Last updated: December 01, 2024
The holiday season arrives in Cuenca! Our guide presents the city's most notable festive events and activities, designed for both Cuenca connoisseurs and first-time visitors, revealing both popular attractions and lesser-known corners.
Plaza Mayor transforms into the heart of celebrations, with its traditional Christmas market and magnificent nativity scene. From there, the medieval streets of the old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, host numerous festive activities, while the Hanging Houses provide an extraordinary backdrop for cultural events. The Christmas route extends to the Cathedral, where carol concerts resound within its centuries-old walls.
Contact information and details below.
Christmas lighting in a festive park with 700 decorations.
The Christmas tree in Cuenca is one of the largest and most beautiful in the country, standing 32 meters tall and covered in hundreds of LED lights. It is located in Tarqui-Guzho Park, near the Circo Social area, and features a festive park with 700 decorations over eight hectares.
Where: Cuenca | More Info: Christmas Tree Lighting
Permanent exhibition of the awarded handicraft pieces from 2008 to 2023.
The Cuenca Handicraft and Competition Fair is an annual event that brings together more than 20 sectors of handicraft, including ceramics, leather, wood, glass, jewelry-beadwork, and textiles. It takes place at the La Hípica Fairground, coinciding with the National Horse Jumping Competition.
Where: Cuenca | More Info: Craft Fair and Contest
Gastronomic competition with specialized judges.
The Festival del Hornado is a gastronomic event that highlights the richness and flavor of traditional Cuenca cuisine. Participants from various markets will gather at Mercado El Arenal to showcase their culinary skills.
Where: Cuenca | More Info: Roast Festival
Patriotic celebration with parades and concerts.
The Independence Day of Cuenca is a celebration commemorating Cuenca's declaration of independence from Spanish rule in 1820. The city is filled with parades, concerts, and fireworks, creating a vibrant and patriotic atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy traditional dances, musical performances, and a variety of local foods.
Where: Cuenca | More Info: Independence Day of Cuenca
Representation of illustrious women in the student parade.
The Student Parade "Cuencanas Tejiendo Historia" is an event celebrating Cuenca's 467 years of foundation, where students from 17 educational institutions participate with music, dances, batucadas, and choreographies, representing illustrious women who have made history in the city.
Where: Cuenca | More Info: Student Parade
Workshop on concert guitar construction with international luthiers.
The VIII National and International Classical Guitar Festival and Competition is an event that brings together guitarists from around the world to compete and participate in artistic and educational activities.
Where: Cuenca | More Info: Classical Guitar Festival and Competition
Music festivals for all ages.
The Huaynacapazo Festival is a musical event that promotes local, national, and international music in Cuenca's festivities. It includes music festivals for children, a puppet festival, and traditional children's games.
Where: Cuenca | More Info: "Huaynacapazo"
Fusion of flamenco art with the Christmas spirit.
The Zambomba Flamenca is a unique celebration that combines flamenco art with the Christmas spirit, offering an unforgettable night filled with emotion and tradition.
Where: Cuenca | More Info: Flamenco Night
International concert featuring Luis Fonsi's hits.
Luis Fonsi will perform his international concert AmorXCuenca, entertaining the audience with his globally recognized hits.
Where: Cuenca | More Info: Luis Fonsi Concert
Selection of the woman who best represents Cuenca's traditions and cultural identity.
The selection of the Chola Cuencana is an official event during Cuenca's independence celebrations, where the woman who best represents the region's traditions and cultural identity is chosen.
Where: Cuenca | More Info: Election of the Chola Cuencana
Top artists in a natural setting.
The National Outdoor Painting and Sculpture Exhibition brings together renowned artists to showcase their works in a natural and fresh environment, promoting creativity and artistic expression.
Where: Cuenca | More Info: National Exhibition of Painting and Sculpture in the Open Air
Traditional skills demonstration in the making of toquilla straw hats.
The Toquilla Hat Festival is a cultural event celebrating the tradition of weaving toquilla hats, with activities that promote tourism and revitalize the local economy.
Where: Cuenca | More Info: Toquilla Straw Hat Festival
Nightly parade with the three wise men.
The Cabalgata de los Reyes Magos is a tradition that begins at 6:30 PM on Avenida de Hermanos Becerril, where the three wise men gather and parade through the streets of Cuenca, symbolizing the arrival of gifts.
Where: Cuenca | More Info: Three Kings Day