Ambato, Ecuador: Difference between revisions
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[[Image:Ecuador Ambato MonumentJuanMontalvo.JPG|thumb|Monument of Juan Montalvo in [[Ambato]], Ecuador]] |
[[Image:Ecuador Ambato MonumentJuanMontalvo.JPG|thumb|Monument of Juan Montalvo in [[Ambato]], Ecuador]] |
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'''Ambato''' (full form, '''San Juan de Ambato''') is a city in the centre of [[Ecuador]], lying on the banks of the [[Ambato River]]. It is the capital of the province of [[Tungurahua Province|Tungurahua]], at an elevation of 2577 meters above sea level. The population is |
'''Ambato''' (full form, '''San Juan de Ambato''') is a city in the centre of [[Ecuador]], lying on the banks of the [[Ambato River]]. It is the capital of the province of [[Tungurahua Province|Tungurahua]], at an elevation of 2577 meters above sea level. The population is 354,095 (INEC, 2007). |
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The city is a leading commercial and transportation center on a fertile region near the northern foot of the [[Tungurahua]] [[volcano]], which is still active and erupted in August 2006. On Mondays the city hosts one of the largest fruit, vegetable, and meat markets in the country. In addition, Ambato casts the famous "''Fiesta de las Flores y de las Frutas''" (Flowers and Fruits Festival) in February. As a way to recover from the tragic earthquake of 5 August 1949, Ambato began its tradition of the Fruits and Flowers Festival. It is now a major tourist attraction held in the city. During this time schools and businesses close for different varieties of parades and shows, and a "Queen of Ambato" is also chosen from representatives of each high school, some government offices, and the police force. |
The city is a leading commercial and transportation center on a fertile region near the northern foot of the [[Tungurahua]] [[volcano]], which is still active and erupted in August 2006. On Mondays the city hosts one of the largest fruit, vegetable, and meat markets in the country. In addition, Ambato casts the famous "''Fiesta de las Flores y de las Frutas''" (Flowers and Fruits Festival) in February. As a way to recover from the tragic earthquake of 5 August 1949, Ambato began its tradition of the Fruits and Flowers Festival. It is now a major tourist attraction held in the city. During this time schools and businesses close for different varieties of parades and shows, and a "Queen of Ambato" is also chosen from representatives of each high school, some government offices, and the police force. |
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Revision as of 20:48, 22 January 2009
Ambato (full form, San Juan de Ambato) is a city in the centre of Ecuador, lying on the banks of the Ambato River. It is the capital of the province of Tungurahua, at an elevation of 2577 meters above sea level. The population is 354,095 (INEC, 2007).
The city is a leading commercial and transportation center on a fertile region near the northern foot of the Tungurahua volcano, which is still active and erupted in August 2006. On Mondays the city hosts one of the largest fruit, vegetable, and meat markets in the country. In addition, Ambato casts the famous "Fiesta de las Flores y de las Frutas" (Flowers and Fruits Festival) in February. As a way to recover from the tragic earthquake of 5 August 1949, Ambato began its tradition of the Fruits and Flowers Festival. It is now a major tourist attraction held in the city. During this time schools and businesses close for different varieties of parades and shows, and a "Queen of Ambato" is also chosen from representatives of each high school, some government offices, and the police force.
The earthquake of 5 August 1949 destroyed most of the city, leaving few buildings of the colonial era.
Landmarks include the mausoleum of Juan Montalvo, the estate of Juan León Mera, and the white Ambato Cathedral.
Ambato is also where, on 12 November 1821, Antonio José de Sucre achieved a major victory over the Spanish Royalist Army during the war for independence. This date is now an official holiday in the city.
Famous people from Ambato include master painter Aníbal Villacís and professional poker player Carlos Mortensen.
The name Ambato comes from the name of several species of toad (jambato). These toads are either endangered or extinct.
External links
- Ambato municipality
- Official page of the annual fruits and flower festival
- El Heraldo, Ambato based daily newspaper
 | This Ecuador location article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |
1°14′30″S 78°37′11″W / 1.24167°S 78.61972°W
Provincial capitals in Ecuador | ||
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