The fair is located 90 km from Quito, Ecuador […]
In a country with 14 nationalities and 18 indigenous peoples, it doesn’t get more normal than Otavalo, the “Intercultural Capital of Ecuador”, which also hosts the largest craft fair in South America.
In the province of Imbabura, in the north of the country, is the Plaza de Ponchos, where the ancient Kichwa Otavalo people, with origins estimated between 300 and 700 years BC, continue to produce their famous textile crafts.
That colorful Andean world is officially known as Centenary Market and is considered the largest craft fair in South America, where local exhibitors sell fabrics, clothes, hats, bags, tablecloths and paintings.
Although it also takes place during the week, this open-air fair comes alive on Saturdays, when commerce spreads along the side streets with more than three thousand exhibitors, in tents (“callambas”) that invade the entire city.
The current structure of the square dates back to 1972, but this historic fair has been held since 1870, when then-president Gabriel García Moreno decreed the Sunday sale of artisanal products.
In the beginning the market brought together people of different cultures from the Amazon, the mountains and the Ecuadorian coast, who traded in exchange with the producers of Otavalo. However, currently, the city receives traders from all over the country and from neighbors, such as Peru and Bolivia.
Even today, crafts form the basis of the economy of the Kichwa Otavalo, one of the largest ethnic groups in Otavalo.
With just over 100 thousand inhabitants, the Canton of Otavalo has around 50% of the population of indigenous origin, hence its strong link with the art of weaving which dates back to the pre-Inca period.
The local population also maintains a strong bond with the Vulcán Imbabura, a formation at 4,640 meters above sea level that can be admired from the viewpoint of Lake San Pablo, known for its banks covered with totora, an aquatic plant native to the region.
Mercado Centenario/Plaza de Ponchos
WHERE
The main fair takes place in the center of Otavalo, in Sucre and Salinas streets, and has free admission.
HOW TO GET
Otavalo is about 90 km from Quito, a journey of about two hours. Buses depart from Carcelén Land Terminal, north of the Ecuadorian capital.
WHEN
Every day, from 7:00 to 18:00.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
