Ecuador’s Andean gem, Cotacachi, is gearing up for Fiesta de la Jora 2025, running September 6–28. This lively festival celebrates chicha de jora, an ancient fermented corn drink deeply rooted in Andean tradition. Over three weeks, visitors can experience a rich tapestry of music, dance, folklore, and community spirit against the backdrop of stunning highland scenery.
What Is Fiesta de la Jora?
Named after the special corn used to brew chicha, the festival honors both tradition and community. For centuries, chicha de jora has symbolized hospitality and reverence for Pachamama (Mother Earth). Today’s festival builds on a revived format that started in the 1960s, blending ritual with entertainment—parades, ceremonies, competitions, and chicha tasting take center stage.
Cotacachi: An Andean Marvel
Perched at 2,418 meters, Cotacachi is known as Ecuador’s first eco-friendly city, earning recognition for its conservation-minded aura and charming heritage. In 2019, it was named a “Magical Town,” a title honoring its rich cultural roots, crafts, and welcoming residents. The climate—from 14 °C to 28 °C between October and March—makes it ideal year-round, with perfect predictability during festival season.
Festival Highlights & Events
Here’s a snapshot of must-see happenings during the festival:
- September 6 – The Café Jora Cycling Classic races into Cotacachi, followed by the Proclamation Ceremony in La Matriz Park.
- September 7 – The Joy of Living Well Parade lights up the streets with floats, followed by evening music festivals.
- September 13–14 – Chicha competitions and tastings at Rumiñahui Stadium, capped by the Cota Chicha Fest.
- September 19–20 – Natural beauty takes the stage with the Geopark Baja Imbabura drive. Sports fans can join skating and handball events.
- September 27–28 – The Cotacachi Horse Race thrills spectators. On the final day, join the Sumak Trail hike around picturesque Cuicocha Lagoon.
Nearby Treasures to Explore
Extend the experience by exploring neighboring marvels:
- Cuicocha Lagoon – Nestled in a volcanic crater, its emerald waters and walking paths invite reflection and adventure.
- Cotacachi-Cayapas Ecological Reserve – A biodiversity hotspot with tropical forests, exotic wildlife, and scenic trails.
- Intag Valley – A blend of Andean and subtropical landscapes, perfect for lush hikes, birdwatching, and visiting coffee plantations.
- Peguche Waterfall – A sacred waterfall surrounded by verdant forest, ideal for meditation or picnics.
- San Pablo Lake – A tranquil lake surrounded by volcanoes, offering boat rides and hiking trails close to town.
Practical Travel Tips
- When: The festival runs September 6–28, but Cotacachi welcomes visitors year-round.
- Getting there: It’s just two hours from Quito—perfect for a day trip or weekend escape.
- Culture & comfort: Fall evenings can be cool—pack layers. Expect communal celebrations balanced with quiet natural retreats.
- Festival fees: Most events are free, and local guides are available for nature excursions.
Final Thoughts: A Cultural Andean Escape
Fiesta de la Jora isn’t just a festival—it’s a vibrant window into Ecuador’s Andean soul. Between chicha tasting, colorful parades, folkloric rhythms, and breathtaking landscapes, Cotacachi captures the spirit of tradition as much as it thrills the senses. From lagoon hikes to coffee trails, it’s a journey of discovery, culture, and unspoiled beauty.
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