Sunday afternoon in Quito

Sunday afternoon in Quito

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Every Sunday in the Historic Center of Quito, the streets are closed to traffic and opened to bicyclists instead. The plaza and surrounding streets are filled with artists, musicians, food vendors, dancers, clowns, mimes and living statues.

We enjoyed all this, plus two art exhibits at the Centro Cultural, for free. Here are some pics of our day.

The street is closed, and you can see a woman in gold costuming on the right doing the 'living statue' bit.
The street is closed, and you can see a woman in gold costuming on the right doing the ‘living statue’ bit.
Live music.
Live music on the street. There were several small bands scattered around.
Another living statue
A living statue (performers who hold very still, but will move a bit if you drop a tip in their box).
There were several portrait artists & caricaturists on the street.
There were several portrait artists & caricaturists on the street.
When church lets out, the square gets even busier.
When church lets out, the square gets even busier.
Weaving hats by hand and sellling the results.
Weaving hats by hand and sellling the results.
One of the free exhibits we saw was Bolívar Mena Franco's work. I loved his maternal portraits.
One of the free exhibits we saw was Bolívar Mena Franco’s work. I loved his maternal portraits.
Another of Bolívar Mena Franco's maternal series.
Another of Bolívar Mena Franco’s maternal series.
The other art exhibit we saw was a collection of photos called “Sport and Passion” in the courtyard of the gallery.
Stores here are tiny. Craig pretty much fills this one up! There's such an entrepreneurial spirit here, so many mom & pop stores.
Stores here are tiny. Craig pretty much fills this one up! There’s such an entrepreneurial spirit here, so many mom & pop stores.
This woman paints constantly, and her husband sells her work. We bought three small paintings for $1 each.
This woman paints constantly, and her husband sells her work. We bought three small paintings for $1 each.
Loved this little girl! She was videotaping the dancers with an iPad, but I caught her reflection.
Loved this little girl! She was videotaping the dancers with an iPad, and I snuck this shot of her reflection. She was absolutely engrossed.
Detail of dancer's hairstyle and jewelry
Detail of dancer’s hairstyle and jewelry
The dancers used skirts and shawls to create color and movement
The dancers used skirts and shawls to create color and movement
Detail of another dancer's costuming
Detail of a dancer’s costuming for another number.
Little girls waiting to take the stage for one of their numbers
Little girls waiting to take the stage for one of their numbers
Costume change! More colorful hair ornaments now.
Costume change! More colorful hair ornaments now.
Dancers in colorful costume
Male dancers in colorful costumes with fur chaps!
Indigenous Quechua girls in traditional clothing getting a shoeshine in the square
Quechua girls in traditional clothing getting a shoeshine in the square

Here’s a brief clip of a couple of the dances we saw.

This festival environment is EVERY Sunday in the historic area of Quito. It’s actually possible to overdose on art, music, crafts and dancing here!

Published by Lauren

I'm a nomadic freelance writer, out enjoying the world!

6 Comments

  • Holly Parker

    July 16, 2013 at 2:43 am

    Ok. Must go to Quito. Seriously, it’s on the list. Thanks for sharing this.

  • Patricia

    July 16, 2013 at 3:15 am

    Gotta love the creative use of the bells on the guys! 🙂 Have you really been gone 2 months now Lauren?? ? Seems like it was just last week that you posted on BHUZ that you were planing on doing this!

  • Lauren

    July 16, 2013 at 3:34 pm

    It’s been a little over 2 months, and it is flying by! I have barely begun, there’s so much to see!

  • Lauren

    July 16, 2013 at 3:40 pm

    Quito is a really affordable vacation. Look into Spirit airfares. I can hook you up with a delightful apartment for $200 a week within walking distance of everything, and advice on what to do once you’re here.

    Quito is in recovery mode, it was pretty rundown & dangerous for a while. Still lots of graffiti, litter, etc (but most South American cities are like that). When Craig leaves, I will be going out during the day for lunch & groceries and then staying in after about 6:30pm (it gets dark early here on the equator). But the churches, architecture, and culture make up for that. And the people here are just amazing, truly.

  • Cookie Shaw

    July 17, 2013 at 5:23 pm

    I love the pictures that you took ..Thank you for sharing them ..I would love too see more ..

  • Lauren

    July 17, 2013 at 5:33 pm

    Hi, Cookie! I promise there will be more, I love taking pictures. Craig is my bodyguard while I go around the city with my face buried in my camera. 😀