Cuenca Prepares for Independence Day Celebrations and Cholita Cuencana Election

Cuenca is set to host a series of cultural events and celebrations as it commemorates 206 years of independence. The festivities will span a four-day holiday period, from Saturday, October 31, to Tuesday, November 3, 2026, encompassing both All Souls' Day and Cuenca's Independence Day.

One of the highlights of the celebration is the fourth edition of the Cholita Cuencana de los Mercados, Plazas y Plataformas election. This event, which aims to recognize the significant contribution of women working in Cuenca's markets, plazas, and platforms, will take place on Saturday, October 31, starting at 10:00 AM at the Plataforma de Miraflores, located on Pasillo and Pasacalle streets. Ten women, representing various markets, plazas, and merchant associations, were presented as candidates on October 16, 2026.

The Cholita Cuencana event promises a rich cultural experience, featuring folk dances, musical performances by Emerson y Johanna, “Tu pareja favorita,” and Las Diosas with their Rumba Latina orchestra. A much-anticipated moment will be the tasting of colada morada accompanied by the largest guagua de pan, bringing together merchants and visitors to enjoy traditional flavors.

Beyond this specific event, the Municipality of Cuenca is preparing a broader agenda for the independence commemorations. This includes the traditional Huaynacapazo, four 'noches cuencanas' (Cuencan nights), a pregón (opening proclamation), and a student parade. Martín Sánchez Paredes, municipal director of Culture, Recreation and Knowledge, confirmed that the program will feature concerts with national and international artists. The full details of the artists and the complete program are expected to be announced on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, by acting mayor Marisol Peñaloza. The municipal program will offer free events open to the public in various plazas and parks, with an estimated budget of $200,000 for the agenda.

Sources: elmercurio.com.ec; elmercurio.com.ec.

Image: existing site image, illustrative.