Quito, the capital of Ecuador, is not only an architectural and cultural gem of Latin America but also an important center of religious devotion. Religious tourism in Quito attracts thousands of visitors each year, especially during the religious festivities that mark the local calendar. The capital transforms into a vibrant scene where faith and culture uniquely intertwine.
Throughout the year, Quito’s churches and plazas fill with worshippers and tourists participating in masses, processions, and other liturgical events. The city, with its stunning Andean mountain landscape and cool climate, provides the perfect backdrop for these religious events, which are both acts of devotion and opportunities to immerse oneself in the local culture.
In this guide, we invite you to discover Quito’s main religious festivities, sacred places you shouldn’t miss, and some useful tips for planning your trip.
Major religious festivities in Quito
1. Holy Week: Experience Quito’s devotion and tradition
Holy Week in Quito is one of the city’s most important and emotional religious celebrations. During this week, Catholic faithful commemorate the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ through a series of liturgical events and processions that attract both locals and tourists.
Procession of Jesus of the Great Power
One of the most notable events is the Procession of Jesus of the Great Power, held on Good Friday. This procession is one of the most impressive and crowded in Latin America. Thousands of devotees, many dressed as cucuruchos (hooded penitents) or verónicas (women accompanying Jesus on his way to Calvary), walk the streets of the Historic Center carrying religious images and commemorating the most significant moments of Christ’s Passion.
The cucuruchos, with their purple robes and conical hoods, proceed in a solemn and slow walk, carrying heavy crosses as an act of penance.
Quito’s churches also dress up for the occasion, offering special masses, adorations, and cultural activities that allow visitors to learn more about the city’s rich Catholic tradition. Participation in these activities is not limited to the faithful; it’s a time when the community comes together to reflect and share their faith.
2. Day of the Dead: Remembering loved ones
The Day of the Dead is another significant celebration in Quito, where families honor the memory of their deceased loved ones. It takes place every November 2 and, although not exclusively a religious festivity, it has deep roots in Catholic tradition and indigenous customs.
Visiting Cemeteries
On this day, it’s common for families to visit cemeteries to clean and decorate the graves of their loved ones with flowers, candles, and personal items. It’s an act of respect and affection that allows families to keep the memory of the deceased alive. In many cemeteries, special masses are held to pray for the souls’ repose.
Can tourists visit the cemeteries? Yes! Tourists can visit cemeteries in Quito during the Day of the Dead. In fact, visiting the General Cemetery, where the procession in honor of the deceased begins, is recommended. It is a unique opportunity to observe and participate in a significant cultural tradition. The cemeteries are open to the public, and visitors are welcome to join local families in commemorating their loved ones.
However, it’s important for tourists to be respectful during their visit. This includes behaving solemnly, not taking photos without permission, and avoiding interrupting ceremonies or family interactions.
Typical Foods
One of the most representative culinary traditions of this date is the preparation of colada morada and guaguas de pan. Colada morada is a thick drink made from black corn, fruits, and spices, while guaguas de pan are sweet bread figures shaped like dolls. These foods symbolize the connection between the world of the living and the dead and are shared among family and friends as a gesture of unity and remembrance.
3. Celebrating the city’s foundation
Although the Fiestas de Quito, celebrated on December 6, commemorate the city’s Spanish foundation and are not exclusively religious, they include important liturgical acts and processions in honor of the city and its patron saints. This festivity is one of the most joyous and colorful on the Quito calendar, marking the city’s foundation anniversary in 1534.
During this week of celebrations, masses are held in several of the city’s iconic churches, such as the Basilica of the National Vow and the Church of San Francisco. Additionally, religious processions and acts intertwine with cultural and festive events, such as parades, concerts, and traditional dances. These activities highlight the blend of faith and culture that characterizes Quito.
4. Christmas and New Year: Special celebrations in Quito
Christmas is a time of joy and reflection in Quito, where the birth of Jesus Christ is celebrated with a series of religious and cultural activities that attract people of all ages.
Quito’s churches hold special masses known as Misas de Gallo on Christmas Eve. These masses are a tradition that brings families together to give thanks and celebrate the arrival of Baby Jesus. During these celebrations, live nativity scenes often recreate the scene of Jesus’ birth with local actors.
In addition to religious activities, Quito’s plazas and streets are filled with Christmas lights and decorations. Carol concerts and choir performances in main plazas like the Plaza de la Independencia are part of the festivities. The city transforms into a magical place, with Christmas markets offering crafts, typical foods, and holiday products.
