Quito announces summer festival of lights transforming heritage sites

Quito is preparing to illuminate its historic heart with the 'Quito Luz de América 2026' festival, scheduled for August 7-9. This event promises to blend art and technology, turning the city's rich heritage into a vibrant canvas for spectacular videomapping projections.

The festival will unfold over three nights, inviting attendees to explore a city adorned with projected stories on iconic churches, heritage buildings, and monuments. A highlight will be a floating waterfall projected over the La Alameda lagoon, creating a unique visual experience that merges memory, heritage, and digital art.

Quito's heritage sites will be the stars of the show. The facades of the Basílica del Voto Nacional, the Astronomical Observatory, the National Theater Sucre, and the churches of San Francisco and Santo Domingo will be transformed through immersive videomapping. This approach aims to make the city's patrimony not just a backdrop, but the central focus of the festival experience.

Beyond its artistic appeal, the festival is a significant driver for tourism and Quito's economy. The previous edition in 2025 attracted 365,439 visitors, a 37% increase from 2024, generating approximately USD 2.8 million in associated spending. For 2026, organizers anticipate nearly 500,000 attendees, reinforcing the festival's role in revitalizing the city's tourism, culture, and economy.

Quito Turismo has been coordinating with local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and travel agencies, to prepare special offers and themed menus. Tourist attractions will extend their hours, encouraging visitors to combine the videomapping spectacles with the city's culinary and cultural offerings.