Everything is ready to celebrate the foundation of Quito

Image: El Comercio

The celebrations for the 481 years of the Spanish foundation of Quito extend to neighborhoods and urban and rural parishes of the District. Parades of schools and other social groups also started.

Early yesterday, the Te Deum was held in La Merced church, in downtown Quito. Mauricio Rodas, Mayor of Quito, stressed that this mass is a tradition in this celebration. “We want to uphold these practices.”

This ritual commemorates that in 1534the capital was entrusted to Our Lady of Mercy, called the protector of Quito.

After this celebration of solemn nature, an space for popular celebrations was opened. The municipal educational establishments held their parade along the Venezuela street. Students greeted Mayor Rodas, who along with other authorities, stood at the balcony of the City Hall.

Translated into English by Pierina Abad
Source: http://www.elcomercio.com/actualidad/musica-baile-quito-fiestas-conciertos.html