Events and notices: ‘Rock United 2025’ visits Cuenca; Bus service between Cuenca and Guayaquil airports; Wayrapamushkas dance; Lots of other stuff too
Dos días de tragicomedia – The tragic-comedy “Munay,” interpreted by artists Jenny Ochoa and Sandra Llivisaca will be presented on July 16 & 17 at 20:00 in the Sala “Alfonso Carrasco” in the Casa de la Cultura (Luis Cordero 7-22, 2nd floor). The work combines magic, dance and theater. Tickets available by calling 098 701 8017 <Uh oh, are you ready to conduct a phone call in Spanish? And if not, what are you going to do about that deficiency?> Cost: $7.00.
Cuenca’s Wayrapamushkas dance troupe performs at the Teatro de la Casa de la Cultura before beginning a tour of Peru and Brazil.
Gala de Wayrapamushkas – The dance group Wayrapamushkas will offer a spectacular gala, full of strength, identity, and tradition, before their 2025 tour through Peru and Brazil. The show will be Thursday, July 17 at 19:00 in the Teatro de la Casa de la Cultura. Wayrapamushkas is a quichua term for “hijos de viento” (children of the wind), and the group was formed 20 years ago at the U. of Cuenca. Cost: $5.00.
Cuenca acogerá el “Rock United 2025” – Cuenca will be one of the cities for the travelling ‘Rock United 2025’ festival which joins Ecuador and Brazil this year. There will be 4 stops starting in Loja el 31/7 in the Teatro Benjamín Carrión, followed by Cuenca el 1/8 <Be patient – there will probably be another article with the location of the concert, although maybe not until the day of the concert. That’s when you can unload your “Why can’t “they”…..rant.>, Ibarra el 1/8 in the Teatro Gran Colombia, and end in Quito el 3/8 in the Teatro Capitol. Brazil will be represented by the rock band Armored Dawn, and will join the Ecuadorian rock band Anima Inside. Each city will have local bands with ‘Sobrepeso’ in Loja and Cuenca, and ´Delerio’ in Ibarra and Quito. For tickets call 593 995 339265. <If you’re going to be shocked – just shocked that the phone will be answered in Spanish, have your facilitator do it.>
Recorrido por historia médica en la ciudad – The permanent exhibit, “La medicina en Cuenca: del pasado a la modernidad” was opened last jueves in the Antigua Escuela Central. It shows the history of medicine in Cuenca from the prehispanic era until the 20th Century and addresses medical practices in aboriginal and colonial times and the 19th Century.
Muestra de textiles en el mundo andino – The “Hilos de la Memoria” show by artist Mónica Malo opened last jueves in the Sala Proceso of the Casa de la Cultura. Through textiles art in the Andean world, the exhibit seeks to reconnect with ancestral knowledge, natural fibers and the land. Each piece combines technique and symbolism, evoking traditions which still live in the local imagination. Hours are from 10-19:00, lunes a viernes.
Ruta por el sendero ancestral en Baños – A 4.2 km. trail that starts at the picturesque wooden San Juan de Barabón Bridge over the Yanuncay, ascends along old paths that were part of the routes used by mule drivers and miners 4 centuries ago. The ruta Barabón-Cerro Huizhil-Baños passes through mountain forest and near the top, the trail divides. Going to the right will take you to the Chapaloma sector, a natural lookout with a 360° view. The trail descends towards the south and Baños and can be wet in the rainy season. This stretch crosses zones where vestiges of colonial mines belonging to Cuenca’s founder, Gil Ramírez Dávalos, are conserved. Near Baños, the trail winds between houses and gardens, ending on the vía Misicata Baños which you can take to the Cuatro Esquinas in the center of the parish. There you can find restaurants such as ‘Delicias de Ana,’ and relax in one of the spas. You can also go with an authorized guides Jorge Barrera (095 947 6820) and Orlando Siguenza (098 585 4587) or tour operators such as ‘2 Degrees Expeditions’ with Filipe Neira (098 068 4577) which offers day packages ending at day’s end.
“Aerobús” entre Azuay y Guayas – The prefecturas of Azuay and Guayas inaugurated the “Aerobús” service at the “José Joaquín de Olmedo airport in Guayaquil. This van service will generate an atmosphere of security <until those masked robbers stop and board the bus> for those travelling from the airport to Cuenca. It will also enhance tourism between the 2 provinces.
