will find in the Americas. It is a beautiful place to spend time. I really enjoyed walking here.

The parade also concisted of busses like this one. The music was loud, but filled with happy, dancing people that looked ready for a party. A couple of beauty queens are also on board.

Spectator

We didn't get to hear the concert that might have been held at the San Francisco Plaza as I assume it was later. Even though we didn't hear the concert, we assumed that the highlight of the day was the traditional parade - "The Markets Greet Quito". A definitely lively and beautifully event that seems to be of great value to the inhabitants of the city. It certainly is a great opportunity to experience a different side of the city.

Spectator

This event certainly is a great way of celebrating the city's diversity and identity when it comes to markets. Along the whole route, the spectators could enjoy traditional dances and costumes. The perfomances were an artistic expressions with that highlights Quito's traditions. Many of the participants in the parade did throw flowers or sweets to the spectators.

Spectator

The municipality of Quito has created the program that is used when the city celebrates its culture. The goal is, among other things, to be a source of something that can make the citizens proud.

This never ending line of parades, music bands and performers was a great way of getting an opportunity to connect with the locals and really feel the pulse of the city. People along the route were shouting "viva Quito" to the paraders. I was standing at the same place all the time, but at the back. Now and then some of the women in the front asked me to come up in front (they saw me with a camera). A nice gesture and a great way of feeling part of the festivities.

Street vendor

All the participating groups who marched through town, payed tribute to Quito in a very colorful way. It was absolute engaging! It was not only the participant that caught attention. Many local were dressed in traditional custumes. The street vendors were busy, even though there weren't much room for them to along the route. This was a great way of saying goodbue to Quito. The next day, I contued mye travels.

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All the photoes are mine, Ulla Jensen (flickr, Instagram and facebook)

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