Imagine Rumiñahui standing tall. He was the Incan military commander. He was born in Huaynacuri de Píllaro around 1482. El Congreso Nacional decided in 1985 that December 1 would commemorate this indigenous hero. He defended the Kingdom of Quito against the Spanish conquistadors.
Now, let’s talk about Píllaro itself. It is a town in Ecuador. It is located in Tungurahua province. Píllaro is the capital of the Píllaro Canton. It stands about 19 km northeast of Ambato. Ambato is the provincial capital.
Píllaro sits on a high Andean plain. It is about 2800 meters above sea level. The average temperature is around 13 degrees Celsius. This town is an agricultural center. It produces cereals, potatoes, and fruit like apples. Píllaro is also known for its wood carving.
Antonio Clavijo founded Píllaro in 1570. Píllaro became a separate canton in 1851. The 1949 earthquake heavily damaged the town. Ambato and Pelileo were similarly devastated.
Píllaro serves as a gateway to Llanganates National Park. This park holds the legend of the Llanganates. The legend says Rumiñahui hid Incan gold there. He was on his way to Cajamarca. He intended to pay off the Spanish conquistadors. This gold was meant for Francisco Pizarro. It was the ransom for the kidnapped Incan king, Atahualpa. Rumiñahui learned that his king was killed. So, he went to the deserted páramo of the Llanganates. He buried the gold there. Many in Píllaro believe this story. They insist the town is full of secrets and legends.
Píllaro is divided into seven districts. They include Baquerizo Moreno and Emilio María Terán. Marcos Espinel and Presidente Urbina are also districts. San Andrés, San José de Poaló, and San Miguelito complete the list.
The Diablada de Píllaro is a significant event here. It is a vibrant parade. It happens between January 1 and 6. Locals wear devilish attire. Costumes include colorful masks. These masks depict devils from Andean mythology. They represent the triumph of good over evil. This tradition strengthens community bonds.
Píllaro’s climate features a mean daily maximum of 18.8 degrees Celsius. The mean daily minimum is 7.9 degrees Celsius. Average precipitation is 705 mm.
Píllaro, a town of legends, stands as a testament to resilience. Its history woven with Incan lore and colonial encounters continues to captivate.