Carnaval kicks off with Compadres and Comadres

Cuenca’s Carnaval celebration gets underway tonight with the Compadres and Comadres celebration in Parque Ciudadela Álvarez. The action begins at 6 with food, dance and music honoring the city’s ancient and modern traditions. Later, the park and other public areas will erupt in foam fights as celebrants attack each other with aerosol foam cannisters.

In recent years, as many as 15,000 have participated the Compadres and Comadres foam fights in various locations in Cuenca.

Traditionally held in Parque Calderon, Ciudadela Álvarez is the fourth location for Compadres and Comadres since 2019. In recent years, as many as 15,000 have participated in Compadres in the annual celebration.

After two years in the San Francisco Plaza, the event was held last year in Alejandro Serrano Stadium. Officials say the change to Ciudadela Álvarez was necessary due to Friday night’s Sting concert at the stadium.

The choice of Ciudadela Álvarez for the event has been widely criticized on social media, as many claim the event should continue to be held in the historic district. “Put it back in Parque Calderon, where it belongs, or at least at San Francisco,” was a typical complaint. Another poster said: “relegating the party to fringes of town is an insult to the people who want to continue the tradition of having fun in the heart of Cuenca,” referring to Ciudadela Álvarez’s location on the east side of Paseo de los Cañaris.

The municipality is warning participants about items that will not be allowed into the park. These include umbrellas, glass containers, drink and food coolers, knives and other sharp objects except for foam cannisters. Officials add that those who appear to be drunk will not be allowed to enter the park and say more than 70 Citizens Guards have been assigned to the event.