to its valley location, the city is often misty in the morning with general absence of sunshine, clearing off towards the afternoon. Economy Loja is the capital of one of Ecuador's main coffee-growing provinces. Close to the city of Loja, the first wind power station of Ecuador is located with a visitors center and 11 generators. Arts and culture There is a thriving musical scene in Loja, in keeping with the city's reputation. There are numerous small music and salsa clubs, and it is not uncommon to hear Lojanos singing as they go about their day. On Sundays, the local police band performs in the Plaza de Independencia outside of San Sebastian Church. The city is full of public artworks, including massive painted tile murals, frescoes, and statuary. Of particular note are the frescoes of Bolívar and Sucre that greet visitors as they pass through the gates of the city. Annual cultural events May 30 - August 15 - Pilgirmage of the Virgin of El Cisne June 25 - Foundation of Loja Province September 1–15 - Ecuador-Peru Border Integration Fair November 1 - Return of the Virgin of Cisne to the town of El Cisne November 18 - Independence of Loja December 8 - Foundation of Loja Points of interest Puerta de la Ciudad The gates of the city are modeled after the Coat of Arms of the city, presented by King Felipe II of Spain in 1571. The gate is on Av. Gran Colombia, and houses four galleries which show contemporary Lojano artwork, and a cafeteria and gift shop. Loja contains a number of historic churches; the city's board of tourism has approached finding them in a novel manner. Beginning at the Puerta de la Ciudad, one of the first thing a tourist will notice is a large orange stripe painted on the sidewalk. Following the stripe takes the interested on a self-guided tour of the main historic churches and areas of Loja. Cathedral The main Cathedral, built in the colonial style, is located on the central square. It is home for six months of the year to the Virgin of Cisne, whose statue is carried on the backs of the faithful to and from the town of Cisne, 45 km north of Loja. The procession shuts the road to traffic twice a year, and it is a mark of pride among Lojanos to participate. Original adobe in the