Cuenca marked its founding celebrations with a full schedule of activities from April 11 to 13, featuring parades, cultural events, fairs, and public gatherings across the city.
Saturday, April 11, opened with the “Morlaquitos Greet Cuenca” parade at 9:00 a.m., starting from San Blas Park and moving along Bolívar Street. At 10:00 a.m., multiple events took place at once, including the “Cholas Cuencanas” dance marathon at the Turi viewpoint, a vaccination campaign, the inauguration of a Veterinary Specialty Center, and activities in the Otorongo area.
Other highlights that day included:
- “Pets for Cuenca” at Plaza del Otorongo
- “Freestyle 4 69” event at 3:00 p.m.
- Blitz chess tournament at 5:00 p.m.
- Alumni marching band parade at 6:00 p.m.
- Music and artistic performances in Calderón Park
- Outdoor movie screening at 7:00 p.m. in Monroy Plaza
On Sunday, April 12, the main day of the celebration, events began early:
- 8:00 a.m. thanksgiving mass at the Church of the Sagrario
- 9:00 a.m. floral offerings in Calderón Park
- 11:00 a.m. City Council session at City Hall
- 1:00 p.m. anniversary celebration of the April 12 Market
The afternoon featured traditional races, including a wooden car competition at 3:00 p.m. along Larga, Todosantos, and 12 de Abril Avenue, followed by a soapbox derby at 4:00 p.m.
Throughout the weekend, fairs were held across the city, including in Santo Domingo Square, María Auxiliadora Park, and along 12 de Abril Avenue. The Great Rural Fair near Parque de la Madre brought together exhibitors from 21 rural parishes.
Additional cultural activities included an open house at the Municipal Cultural Center ‘Cemuart’.
The celebrations combined tradition, culture, and community events, drawing residents and visitors into the city’s founding festivities.