Valentine’s Week Starts Tomorrow: “Siente el Amor” Fairs Pop Up Across Cuenca

Looking for a Valentine’s gift that isn’t a gas station rose? Starting tomorrow, Cuenca’s got you covered.

The “Siente el Amor por Cuenca” fairs kick off their San Valentín edition on Tuesday, February 11 and run through Friday, February 14 — Valentine’s Day itself. Three locations across the city will host local artisans, food vendors, and entrepreneurs selling handmade goods, gifts, and treats.

Where and When

All three fair locations open at 9:00 AM daily from February 11–14:

• Plazoleta de Santo Domingo — Right in El Centro, surrounded by restaurants and shops. The easiest to combine with a downtown stroll.
• Avenida 12 de Abril — Along the river, near the university area. Pleasant walking territory if the weather cooperates.
• Paseo 3 de Noviembre — The riverside walkway on the south bank of the Tomebamba. A scenic option if you want to browse stalls with a river view.

The fairs are organized by EDEC EP, Cuenca’s municipal economic development agency, which runs similar markets throughout the year during holidays and festivals.

What to Expect

If you’ve been to previous EDEC fairs during Cuenca’s Independence Day or Christmas season, you know the format: rows of booths featuring local entrepreneurs and artisans selling:

• Handmade jewelry and accessories
• Artisanal chocolate and sweets (this is Ecuador — the chocolate is excellent)
• Leather goods, textiles, and crafts
• Local food and street snacks
• Plants, candles, and home goods

These fairs are specifically designed to support small local businesses and emprendedores (entrepreneurs), many of whom don’t have permanent storefronts. It’s a good place to find unique, locally made gifts you won’t see at Mall del Río.

The Carnival Edition Follows Immediately

Don’t worry if you miss Valentine’s week — the Carnival edition of “Siente el Amor por Cuenca” runs February 15–18, timed to the heart of Carnival celebrations. Same concept, same types of vendors, likely with more food stalls and festive energy as the city shifts into full Carnival mode.

Practical Tips

• Bring cash. Most small vendors won’t have card readers. ATMs are plentiful in El Centro if you need to pull out bills.
• Go in the morning. Afternoon rain is almost guaranteed this time of year. Morning browsing is drier and less crowded.
• Combine with other plans. The Santo Domingo location is steps from Calle Larga. The Paseo 3 de Noviembre spot is a short walk from Parque de la Madre. Make an outing of it.
• Rainy season caveat: If it’s pouring, some outdoor stalls may close early. Check EDEC’s social media for updates.

Between these fairs, the Jueves de Compadres y Comadres celebration on Thursday at Parque La Libertad, and the Motepata Guinness Record attempt on Friday at Plaza de San Francisco, this is shaping up to be a packed week in Cuenca. Get out and enjoy it.

Sources: GAD Municipal de Cuenca, Metro Ecuador