Carnival Weekend Is Here: Every Event, Concert, and Parade Happening in Cuenca

Carnival has officially arrived in Cuenca, and the city is packed with events from now through the weekend. Whether you want to watch a parade, eat your weight in mote pata, catch a concert, or just understand why people keep throwing water at each other — here's your complete guide.

Thursday, February 12 (Today)

• 10:00 AM — Mote Pata Workshop + Taita Carnaval Celebration at the Museo Municipal de la Paja Toquilla y el Sombrero (Rafael M. Arízaga y Luis Cordero). Learn how Cuenca's signature Carnival dish is made, and meet the Taita Carnaval — the symbolic figure who kicks off the festivities. Free.
• 6:00 PM — Jueves de Compadres at Parque de la Libertad. This is one of Cuenca's most beloved pre-Carnival traditions. Neighbors, friends, and compadres gather to eat, drink, and celebrate the social bonds that hold the community together. Expect food vendors, music, and a festive crowd.

Friday, February 13

• 10:00 AM — "Qué Bonito es Carnaval" at Centro Cultural Municipal Los Eucaliptos (Parque de los Eucaliptos). Cultural programming celebrating Carnival traditions.
• 3:00 PM — Valentine's Day Serenade at Casa Patrimonial Municipal de las Posadas. Yes, Carnival and Valentine's Day overlap this year. The city's leaning into it.
• 6:00 PM — Carnival Concert at Estadio Alejandro Serrano Aguilar. Lineup: Papaya Dada, Lolabúm, Swing Original Monks, La Máquina Camaleón, and Leteléfono. If you're into Ecuador's indie and alternative scene, this is your night.

Saturday, February 14 (Valentine's Day + Carnival)

• 9:00 AM — Cuatro Ríos Carnival Parade on Calle Simón Bolívar, from San Blas Park to Plaza San Francisco. This is the big one — floats, dancers, bands, the works. Grab a spot along Bolívar early if you want a good view.
• 2:00 PM — World's Largest Mote Pata at Plaza de San Francisco. The city is going for a Guinness World Record for the biggest serving of mote pata ever made. Even if the record attempt falls short, you're getting free (or very cheap) mote pata in the plaza. Show up hungry.
• 6:00 PM — Nicky Jam + Trébol Clan Concert at Estadio Alejandro Serrano Aguilar. The headliner event of Carnival weekend. If you're going, get there early — this will draw a massive crowd.
• 8:30 PM — Artistic Presentation at the San Joaquín Parish center. A quieter, community-level event if the stadium scene isn't your thing.

Art Gallery Events

Two independent galleries are running Carnival-week shows:

• MAD Galería y Escuela de Artes (Av. Paucarbamba): Micro-theater performances tonight and tomorrow at 7:00 PM, 7:40 PM, and 8:15 PM. $10, includes wine.
• La Galería (Av. Loja y Remigio Tamariz): New exhibit "Hiperespacio" by Fernando Sarmiento Regalado, running through February 28.

Tranvía Extended Hours

Good news if you're relying on public transit: the Tranvía is adding three late evening departures after 10:00 PM for the holiday period:

• 10:10 PM
• 10:19 PM
• 10:34 PM

Fares stay at $1.00 (prepaid card or single ticket). If you're paying via the mobile app, submit your payment at least 5 minutes before boarding. The southbound final departure from Río Tarqui remains 10:00 PM.

Road Safety: 4,300+ Police on Highways

If you're driving anywhere this weekend — especially to the coast — know that the National Police has deployed over 4,300 officers under the "Estrategia Operacional 3D" plan. That means:

• 32 highway checkpoints (23 standard + 9 priority fixed locations)
• Checkpoints at toll booths, bus terminals, gas stations, and rest areas
• 24/7 operation through the holiday
• 8 additional anti-narcotics checkpoints with vehicle searches

Don't drive drunk. Don't drive without your license and vehicle papers. The checkpoints are real and they're everywhere.

Don't Forget: Valentine's Fairs Still Running

The "Siente el Amor por Cuenca" fairs are still open through Friday at Plazoleta de Santo Domingo, Avenida 12 de Abril, and Paseo 3 de Noviembre. The Carnival edition picks up immediately after, running February 15–18.

Carnival Survival Tips

• You will get wet. Water balloons, buckets, foam spray — it's all fair game during Carnival. If you're walking through El Centro, dress accordingly or carry a change of clothes.
• Bring cash. Market vendors, food stalls, and most Carnival events are cash-only.
• Morning is drier. Both rain-wise and water-fight-wise. Plan outdoor activities before noon.
• Rainy season caveat: Afternoon thunderstorms are likely every day this weekend. Events may shift or pause.

This is one of the best weekends of the year to be in Cuenca. Get out there.

Sources: CuencaHighLife, GAD Municipal de Cuenca