Battle of Pichincha

May 24, 1822

Battle of Pichincha, (May 24, 1822),
in the Latin-American wars of
independence, a victory by South
American rebels, commanded by
Antonio José de Sucre, over the
Spanish royalists on the lower
slopes of Cerro Pichincha, an
Andean volcano. It enabled the
rebels to occupy nearby Quito,
Ecuador, the following day. Simón
Bolívar, leader of the revolutionary
forces in northern South America,
was acclaimed liberator, and
Ecuador was joined to the newly
formed but transitory Republic of
Gran Colombia.

The battle was a very important one in the country’s history and so it is commemorated every year
on the anniversary of the day on which it took place – May 24. The battle was fought on the slopes
of the Pichincha volcano – hence the name – and today you will find that this is right next to the
city of Quito and at an elevation of roughly 3500 meters above sea level.

This historic battle brought about the liberation of Quito as well as the many different Ecuadorian
provinces which were grouped together administratively under the colonial government. In it
General Antonio José de Sucre, who fought for the Patriot army, came to clash with a Royalist army
under the command of Field Marshall Melchor Aymerich. The battle was one of many which were
later given the name ‘the South American Wars of Independence’ and just as with many other South
American countries it was the patriot army which was victorious. As a result of the battle, the
people of Quito were able to claim independence and set up their own government which later
came to encompass all the administrative jurisdictions which had been grouped with Quito. The
people called their new home the Republic of Ecuador and started a new and exciting chapter in
their own lives and the history of their country.

This is not one of the most dazzling of local festivals, but it is one of national pride. On the 24th of
May, both the military and many civilians do their utmost to put on a public display of national pride.
The result is definitely worth seeing as parades, airplane shows and other activities all convey a
strong sense of Ecuadorian nationalism. Of course, the best activities take place at Pichincha
volcano so if you really want to get a good idea of festival activities then Pichincha is the one of
best places to visit.

Name: Isaac Mendoza Course: 8vo “A”