10
Aug
Not built in a day
210 years ago, on 10 August 1809, Criollo rebels took over the Ecuadorian capital Quito. This was the day when Antonio José de Sucre y Alcala defeated the Spanish Royalist forces at the Battle of Pichincha and the country made the first step towards gaining its independence. Lacking essential support, criollos (Spaniards born in the Americas) were defeated in about three weeks.
It was remarkable Simón Bolívar – assisted with one of his closest friends, General Sucre – who finalised freeing Ecuador from Spain's grasp in 1822. Independence Day and Simón Bolívar's Birthday are equally important holidays in this South American country ever since.
Although “El Dia del Primer Grito de Independencia de Quito” (the day of the first declaration of independence of Quito) is celebrated as Ecuador’s national day, it was a long run till the full independence, which was years away. Just like Encebollado – the Ecuadorian national dish – it took time to stew.
On 9 October 1820 Guayaquil, Ecuador’s main port and the largest city gained its independence.
On 24 May 1822 Quito and the lands it controlled became independent from Spain after the legendary Battle of Pichincha on the volcano, 3500 meters above sea level, next to the city of Quito.
On 13 July 1822 the government of Guayaquil joined Quito in Gran Colombia, which included present-day Colombia, Panama, Venezuela, Ecuador, northern Peru, western Guyana, and northwest Brazil.
On 30 May 1830 the Republic of Ecuador became independent from Gran Colombia.
