What's Happening in Cuenca This Week: Photography, Poetry, Music, and a Book Launch
Chip Moreno
A Packed Cultural Week
Cuenca's cultural calendar doesn't take a break after Carnival. This week brings a strong mix of photography, literature, poetry, and live music — most of it free.
Here's what's worth checking out on February 26 and 27.
Thursday, February 26
"Mujeres de Cuenca: Fuerza y Belleza" Photography Exhibition
- Time: 7:00 PM
- Where: Casa Patrimonial de las Posadas
- Cost: Free
Photographer Jane Hiltbrand opens a new exhibition celebrating the women of Cuenca. The show captures strength, beauty, and everyday life through portrait and documentary photography. Opening night means the artist will be there — a chance to ask about the work and meet the local arts community.
Efraín Jara Idrovo Centennial Tribute
- Time: 6:30 PM
- Where: Salón del Pueblo
- Cost: Free
Cuenca is marking the 100th birthday of Efraín Jara Idrovo, widely considered the most influential voice in contemporary Ecuadorian poetry. If you've seen his name on streets or schools around the city, this is the man.
Jara was a Cuencano who reshaped how Ecuador thought about modern poetry. The tribute will feature readings, reflections, and performances honoring his legacy. Even if poetry isn't your thing, it's a window into a side of Cuenca's identity that most expats never encounter.
"Sinfonía Romántica" Book Launch
- Time: 6:30 PM
- Where: LibriMundi, Mall del Río
- Cost: Free
Author Fernando Larenas launches his new book, presented by Carlos Freire Soria and Janneth Alvarado. LibriMundi's Mall del Río location is one of Cuenca's best bookstores — even if you don't attend the launch, it's worth browsing.
Plataforma Valdiviezo 1st Anniversary
- Time: 12:00 PM – evening
- Where: Plataforma Valdiviezo
- Cost: Free
The Plataforma Valdiviezo commercial space celebrates its first year with a full day of programming:
- 12:00 PM — Commemorative session
- 2:00 PM — "Las Diosas de Cuenca" performance
- 4:30 PM — Folk dance presentations
- 5:30 PM — Rock performance by Michael Guazhambo
A good excuse to explore this space if you haven't been.
Friday, February 27
First Creative Showcase 2026
- Time: 11:00 AM
- Where: Municipal Building vestibule (Sucre y Benigno Malo)
- Cost: Free
The city launches its first Muestra Creativa — a showcase promoting local creative talent and cultural entrepreneurship. Opening in the Municipal Building's vestibule in the heart of El Centro.
Friday Stories and Art
- Time: 3:30 PM
- Where: El Valle Municipal Library
- Cost: Free
An afternoon of storytelling and art activities. Family-friendly.
Market 27 de Febrero — 36th Anniversary Concert
- Time: 5:00 PM
- Where: Exterior of Market 27 de Febrero
- Cost: Free
Diego Iván's Star Band orchestra performs to celebrate the 36th anniversary of one of Cuenca's traditional markets. Street food plus live music — a very Cuenca combination.
How to Get There
Most of these events are in or near El Centro Histórico — walkable if you live nearby, or a short taxi/tranvía ride. The LibriMundi event is at Mall del Río, easily accessible by bus or car.
Source: El Mercurio
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