Events calendar Quito

It is on December 6th that Quito celebrates its foundation in 1534, by the Spanish conquistador Sebastián de Benalcázar (or Belalcázar). At the time, the Inca Empire was in the grip of a cruel power struggle between Atahualpa and his brother Huascar. The first defended his hegemony from Quito while the second was based in Cuzco (in present-day Peru). Huascar, humiliated in battle, accepted death and Atahualpa, victorious, agreed to meet with the Spaniards who murdered him. Benalcazar who arrived from the south in search of Atahualpa's treasure took over the city.

The first edition was held in 2016. On the occasion of the Festival of Light, the city is transformed for a few days at night. The most famous buildings of the capital are adorned with colors and lights (there were about twenty installations in 2018). A sublime show to which the city of Lyon has brought all its expertise through an international partnership. It is a very beautiful show that tends to become part of the annual celebrations, especially since it takes place at the same time as Independence Day.