Semana Santa 2026 Is March 30–April 5 — Here's What to Expect in Cuenca

A Month Out — Time to Plan

Semana Santa (Holy Week) is the single biggest cultural event in Cuenca's calendar. It runs March 30 through April 5, 2026, and if you've never experienced it here, you're in for something special — and something you need to prepare for.

The entire historic center transforms. Processions wind through cobblestone streets. Churches host special masses. Restaurants roll out fanesca. And hotels? Booked solid.

Here's what you need to know now, a month before it starts.

The Key Dates

Date	Day	What Happens
March 30	Palm Sunday	Processions with palm branches. Marks the start of Holy Week.
April 2	Holy Wednesday	Preparation day. Many businesses begin closing early.
April 3	Holy Thursday (Jueves Santo)	Church visitations — tradition is to visit 7 churches. Special evening masses. Fanesca served everywhere.
April 4	Good Friday (Viernes Santo)	The main event. Candlelit Passion processions through El Centro Histórico. Most businesses closed.
April 5	Easter Sunday	Easter Mass at the Catedral Nueva and churches across the city.

The Processions

Good Friday is the centerpiece. Expect:

• Candlelit processions through the historic center streets, typically starting from the Catedral Nueva
• Cucuruchos — penitents in purple robes and pointed hoods carrying life-size crosses
• Floats depicting scenes from the Passion of Christ
• Thousands of participants and spectators — it's Cuenca's most attended public event

The processions usually begin in the late afternoon and continue into the evening. Get to El Centro early to find a good viewing spot. Calle Bolívar, Calle Sucre, and the area around Parque Calderón are prime locations.

Fanesca — The Dish You Have to Try

Fanesca is Ecuador's iconic Holy Week soup, traditionally served on Holy Thursday. It's made with:

• 12 different grains (representing the 12 apostles) — habas, chochos, lentils, mote, choclo, fréjol, arveja, and more
• Salt cod (bacalao) symbolizing the Jesus fish
• Milk-based broth with cheese, peanuts, and onion
• Topped with fried plantain, hard-boiled egg, and empanadas

It's rich, heavy, and unlike anything else in Ecuadorian cuisine. Every restaurant in Cuenca will have their version. Some of the best come from the mercados — try Mercado 10 de Agosto or Mercado 9 de Octubre for the traditional experience.

Many families also prepare fanesca at home. If a neighbor or friend invites you to share, say yes.

Practical Planning

Hotels

Cuenca fills up for Semana Santa, especially Thursday through Sunday. If you have family or friends visiting, book accommodations now. Don't wait until mid-March — the good options will be gone.

Road Closures

Expect significant road closures throughout El Centro Histórico from Thursday through Sunday. The streets used for processions will be blocked to traffic for hours. If you live in or need to cross El Centro, plan alternative routes or walk.

Business Closures

• Thursday afternoon through Sunday — most businesses close, including shops, banks, and offices
• Supermarkets typically close Good Friday but may open Saturday with reduced hours
• Restaurants — many close Good Friday, but those serving fanesca may open Thursday and Saturday
• Government offices — closed Thursday and Friday (national holidays)

Getting Around

• The tranvía runs on a modified holiday schedule
• Taxis are harder to find during procession hours
• Walking is the best way to experience everything in El Centro

If You're Traveling

Semana Santa is also a national travel period. If you're planning to leave Cuenca:

• Bus terminal will be very busy Wednesday through Friday. Buy tickets in advance.
• Flights fill up — especially Cuenca to Quito and Cuenca to Guayaquil
• Coastal beaches (especially Salinas, Montañita, Puerto López) are packed with Ecuadorian holiday travelers
• Driving the highways Wednesday afternoon and Sunday evening means heavy traffic

The Bottom Line

Whether you're a person of faith or just curious about Cuenca's deepest cultural traditions, Semana Santa is not to be missed. The Good Friday processions through the candlelit streets of the historic center are genuinely moving — one of those experiences that makes you understand why this city was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

But you need to plan. Book your guests' hotels. Stock up on groceries before Thursday. And clear your schedule for Friday evening.

Semana Santa is March 30–April 5. Mark it.

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Sources: GAD Municipal de Cuenca, Teleamazonas