Declaration of Independence of Quito

The **Declaration of Independence of Quito** is a significant national holiday in Ecuador, celebrated annually on **August 10th**. It commemorates the events of **August 10, 1809**, when a group of Ecuadorian patriots in Quito, the capital city, declared independence from Spanish colonial rule. This bold act marked one of the first cries for independence in Latin America and is often referred to as the **"First Cry of Independence"** (*Primer Grito de Independencia*). The uprising was led by prominent figures such as **Juan Pío Montúfar**, **Antonio Ante**, and **Manuel Rodríguez de Quiroga**, who sought to establish a sovereign government free from Spanish control. Although the initial movement was suppressed by Spanish authorities, it ignited a spirit of rebellion that eventually led to Ecuador's full independence in **1822** as part of **Gran Colombia**, and later as a fully independent nation in **1830**. Today, the holiday is celebrated with patriotic events, parades, cultural activities, and ceremonies honoring the heroes of the independence movement. It serves as a reminder of Ecuador's struggle for freedom and its enduring commitment to sovereignty and self-determination. The day is a time for Ecuadorians to reflect on their history and celebrate their national identity.