Bullfighting
Bullfighting was brought to Ecuador by the Spanish, and it was enthusiastically embraced becoming a national pastime. In fact, Ecuador celebrated its independence from Spain by hosting eight consecutive days of bullfights. In the mid 19th century, attempts were made by the conservative government to restrict and limit bullfighting, seen at the time as an excuse for heavy drinking, gambling and other vices. Nevertheless, bullfighting remained a traditional “recreation” in Quito through the 21st century. In 2011 the killing of bulls in bullfights was prohibited in Quito.
