El Centro parade kicks off Cuenca celebration of International Museum Day

Cuenca begins its annual observance of International Museum Day at 10 a.m. with a parade on Calle Simon Bolivar, between San Sebastian Plaza and San Blas Plaza.

The Remigio Crespo Museum on Calle Larga.

In addition to the parade and museum tours, the day’s events include workshops, concerts and performances. Activities agendas will be available at museums and galleries throughout the city.

According to Marcela García, representative of the Azuay Network of Museums and Cultural Spaces, the parade will include 30 units showcasing the cultural history and attractions of Cuenca and Azuay Province. The parade will also feature marching bands, she says.

Tonight, there will be musical and dramatic performances at several locations including the Casa de las Posadas, Museum of Modern Art, the new cathedral, Quinta Bolívar Cultural Center, and the Old City School Museum.

Pottery display at Museo de las Culturas Aborigenes.

Buses will circulate between private and public museums and galleries from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., providing free transportation between the participating sites. In addition, there will be a special nighttime tour from 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Tourism students from the University of Azuay and the University of Cuenca will serves as tour hosts.

Among the galleries, museums and historic sites on the bus route are the Miguel Illescas Gallery, Pumapungo Museum, Homero Ortega Museum, House of Treaties in Girón, Biennial of Cuenca Gallery, Museum of Metals, Numismatic Museum at the old cathedral, the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, University of Cuenca Museum, the Mayor’s Gallery, Museum de Los Conceptos, CIDAP, Hacienda del Artes, Casa de la Cultura, Cuenca Symphony Orchestra center, Museum of Aboriginal Cultures, Museum of Medicine, Museum of Modern Art, the Forbidden Cultural Center, and the Remigio Crespo Toral Museum.