José Joaquín de Olmedo was one of the liberators of Guayaquil on October 9, 1820. In addition to being a patriot, he was also a poet. In 1821, he wrote the lyrics to “Song of the October Ninth.” The music was composed by music teacher Ana Villamil Icaza. In 1895, the song was recognized as the Guayaquil Anthem (Himno a Guayaquil). This sculpture of Ana Villamil Icaza at the piano was erected adjacent to Seminario Park in 1966. Nearby is the house where she lived.
