Celebrate Palm Sunday in Quito, Ecuador with one of the best local guides in the city, Jacqueline Granda.

While Palm Sunday is celebrated in Catholic communities worldwide, it is an especially poignant beginning to Easter Week in Quito's UNESCO-recognized Historic Center. There are several key moments to enjoy, from strolling the cobblestone streets in search of huge stone crosses dressed in rosaries of fresh flowers to eating traditional street foods important to Holy Week, like pristiños.

The highlight of Palm Sunday is a little known procession that takes place every year, rain or shine. Devoted followers meet at the emblematic Basilica del Voto Nacional to lead the way. Leading the way, several people hold branches of wax palm like a triumphal arch, announcing the arrival of iconic characters like the Virgen del Panecillo, also known as the Virgin of Quito.

This show of Catholic faith reaches its peak in the Plaza de San Francisco, where hundreds gather to participate in an open air mass, rain or shine. Adherents bring their Palm Sunday bouquets to be blessed in memory of Jesus' triumphant march into Jerusalem. 

Jacquie knows the best places to be at the right times so that you can experience the day without worries of missing a single important moment. 

Schedule of Events

Meeting time: 08:00 am

Meeting place: Basilica del Voto Nacional

Duration: 4-5 hours

We will begin this day touring the Neo-gothic Basilica del Voto Nacional, the place where the Palm Sunday procession begins. We will join the procession as they begin walking the iconic streets of the old city at about 10 am. 

Depending on our group, we can remain in the Plaza de San Francisco for the entire open-air mass or decide to depart a little earlier to enjoy the many small stores and street vendors selling artisan goods. 

Our tour will end in La Plaza Grande. If you are staying in Quito's Historic Center, Jacquie will accompany you to your hotel. Otherwise, she will help you find a taxi for your return trip.

See optional cooking demonstration and tasting of traditional Semana Santa foods below.