Quito in Celebration: A City of Light, Fire, and Flavour

How to Experience the Fiestas de Quito in Style

Each December, Quito transforms. From the colonial balconies of San Juan to the modern skyline of La Carolina, the city bursts into a celebration of identity, rhythm, and joy. Fiestas de Quito aren’t just a civic holiday — they’re a living tradition that honours the capital’s soul.

Founded on 6 December 1534, Quito’s heritage isn’t only in its stones or churches — it’s in its people, music, flavours and night-time magic. And the best way to understand it? Live it like a Quiteño — with all your senses.

Here’s a curated journey through the most atmospheric experiences for your clients to enjoy Quito’s most festive season.

Mascarada Nocturna: Dance, Light, and Carnival on the Streets

Part parade, part theatre, part cultural explosion — the Mascarada Nocturna is one of Quito’s most iconic public events during the fiestas. Taking place on Avenida de Los Shyris or La Amazonas, this night-time celebration brings together giant puppets, stilt-walkers, traditional dancers and light shows, with a playful, satirical spirit that reflects Ecuadorian creativity.

The word mascarada evokes masks — but in this case, it’s about revealing rather than hiding. From political commentary to joyful chaos, it’s a living canvas of Ecuador’s humour and artistry. The energy is contagious, and the best way to experience it is among the crowds… or from a balcony with a warm drink in hand.

Canelazo at Sunset: Rooftop Ritual at Casa Gangotena

No Fiestas de Quito experience is complete without a canelazo — the warm, spiced drink made from aguardiente, cinnamon, sugar cane, and naranjilla, served steaming in glass mugs.

Canelazo is more than a beverage. It’s a symbol of highland warmth and celebration, historically shared during town festivities, cold Andean nights, and family reunions. During the Fiestas de Quito, it becomes the drink of togetherness, passed from hand to hand under fireworks and guitar chords.

For a refined experience, guests can enjoy a sunset canelazo on the rooftop of Casa Gangotena, overlooking the flickering lights of the Historic Centre. With the domes of San Francisco and La Compañía nearby, the city glows as music drifts up from the plazas. It’s Quito at its most romantic and nostalgic.

A Tasting of Heritage at Claro Oscuro

After the music and the canelazo, your travellers will be ready for something deeply rooted — a taste of the culinary memory of Quito.

Claro Oscuro, a sophisticated restaurant near the heart of the capital, offers a degustation menu of traditional quiteño dishes, reimagined with elegance and storytelling. 

Each plate is a tribute to generational kitchens, market traditions and Andean techniques, presented with creative flair.

For food lovers, culture seekers, and slow-travel clients, this experience becomes a sensory map of the city’s identity — a delicious way to understand Quito from the inside out.

Why Include This in December Itineraries?

• Seasonal exclusivity: The Mascarada Nocturna and canelazo traditions only happen during the Fiestas de Quito
• Boutique experiences: Trusted partners like Casa Gangotena and Claro Oscuro guarantee quality and storytelling

• Emotional travel: These moments create real memory, not just content
• Easy to combine: Pair with Galápagos departures, Amazon pre-extensions or cultural Andes circuits

Celebrate Quito With Heart

The Fiestas de Quito are not just a date — they are a feeling. And at ATC, we know how to turn that feeling into a curated experience: festive, immersive, and unforgettable.

Let’s design a journey that brings your travellers into the rhythm of a city in celebration.