Ever wonder where Quito gets its flowers? Welcome to Nayon. It is also known as the Garden of Quito. Nayon is a very special place. It is one of Quito’s rural parishes.
Nayon is located in the Andes. It is in the metropolitan area of Quito. The main town is 2,597 meters above sea level. It is about 10.5 kilometers northeast of Quito’s city center.
Nayon is an eastern suburb of Quito. It is a rural parish in the province of Pichincha. The parish covers 16.11 square kilometers. In 2010, the population was 15,635. By 2022, it had grown to 22,065. Most residents are mestizo.
The town is nestled on a hillside east of Quito. It overlooks Cumbaya. Nayon is known for its many nurseries. Here, you can buy decorative plants. You can also find flowering plants and herbs. Bonsai are also available.
The center of Nayon features a lush town square. It is surrounded by a church. Small businesses are located around the square. But the nurseries are Nayon’s main attraction. They display a wide range of colorful flowers and shrubs.
Local artisans make pots for the plants. These pots come in various sizes. They are designed for different types of plants. Nayon also has its share of dogs. You will see them wandering around town.
Nayon has a rich history. It was originally a Kitu Kara settlement. It shares ethnic roots with Zambiza. The Kitus spoke the Panzaleo language. Place names and surnames reflect this history.
Some residents trace their origins to mitimaes. These were aboriginal people from southern ethnic groups. The Incas resettled them in Kitu Kara territory. This included Zambiza and Nayon.
During colonial times, Nayon depended on Zambiza politically. The decline of obrajes in the 18th century did not greatly affect Nayon’s free commoners. Socio-political changes began in 1898.
Nayon became a civil parish on June 17, 1935. It was then named Santa Ana de Nayon. It became a rural parish of the Canton of Quito. The Ministry of Government and Municipalities approved this change. This happened on December 19, 1935.
Nayon celebrates its main festival on July 26. This honors Santa Ana. Her image is said to have come from Cuzco. The municipal ordinance that created Nayon defines its boundaries. It separates Nayon from Zambiza.
So, as you explore Nayon remember its history. Think about its beautiful flowers. Consider its importance to Quito. Nayon is more than just a garden. It is a vibrant community with a rich past.