Why is Otavalo called "valley of dawn"?

Abstract

Otavalo, known as the “Valley of the Dawn,” has long inspired poets, painters, musicians, and writers to express their deep affection for this land. The incomparable beauty of “Allpa Mama,” combined with the warmth of its people and the sense of belonging to the “Native Solar,” shapes the cultural essence of this region. Its unique geography, the heroic deeds of its ancestors, and the tireless work of its people intertwine to form a collective narrative that celebrates its enduring spirit. Among the many titles bestowed upon it—“At the Height of the Great Lagoon,” “Otavalo, Shelter of All,” “Sarance,” and “Valley of the Dawn”—the latter most profoundly captures its identity. This poetic name evokes both the hills that guard the valley—Imbabuela, Punyaro, Santiaguillo, Quichinche, San Juan, Cotama, San Vicente, Reyloma, the mythical Lechero, and the majestic Taita Imbabura—and the bronze and violet hues of its twilight skies. In this sacred landscape, nature, memory, and spirituality coexist harmoniously. The sunlight gilds the cornfields, ripens the fruits, and nurtures the jora grain, essential for yamor, the ancestral drink that celebrates life, gratitude, and the enduring connection between the people of Otavalo and their land.