Festivities of Guápulo and its traditional ”entrance of oranges”

The “Entrance of Oranges” is a peculiar tradition that is part of the festivities in honor of Our Lady of Guápulo, which take place every year in the neighborhood that carries the same name, organized by its residents with the support of the Franciscan religious community. The Guápulo festivities generally take place between the first and second week of September, so that the date matches with the Virgin Mary^s day, on September 8.

The activities that take place for more than a week of festivities, include the proclamation with music and fireworks. The Novena, an activity that consists of praying for 9 days prior to the celebration is also held to remember Guápulo as the first Marian colonial sanctuary built in Ecuador in 1620. During this festivity, visitors can enjoy serenades offered to the Virgin, wooden car races, a festival of typical foods, folk groups shows, traditional dances, artistic evenings, among many more activities.

But the most original and striking detail of the festivities in this traditional Quito neighborhood is the “Orange Entrance”. The legendary road by which Francisco de Orellana and Gonzalo Pizarro undertook the route to the Country of Cinnamon, always also considered a religious pilgrimage route, gives way to the evening procession in which its main protagonist is the image of Our Lady of Guápulo accompanied by village bands and by a great diversity of participants dressed as traditional characters of these festivals such as princesses, clowns, gorillas, dancers, among others.

Closing the procession, a caravan of vans full of oranges, offering their way this fruit with accurate aim, to the spectators, who happy and excited, try to catch these juicy gifts, while having fun and bragging among themselves about the amount of oranges they managed to grab.

An unmissable, unique and different traditional festival that takes place in the midst of the hustle and bustle of our modern capital, in the heart of one of the most beautiful and traditional neighborhoods in the city. Remember that you can learn more about Quito and its ancient traditions on board our personalized tours that will make your visit a unique experience.