Carnival 2026 Is Here: 80+ Events Transform Cuenca Through February 28

It's official: Carnival season has arrived in Cuenca, and the city is pulling out all the stops.

The municipality formally launched "El Carnaval es en Cuenca 2026" on February 3, unveiling an agenda of approximately 80 events that will keep the city buzzing through February 28. Whether you're into live music, traditional food, contemporary art, or just soaking up the energy of a city in full celebration mode, there's something on the calendar for you.

What's Happening

The Carnival program spans nearly every category of cultural activity:

• Concerts -- Both international headliners and local artists across multiple venues
• Dance performances -- Traditional and contemporary showcases
• Gastronomic festivals -- Featuring Cuenca's Carnival staples like mote pata, cuy, and chicha
• Parades -- Including the iconic Desfile de los Cuatro Rios on February 14
• Market fairs -- Artisan crafts, food vendors, and local products
• Art exhibitions -- Gallery shows and public installations
• Museum tours -- Special Carnival programming at city museums
• Children's activities -- Events specifically designed for families

Tonight's Events (February 6)

Two events on tap for this evening:

Los Reyes del Carnaval -- Yo Bailo con Amor

• Time: 6:30 PM
• Location: Parque del Ferrocarril
• What: Pre-Carnival dance celebration, free and open to the public

Andres Lopez Comedy Show: "Llegar a Marte"

• Time: 8:00 PM
• Location: Teatro Carlos Cueva Tamariz
• What: Colombian comedian Andres Lopez performs his romantic comedy show

The Main Event: February 14-17

The heart of Carnival falls on the four-day holiday weekend:

• Saturday, February 14 -- Four Rivers Parade, Guinness World Record mote pata attempt, Nicky Jam concert
• Sunday-Monday-Tuesday (Feb 15-17) -- Continued celebrations, neighborhood parties, and the full Carnival experience

Banks, government offices, and many businesses will be closed Monday and Tuesday.

The Water Warning

First Carnival in Cuenca? Here's what nobody tells you until it's too late: you will get wet.

Carnival in Ecuador means water -- buckets, balloons, hoses, and the occasional ambush from a second-story balcony. While organized events in the city center are more structured, walking through residential neighborhoods during the holiday weekend is an invitation to get soaked.

Tips for surviving the splash zone:

• Waterproof your phone or leave it home
• Wear clothes you don't mind getting drenched
• Embrace the chaos -- fighting the water tradition is futile
• If you absolutely need to stay dry, plan indoor activities during peak afternoon hours (1-4 PM)

Practical Carnival Prep

• Stock up on groceries by Friday, February 13 -- supermarkets get mobbed
• Book restaurants for the weekend -- popular spots fill up fast
• Check bus schedules -- service may be reduced during the feriado
• ATMs -- Hit them before the holiday; lines get long
• Parking -- The historic center will be packed; consider walking or taxi

Getting Out of Town?

If Carnival isn't your thing, many expats use the long weekend for trips to Vilcabamba, the coast, or a quiet countryside retreat. But book early -- buses and flights sell out.

Sources: GAD Municipal de Cuenca, El Mercurio, Metro Ecuador