Semana Santa Kicks Off in Cuenca -- Full Procession Schedule for Holy Week 2026
Cuenca Expat Staff
Holy Week Is Here
If you've been in Cuenca for any length of time, you know that Semana Santa (Holy Week) is the most significant religious and cultural event of the year outside of the city's anniversary celebrations. It transforms the historic center into a living stage of Catholic tradition, and even if you're not religious, the processions and ceremonies are genuinely impressive to witness.
Palm Sunday (today, March 30) opens the week. Churches across the city will be packed, and you'll see families carrying palm fronds through the streets on their way to morning mass. It's a beautiful, peaceful start to what becomes an increasingly intense week of devotion.
The Big Events
Here's what's happening day by day:
Tuesday, March 31 -- Procession of the Steps (6:00 PM)
This is one of the marquee events of Semana Santa in Cuenca. The Procesion de los Pasos begins at Parque La Republica and proceeds along Huayna Capac Avenue and Simon Bolivar Street to the Cathedral. The procession features 17 religious images -- elaborately decorated floats carried by devotees through the streets.
Expect large crowds, especially along the route near the Cathedral. If you want a good viewing spot, arrive at least 30 minutes early. The procession moves slowly and the atmosphere is solemn and powerful, with incense, candles, and traditional hymns.
Good Friday, April 3
Good Friday is the most intense day of Semana Santa, with events running from morning through evening:
- 9:00 AM -- Sermon of the Seven Words at the Cathedral. This is a deeply traditional sermon reflecting on Christ's final words on the cross. Even if your Spanish is limited, the ceremony is moving to attend
- 5:00 PM -- Adoration of the Cross at major churches across the city
- 7:00 PM -- Via Crucis (Stations of the Cross) through the historic center. This is the procession you've probably seen photos of -- hundreds of participants walking the route through candlelit colonial streets. It's one of the most visually stunning events in Cuenca's entire calendar
Parish Via Crucis Events
If you live outside the center, several parishes hold their own Via Crucis processions:
- Turi -- 8:00 AM
- El Vecino -- 9:00 AM
These parish events are smaller and more intimate than the main city procession, and they offer a window into neighborhood-level religious life that's worth experiencing.
Saturday, April 4 -- Trout Festival
After the solemnity of Good Friday, Saturday brings a lighter event: the Festival de la Trucha (Trout Festival) at San Sebastian Park starting at 9:00 AM. 18 chefs will be preparing trout dishes in various styles -- this is part of the Semana Santa tradition of eating fish instead of red meat during Holy Week.
It's a fun, family-friendly event with live cooking, tastings, and a festive atmosphere. Get there early for the best selection.
What This Means for Expats
Practical tips for Semana Santa:
- The historic center will be extremely congested during processions. If you need to drive through the center, plan alternative routes or avoid it entirely during event times
- Many businesses close or reduce hours on Good Friday and some on Holy Thursday. Stock up on groceries and essentials by Wednesday
- Banks and government offices will be closed Thursday and Friday in many cases
- Restaurant options change -- many places serve special Semana Santa menus featuring fish and traditional dishes like fanesca (a rich grain and bean soup that's only made during Holy Week). Try it at least once
- Alcohol sales may be restricted during certain hours, particularly on Good Friday
- The tram will run but expect heavier-than-usual ridership
- Photography is welcome at most processions, but be respectful -- this is a deeply meaningful religious observance for participants, not a performance
- Bring a jacket for evening processions. April nights in Cuenca are cool, and you'll be standing outside for extended periods
Whether you participate as a matter of faith or simply want to witness one of Cuenca's most powerful cultural traditions, Semana Santa is not to be missed. The Tuesday procession and Friday evening Via Crucis are the standout events -- make those your priority if you can only attend two.
Source: Expreso
