Cuenca could see record numbers of tourists for Carnaval holidays as revelers escape the coast

The word went out weeks ago. “Come to Cuenca and Azuay Province for Carnaval– it’s safe and it’s fun!” In television and social media ads, Cuenca Mayor Crisitian Zamora and Azuay Prefect Juan Cristóbal Lloret aimed the message at coastal residents besieged by crime.

As many as 10,000 are expected to attend Saturday morning’s Carnaval parade on Calle Simon Bolivar

The Azuay Tourism Chamber says it expects a record number of tourists in the city and province over the long Carnaval weekend. “We invite our friends from all of Ecuador, especially from the coast, to enjoy Carnaval in Azuay Province and Cuenca, in a safe environment, rich in Andean culture,” Lloret said in Facebook post.

The Carnaval holiday began Thursday night with the traditional Noche de Compadres and Comadres celebration in Parque Ciudadela Álvarez. Following a concert, the crowd of thousands engaged in a mass foam fight, in what has become a hallmark of Carnaval in Cuenca.

Although it is not part of the Carnaval agenda, Friday night’s Sting concert in Alejandro Serrano Stadium is expected to draw 18,000, some traveling from as far away as Peru and Colombia for Sting’s only Ecuador appearance. Many hotels report they are fully booked Friday and Saturday nights for the concert and Carnaval events.

Saturday’s highlight is the traditional Rios de Cuenca Carnaval parade beginning at 9 a.m. at the San Blas Plaza, proceeding up Calle Simon Bolivar past Parque Calderon to San Francisco Plaza. Parade attendees are advised to come armed with foam cannisters to defend themselves against attackers. No one leaves the parade, including the marching bands and dancers, without being smeared.

The full Carnaval agenda, which includes more than 80 events, as well as food and crafts fairs, is being handed out by city employees in Parque Calderon. Fairs, musical and dance concerts and other events are scheduled for most of the city parks.

Besides the parade, one of Saturday’s key attractions is the presentation of the world’s biggest serving of mote pata at San Francisco Plaza. According to the mayor’s office, the event will be noted in the Guinness Book of World Records.

Other cities and towns in Azuay Province also offer a full schedule of events, including Gualaceo. Sigsig, Chordeleg and Santa Isabel. Juan Pablo Vanegas, president of the Azuay Tourism Chamber, encourages tourists and residents to visit the outlying communities during Carnaval. “In these towns and villages, you will discover the traditional celebrations of pre-Hispanic Ecuador, many of them dating back hundreds and even thousands of years.”

The Azuay Province agenda of Carnaval events is available online at the Azuay Prefect website.