Perched high on a hill overlooking Otavalo is a giant hummingbird. Like the many iridescent hummingbirds found buzzing around the city, this one also has green wings. Otavalo’s Intercommunity Cultural Center, the Hummingbird House (known as Kinti Wasi in the Indigenous Kichwa language) was officially opened to the public on October 14th.
Close Up of Kinti Wasi, the Colibri (Hummingbird) Intercultural Center
In the presence of representatives of all ethnic and cultural groups of Otavalo and Imbabura province, the inauguration ceremony and celebration was presided over by Erika Sylva, the Minister of Culture, and Mario Conejo, Mayor of Otavalo.
Outdoor Inauguration Ceremonies for Kinti Wasi held in tent on the surrounding grounds.
At 9:30 in the morning, delegations came from all four points of the city to the Monserrat neighborhood, and climbed the hill to the giant hummingbird. Brass bands played throughout the morning.
Erika Sylva, Minister of Culture, flanked by Luisito. speaking at the Opening Ceremonies
Besides the provincial Governor, Gabriela Rivadeneira, and Erika Sylva, the Ecuadorian Minister of Culture, varied artists, writers, musicians and dignitaries, attendees included the 2011 Yamor and Sara Ñusta Queens (Milisen Puente and Paola Rocio Arellano Sarabino), and the ever present Luisito, the mascot symbol of Otavalo, a towering presence as always when he appears at Otavalo functions.
Dancers from the Chota Valley with Luisito, symbol of Otavalo
The opening of this beautiful center for the arts, poetry and book readings, musical performances and cultural events of every kind was a happy event for Otavalo.
Curved stairway, interior of Kinti Wasi
Kinti Wasi, the House of Colibri (Hummingbird) is one of 17 Intercultural Community Centers in the country, and Ecuador’s largest.
Entrance to the Kinti Wasi Art Gallery
An art gallery and classrooms for teaching painting occupy the southern wing of the Hummingbird.
Kinti Wasi Performing Arts Theatre
In the northern wing of Kinti Wasi is a performing arts theater.
Musical performances, book readings, art exhibits, anniversaries of important cultural events are among the events being held during the first few weeks following inauguration of the center.
Dancing was an important part of the celebration
An dance to celebrate the opening of the building was held in the main floor at the “house of the hummingbird”. Everyone joined in, dancing in a circle, accompanied by drums and traditional instruments, an essential part of tradition to open newly completed homes and other buildings.
Milisen Puente, Yamor Queen 2011 and Paola Rocio Arellano Sarabino, Sarañusta Queen 2011
Later in the evening performances by various musical groups were held in the tent outside the building, and also a musical competition, “Otavalo Sings to Otavalo”.
Night performances ended the day's festivities....
