Ever wondered about a town that blends ancient history with modern life? That is Pifo. Also known as San Sebastián de Pifo, this parish sits east of Quito. Pifo is a rural parish in the Quito Canton of the Pichincha Province. It is part of the Tumbaco administrative zone. The administrative area spans 254.2 square kilometers. In 2010, the population was 16,645.
Pifo’s history stretches back to 1535. It was initially a settlement. Later, Pifo was part of the Puembo parish. On August 30, 1869, Pifo became an independent parish. It was named San Sebastián de Pifo.
The administrative center of Pifo sits at about 2600 meters. This is 19 km east of Quito’s historic city center. The area is bordered by the Chiche and Guambi rivers. These rivers flow into the Guayllabamba River. East of Pifo, the terrain rises to over 4000 meters. This is the main ridge of the Cordillera Real. The continental divide also runs through this area. Major highways E20 and E35 intersect near Pifo.
Pifo’s location is strategic. It borders the Napo Province to the east. Here, you will find the Oyacachi and Papallacta parishes. To the south and southwest lies the Píntag parish. The Tumbaco parish is to the northwest. Puembo, Tababela, Yaruquí, and Checa parishes are to the north.
Archaeological evidence shows human presence in Pifo long ago. The “llactacuna” served as a social settlement. Near the road to Yaruquí, you can see a hemispherical “tola”. Agricultural lands reveal ceramic and stone fragments. These items define the character of the area’s ancient people. They were likely farmers and textile workers.
During the Colonial period, Francisco Ruiz held the Pifo lands. The locals paid him 3,700 pesos.
Pifo sits 35 kilometers from Ecuador’s capital. It is about 2,400 meters above sea level. The parish temple dates back to 1673. The town has about 23,000 residents. The population is mostly native to the area. Some residents are indigenous. Others come from nearby towns and regions. Today, there are also people from Venezuela and Colombia.
The people of Pifo are very religious. Many religious communities have worked here. Some Americans set up a Protestant radio station. It was called “La Voz de los Andes.” This station won over many families. Later, Jehovah’s Witnesses arrived.
To counter these influences, bishops brought in religious orders. First came the Jesuits. Then came the Capuchins. The Josefinos and Hermanas Lauritas followed. Finally, the Salvatorians arrived. They aim to restore faith among those who have left the Catholic Church.
One of Pifo’s main celebrations is the religious festival of San Sebastián. It takes place every January 20. Festivities include burning chamiza, fireworks, floats, bulls, and dances.
The church “San Sebastián” is beautiful. The parish has a wooden carved presbytery. It features the patron saint, San Sebastián. The zip code for Pifo is 170175. So as we conclude our visit to Pifo, remember its blend of history, faith, and community.