Edited by Anna Popper
Ecuador observes its National Day every year on 10 August, recalling the Día del Primer Grito de Independencia de Quito – the First Call for Independence in Latin America in 1809.
Commemoration at the Embassy of Ecuador
To mark the 216th anniversary of this landmark moment in the country’s history, H.E. Cynthia Mayer Zavala, Ambassador of the Republic of Ecuador to Hungary, hosted a commemorative reception at the Embassy’s premises in Budapest, next to the Hungarian State Opera.
Ecuadorian nationals, friends, and admirers of this great Latin American country attended the festive gathering, held in the spirit of national identity and pride.
The celebration began with the national anthems of Ecuador and Hungary, followed by an inspiring speech from Ambassador Cynthia Mayer Zavala, who reflected on the meaning of this day and its relevance for Ecuadorians around the world:
“Dear Friends of Ecuador, it is a true honour and deep joy for me to be able to gather here today to commemorate one of the most significant dates in our history – 10 August 1809, the day when the First Call for Independence in Latin America was proclaimed in Quito.
On that day, our ancestors, with courage and vision, raised their voices for freedom, marking the beginning of a process that, though long and complex, eventually led us to full independence. It was an act of bravery, conviction, and love for our homeland – a powerful reminder that history is made by those who dare to dream of a different future.
Today, more than 210 years after that call for liberty, Ecuadorians continue to carry in our hearts the flame of hope, the strength to face adversity, and the resilience that defines us. Despite the distance, Ecuador lives within us – in our way of speaking, our cuisine, our traditions, and our view of the world.
Being far from home is never easy, but it also teaches us to value more deeply who we are and where we come from. That is why today we celebrate not only a historic milestone, but also our sense of identity, our culture, and our ability to stay united beyond borders.
And to make this day even more special, I am delighted to announce that, for the first time in Hungary, we have a display of Ecuadorian roses at the foot of the majestic Budapest Opera House. The exhibition not only beautifies our surroundings, but also represents the quality, effort, and talent of our people. It is a true symbol of Ecuador. This beautiful initiative was made possible thanks to Grupo Naranjo, one of Ecuador’s leading rose exporters, and to the generous support of Mrs. Laura Naranjo, whom we thank deeply for her commitment and for allowing the beauty of our land to bloom here in the heart of Europe.
This kind of collaboration shows us that we can achieve extraordinary things when we work together, when we support each other as a community and as a country. Today, our roses not only brighten the streets of Budapest, but also promote the best of Ecuador to the world.
I would also like to express my heartfelt thanks to my family, to our Honorary Consul, Mr. Iván Nyíri, and especially to the entire team at the Embassy of Ecuador in Hungary, whose committed, professional, and enthusiastic work makes such events possible. Their daily efforts – often behind the scenes – ensure that our community remains connected, our culture is visible, and Ecuador’s name continues to shine in this country. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Dear Friends, thank you for being here, for carrying our country with pride, for building bridges between cultures, and for being ambassadors of Ecuador! Now, I invite you to raise your glasses and join me in a toast: To our independence, to our homeland, to our community, and to an Ecuador that continues to bloom, wherever we may be. Cheers, and Happy First Cry of Independence Day!”
After the Ambassador’s address, Mrs. Laura Naranjo, representing the Naranjo Group, greeted the audience and introduced the “Heart of Roses” project. She expressed her honour to be in Budapest at the Ambassador’s invitation on the occasion of her country’s National Day. Mrs. Naranjo explained that this original initiative, already successfully launched in Paris and Madrid, was now brought to Budapest with this magnificent floral installation symbolizing beauty, friendship, and national pride.
The audience then watched a video message from Mrs. Gabriela Sommerfeld, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ecuador, who conveyed her warm greetings to all Ecuadorians on the occasion of their National Day, highlighting the importance of unity and shared identity abroad.
Following the formal program, the guests were treated to traditional Ecuadorian specialties accompanied by fine wines, enjoyed in a warm atmosphere of conviviality, engaging dialogue, and the sharing of experiences.
A Heart of Roses on Andrássy Avenue
As part of the festive occasion, the Embassy of Ecuador offered the public a unique floral experience in downtown Budapest. On 8 August 2025, a spectacular heart-shaped installation composed of 2,300 fresh Ecuadorian roses was unveiled in front of the Hungarian State Opera, along the city’s grand Andrássy Avenue, in presence of the Ecuadorian community members.
The vibrant floral heart, designed in the colours of the Ecuadorian flag – yellow, blue, and red – welcomed visitors and passers-by throughout the day. The stunning display brightened the city centre, attracting locals, tourists, and photography enthusiasts alike in large numbers.
It also provided Ecuadorians a delightful opportunity to take photos with their families at the heart, celebrating their heritage and remembering their distant homeland with joy and fond memories.
Ecuador: A World Leader in Rose Exports
Ecuador is internationally renowned for producing some of the world’s finest roses. Thanks to its unique geographical location, fertile soils, and year-round sunlight in the Andes, the country has become a leading exporter of premium roses to Europe, North America, and Asia.
The Budapest installation not only symbolized the friendship between Ecuador and Hungary, but also showcased the excellence, sustainability, and creativity of Ecuadorian floriculture. Through initiatives like this, exporters such as Naranjo Roses demonstrate the beauty, quality, and cultural value of Ecuador’s floral heritage.
This artistic gesture was both a celebration of Ecuador’s identity and a vivid reminder of the strong cultural and economic ties that unite Ecuador and Hungary.
Source: Embassy of Ecuador in Budapest
Photos from the Embassy of Ecuador in Budapest – Konkoly-Thege György, Facebook of the Embassy, and DPA
