Monday, July 8th - Ecuador's President and its World famous artist
10:00am Plaza Grande - Changing of the Guard (11:00am-11:40am)
Changing of the Guard in Quito is a fantastic spectacle that takes place every week at the Plaza Grande in the Old Town. Read on to learn about the origins of this traditional Ecuadorian ceremony.
On a gloriously sunny Monday morning – just as every Monday before or since – a large crowd has gathered on Plaza Grande, the most iconic square in the Old Town of Quito.
Suited and ear-pieced officials usher a mixture of locals and tourists into designated standing spaces as street sellers hawk their wares: hats, water, umbrellas – all ready for the big event. Then suddenly on the balcony, flanked by palm trees and lush mountains, appears the star of the show, smiling, waving, gesturing to his adoring fans.
This is none other than the president of Ecuador, here at the Palacio de Carandolet to oversee the Changing of the Guard, a ceremony that sees the military squadron guarding the presidential seat for the past week pass the baton to the next group. With much pomp and solemnity, the Changing of the Guard is a fantastic spectacle and a great honor bestowed on the most senior and loyal soldiers.
After, we take taxis to Casa de Guayasamin
Guayasamín Foundation - In the former home of the legendary painter Oswaldo Guayasamín (1919–99), this wonderful museum houses the most complete collection of the artist's work. Guayasamín was also an avid collector, and the museum displays his outstanding collection of pre-Columbian ceramic, bone and metal pieces. Admission includes entry to the Capilla del Hombre gallery.
The pieces are arranged by theme – bowls, fertility figurines, burial masks etc; in the geometric designs and muted color schemes you can see the influence on Guayasamín’s work.
The museum also houses Guayasamín’s collection of religious art, including works by highly skilled indigenous artists from the Escuela Quiteña; there’s even a collection of bloody crucifixes (although Guayasamín was agnostic, he incorporated tortured, Christ-like images in his own work).Guayasamín is buried alongside his friend, the writer Jorge Enrique Adoum, under a pine tree near the house.