Quito’s Bull Parade

Many cities in Ecuador have exhibited colorfully painted fiberglass bulls throughout their districts, not just to raise awareness for the local artists, but to raise funds for charitable causes. This year, a magnificent collection of approximately thirty life-size bulls, in all colors and designs, could be seen throughout Quito, culminating in a Bull Parade on 16 November, which was a very successful event for the city. Many of the top local artists joined the cause, lending their skills and visions to the Bull Parade, while local businesses gave their financial support to the project.

The beautifully decorated bulls were exhibited in parks, at building entrances, on street corners, plazas and many other locations around the city. The public were given the opportunity to marvel at these sculptures and appreciate the time and dedication that was given by each artist. The artists that participated were: Oswaldo Viteri, Carlos Castillo, Nelson Román, Marcelo Tejada, Enriquestuardo Alvarez, Cristóbal González Gusmán, Antoino Arias, Ma. Elena Machuca, Voroshilov Bazante, Pilar Bustos, Níxon Córdova, Marcelo Aguirre, Milton Estrella, Tito Heredia, Jorge Perugachy, Carlos Monsalve, Nicolás Herrera, Carlos Ashton, Solymar López, Luigi Stornaiolo, Wilson Paccha, José Unda, Rosy Revelo, Jaime Zapata, Fernando Torres, Rosario Burbano, Miguel Betancourt, Jaime Calderón and César Carranza.

The bull fighting fair which takes place in Quito during the start of December, will be the auctioning platform for the bulls, where everyone will get the opportunity to place a bid and if lucky, take one of the brilliantly designed bulls home. Organizers are confident that each bull will sell for approximately three to four thousand dollars, and after the artists have been given thirty percent as payment for their work, the rest of the fund will be used towards educational programs in Ecuador.

The Bull Parade, which was named Toros de Colores; Arte Urbano, and means Colored Bulls; Urban Art, has proved to be an extremely successful project so far. With the business, artist and local community getting behind the vision of Toros de Colores; Arte Urbano, the future of many children in Ecuador have become almost as bright as the bulls. Quito will hopefully set an example for other cities in Ecuador, which could lead to many more decoratively painted bulls making their appearance.