Ecuadoran Civicism & National Unity Day

Ecuadoran Civicism & National Unity Day

February 27Public displays of patriotism are commonplace for Ecuadorans on this national holiday, observed on the anniversary of the Battle of Tarqui in 1822. Leading that military campaign against the Spanish loyalists was Antonio JosÉ de Sucre, who is considered the liberator of Ecuador and Peru. In 1948, Ecuadoran president Carlos Julio Arosemena Tola established Civicism and National Unity Day by executive decree.
The flag of Ecuador is prominently featured during the day's celebrations. Along with receiving a public display at government and private buildings, the flag also appears in the traditional ceremonies at schools throughout the country. Students with exemplary academic records will have the honor of being flag bearers in official parades, and all students are expected to deliver an oath and kiss the flag as a symbol of their allegiance.
CONTACTS:
Ecuador Embassy
2535 15th St. N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20009
202-234-7200; fax: 202-667-3482
SOURCES:
AnnivHol-2000, p. 33