Primer Grito de Independencia

See? Even Google is celebrating.

Holidays in Ecuador can get to be very confusing. The cities of Quito, Cuenca, and Guayaquil each have their own independence days celebrated as national holidays. Each city also celebrates the day of its founding, but only some are considered national holidays. In all three cities, and probably in more throughout the country, one sees these dates on the street signs of the main thoroughfares. 9 de Octubre; 6 de Diciembre; 10 de Agosto.

Today, August 10th, is the primer grito de independencia - first cry of independence - of Quito.

I don't know how they celebrate in Quito, but here in Guayaquil, we celebrate by moving the holiday to the 12th, which is a Friday, thereby creating for ourselves a long weekend and a perfect opportunity for a trip to the beach.