Although not a religious holiday, New Year in Quito is celebrated with traditions that have a spiritual touch. It is common to see the burning of effigies, figures made of cardboard and old clothes representing the old year. This tradition symbolizes purification and the desire to leave behind the negative to welcome the new year with renewed hopes and blessings. Additionally, many families attend New Year’s Mass to thank for the ending year and pray for a prosperous new year.
5. Feast of the Virgin of Mercy: A testament of faith and devotion
Another important religious event in Quito is the Feast of the Virgin of Mercy, celebrated on September 24. This festivity honors the Virgin of Mercy, one of Ecuador’s most revered Marian devotions. Devotion to the Virgin dates back to colonial times, and the Church of La Merced, built in the 17th century, becomes the epicenter of the celebrations.
During this festivity, the church, with its imposing baroque architecture, fills with devotees attending special masses in honor of the Virgin. The celebration includes a colorful procession, where the image of the Virgin of Mercy is carried through the streets of the Historic Center, accompanied by a multitude of faithful. The procession is an act of faith and thanksgiving, where devotees make offerings and pray for their petitions. In addition to religious activities, cultural events such as sacred music concerts and religious art exhibitions enrich the attendees’ experience.
6. Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Guápulo
The Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Guápulo is another significant event held on September 8 in honor of the Feast of the Virgin of Guápulo. This shrine, located on the outskirts of Quito, is an important destination for pilgrims who annually walk the route from the Church of the Society of Jesus to the Shrine of Guápulo.
Along the way, one can see improvised altars and prayer stations, where participants pause to meditate and pray.
Upon reaching the Shrine, the faithful participate in a solemn mass and other religious activities, such as the blessing of objects and the reception of sacraments. The celebration is a moment of deep spiritual connection, where the community unites in an act of faith and devotion to the Virgin of Guápulo.
The Festival of Lights: Tradition and spirituality in Quito’s night
The Festival of Lights, celebrated on August 6, is a special event that combines religious tradition and spirituality. It commemorates the Transfiguration of Jesus, an event narrated in the Gospels where Jesus reveals his divinity to three of his disciples.
During this festival, Quito’s streets fill with lights and candles, creating a magical and reflective atmosphere. The processions, led by religious figures and accompanied by faithful carrying candles, travel through the illuminated streets, symbolizing the light of faith that guides believers.
In addition to processions, masses and vigils are held in the city’s churches, and cultural events, including theatrical and musical performances, highlight the theme of light and faith.
Sacred places to visit in Quito
You can start with the Basilica of the National Vow. With its neo-Gothic architecture, it is one of the tallest buildings in Quito and a city icon. Inaugurated in 1924, it stands out for its stained glass windows and figures of Ecuadorian fauna replacing traditional gargoyles. It is a key center for religious celebrations like Holy Week and the Day of the National Vow.
Religious tourism isn’t complete without visiting the Church of the Society of Jesus, a masterpiece of Quito baroque, famous for its carved stone facade and interior covered in gold leaf. Built between 1605 and 1765, it hosts special masses and important processions during events like Holy Week and the Feast of Saint Ignatius of Loyola.
Finally, the San Francisco Convent is one of Quito’s oldest religious complexes, founded in 1536! It is an important historical and spiritual site with its own series of celebrations and rich cultural tradition reflected in its architecture and art.
Tips for planning your religious trip to Quito
Processions are a central part of many religious festivities in Quito. Participating or simply observing is a profound way to experience local devotion and culture. Always remember to be respectful of the participants and traditions.
During the festivities, many churches in Quito hold special masses and ceremonies. Attending a mass can be a moving experience and a way to better understand the local faith and traditions.
Take the opportunity to try the local cuisine, such as fanesca during Holy Week or coladas moradas and guaguas de pan on the Day of the Dead.
What else do you need to know? Where, when, and how to find the best hotel in Quito.
Hotel in the center of Quito: A step away from the best of the capital
Quito’s Historic Center is a treasure trove of history and culture, and staying in this area offers the chance to be just a step away from the city’s main attractions. One of the best places to stay in this area is Hotel-Casa Ecuatreasures, a boutique hotel that combines the charm of a restored colonial house with the comfort of modern amenities.
From here, you can easily walk to Plaza de la Independencia, the Palacio de Carondelet, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and a variety of museums and colonial churches that make Quito a fascinating city to explore.
Our Hotel Ecuatreasures stands out not only for its excellent location but also for its architecture and decor that reflect Ecuadorian Andean identity. The fully restored house retains its original details, such as wrought-iron balconies and inner courtyards, offering guests an authentic experience. Despite its historic ambiance, the hotel does not skimp on modern comforts, ensuring a pleasant and convenient stay.
If you’re looking for an authentic and comfortable experience in the heart of Quito, Ecuatreasures is an unbeatable choice.
