The Montúfar canton, located in the province of Carchi, is a hidden treasure full of history, traditions and an unparalleled cultural wealth. Nestled in a picturesque landscape, Montúfar is the perfect destination for lovers of cultural tourism looking for authentic and memorable experiences. History and Culture of Montúfar
The history of Montúfar dates back to ancient times, when indigenous communities developed a rich cultural heritage. With the arrival of the Spanish, this heritage was further enriched, creating a unique fusion of traditions that are reflected in the festivities and customs of the canton.
A little history.
A Popular Assembly held in one of the first days of April 1884, requested the Legislative Power to change the name of their town. In the Territorial Division Law sanctioned on April 23, 1884, the town of Tusa appears with the name of SAN GABRIEL, by mandate of the Legislative Power, named in homage to Dr. Gabriel García Moreno who, on the occasion of the Ibarra earthquake in 1868, as President of the Republic ordered the reconstruction of the city (1869), for which purpose the first plan of the city was made with an octagonal or checkerboard urban layout that fits the topography of the land grouped around the main square.
Urban Development
The functional urban development of the city follows a checkerboard layout, based on a traditional scheme used in Spanish foundations, where the location of the square is a generating element of the city and a landmark, an urban reference, around which the main buildings are located; although in the city of San Gabriel a particularity is marked with the implantation of the Mother Church in a block close to the main square; marking a hierarchy in the physical-urban environment due to its height and volume. In the fifties the city developed on the limits of longitudinal streets.
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In this article we tell you about the 6 declarations that this beautiful corner of Ecuador has. History and Culture of Montúfar
1. Procerato del Trabajo Declaration.
Year 1934
In 1934, the National Congress designated the Montúfar canton as Labor Procerato for its participation in the construction of the Eastern Carchi Highway.
Tribute to the invaluable feat and attitude minguera of its inhabitants, who forged their own destiny, it is an exemplary people for demanding respect when its rights are violated.
2. National Heritage.
November 11, 1992
It was declared Cultural Heritage of the Nation, for its preserved colonial and republican architecture, represented by 400 inventoried assets distributed in the four rings of the historic center.
Culture, as a distinctive set, spiritual and material, intellectual and affective that characterize a society or a social group, in addition to the arts and letters, ways of life, beliefs and traditions marked in the Montúfar canton.
3. Magical Town of Ecuador.
December 18, 2019
Declared by the Ministry of Tourism, through Ministerial Agreement No. 046, once it met the 15 requirements of the technical file.
Due to its unparalleled scenic beauty of green valleys, natural forests, waterfalls, mountains, moors, lagoons, the culture and identity of its people, and as it could not be otherwise, the architectural constructions of colonial and republican style, and its religious temples.
4. Montúfar Multisectoral Productive Development Hub.
December 1, 2020
Declared by Ministerial Agreement the Ministry of Production, Foreign Trade, Investments and Fisheries (MPCEIP)
Its goal is to strengthen enterprises, companies and micro-enterprises established in the territory, with the main productive vocations of the canton being agriculture, livestock and forestry; commerce; and transportation.
5. Traditional Dance of the Innocents – Intangible Heritage.
April 3, 2022
Declared Intangible Heritage of the Nation, the certification of this recognition by the National Institute of Cultural Heritage (INPC) y el Ministry of Culture and Heritage.
This traditional dance of the innocentsIt is carried out in the streets and parks to interact with the dances, jokes and mischief of peculiar characters such as the devil, clown, grandparents, the premature bride, the spark priest, the bear and the hunter, represented by children, young people and adults, who give life to this joyful celebration of northern Ecuador.
6. Arrayanes Forest – Protective Forest.
May 7, 2021
Forest and protective vegetation declared by the Ministry of Environment and Water signed Ministerial Agreement 2021-019 with which the Declaration of Protective Forest and Vegetation was made official.
The aim is to promote the conservation of this unique ecosystem and its biodiversity, which act as buffer zones, wildlife refuges and a connectivity corridor with other fragile ecosystems present in the area, constituting an area of interest for environmental and forestry scientific research, which allows the implementation of environmental, social and economic policies for the benefit of the populations involved in its management.
Exploring Montúfar: An Unforgettable Experience
Visiting Montúfar is like embarking on a journey through time and culture. Tourists can enjoy activities ranging from tours of historical sites to participating in local craft workshops. In addition, the canton's natural beauty offers opportunities for ecotourism, with hiking trails and stunning landscapes. History and Culture of Montúfar
Commitment to Sustainability
In Montúfar, biodiversity conservation and sustainability are priorities. Sustainable farming and livestock practices are essential to maintaining ecological balance and promoting responsible tourism.
