Preparing for Holy Week, preparing for fanesca; Does Cuenca need more taxis? Yanuncay river clean-up begins; Construction and housing fair underway
Bored? –
(De El Mercurio del viernes, 27/3) – Alistan la ruta de la fanesca (Preparing the Fanesca Route) – The mercados of Cuenca will star in the III Festival de la “Ruta de la Fanesca 2026,” which is celebrated as part of Semana Santa (Holy
Week). The Dirección de Mercados will tour the mercados on el 30 & 31/3 to interview the representatives and taste their preparations. The final of the festival will take place el jueves, 12/4 a las 10:00 in the mercado 12 de abril where delegations from the different mercados will compete to make the best fanesca. <Is that a category in GringoPost’s Best Of? Somehow I doubt it – too Ecuadorian.> Fanesca is a traditional dish that combines fish <bacalao> with 12 kinds of grains such as choclo, favas, peas, beans, lentils, garbanzos, chochos, mote, green and yellow squash.
Study will determine if Cuenca needs more taxis as well as an updated fare schedule.
This festival not only highlights the rich gastronomic tradition of the region but boosts integration and community spirit among the mercados of Cuenca. Also, it is hoped that tourists and residents will be equally attracted, promoting cultural patrimony and the culinary customs of the region. <Not everyone has aunties or a grandma willing and able to spend the time and energy making big pots full of fanesca.>
(De El Mercurio del viernes, 27/3) Arranca la 24 Feria de la Construcción, Vivienda y Decoración (The 24th Construction, Housing, and Decor Fair Kicks Off) – This construction fair opened at the Quinta Lucrecia and will run until el 29/3 with hours from 10:00 to 20:00. Admission is free to the public. Exhibits will include real estate projects <Somebody’s got to buy all those condos popping up everywhere. Make your contribution to the money laundering chain.>, construction materials, lighting and decorating solutions, and alternatives for home remodeling. More than 80 brands will participate in 100 booths with local, national, and one transnational business. The event will also include training for engineers, architects and other professionals in the sector on sábado from 10:00 to 19:00 on innovative products, applied construction technology, and sustainable building methods. Financial institutions will also give talks about mortgages and consultations to those looking to buy a house. Those interested can get more information on the Cámara de la Construcción de Cuenca page.
Curious? –
(De El Mercurio del jueves, 26/3) Se conforma Comité de Gestión del Qhapaq Ñan (Qhapaq Ñan Management Committee Formed) – The Instituto Nacional de Patrimonio Cultural (INPC), Zone 6, through the SecretarÃa Técnica del Qhapac Ñan en Ecuador has formed the Comité de Gestión Local of the “Inca Highway” in Azuay. Authorities, community delegates, and representatives of civil society agreed on methods to coordinate the management of the stretches and archeological sites related to the Qhapac Ñan. The committee established actions for the investigation, conservation, and placement of value of this patrimonial network, as well as guidelines for its technical management. The committee will coordinate the work between institutions and communities and will follow up on the protection of this globally recognized asset.
(De El Mercurio del jueves, 26/3) Labores de limpieza en orillas de rÃo (Clean up work along riverbanks) – The City of Cuenca has started clean up work on the banks of the Yanuncay River which overflowed el 12/3. The work is being done at different points, especially in areas such as Quinta Lucrecia, Tres Puentes, the Unidad Educativa Pasos and the Barabón zone. José Patiño, Public Works director for the City, explained that the Prefectura of Azuay is providing support to repair the vÃa Cuenca-Soldados-Chaucha. Rehabilitation of the community bridges that were swept away is also being planned.
(De El Mercurio del jueves, 26/3) Hacen shampoo a base de la miel (Honey based shampoo being made) – The Ministerio de Agricultura y GanaderÃa (MAG) is training members of the Asociación de Apicultores de Guachapala how to make shampoo based on honey. This association is composed of community members who capture swarms of bees, and manage hives, nutrition, reproduction, and extraction of products such as honey, pollen, and wax. It sells products such as bee honey, pollen, yogurt with honey, mead, and ice cream with pollen. The making of the shampoo starts with the selection of pure honey which is mixed with infusions of herbs and soft bases. The process is manual to maintain the natural properties of the product. The shampoo promotes deep hydration, strengthens the hair and maintains a healthy cuero cabelludo (scalp – your word for the day). <If you’re interested, I’d start by Googling the association. If lessening hair loss or promoting hair regrowth were a benefit, I’d be first in line for a bottle.>
(De El Mercurio del viernes, 27/3) Incautan 9,990 dosis de cocaÃna (9,990 doses of cocaine seized) – An anti narcotics unit of the PolicÃa Nacional conducted a control of parcel shipping companies on Calle Larga. In some of those businesses, cocaine was found camouflaged in packages that were destined for the US. The police reported that 9,990 doses were seized which were hidden in wrappers imitating candy. Also authorities said that there were packages where the weights and dimensions were altered and the camouflaged drugs found. Investigators are now looking for the origins of these packages and locating the people involved in this illegal trade. Shipping businesses are used by gangs to hide drugs in packages to send out of the country. They take advantage of the high volume and limited controls in logistics. Authorities are calling on these businesses to report suspicious operations.
(De El Mercurio del viernes, 27/3) ¿Se necesitan más taxis? (Are more taxis needed?) – Taxi service will be subject to a technical study to analyze demand and determine if the number of taxis in Cuenca needs to be increased. At the same time, the union has asked for a review of fares, while changing to digital meters is being evaluated. Currently, 3,613 taxis operate in Cuenca. However, population growth which has reached 596,101 in 2022 and 656,000 in 2025 and the growth in the vehicle fleet has generated new dynamics in mobility. Added to this are the difficulties in getting a cab during rush hours and when it rains.
The director of Mobility, Pablo Carvallo, explained that the study will be done by a consultant and take 4-5 months. This study is also tied to a complaint from the Union to review taxi fares which has not been done since 2014, and should be done every 2 years. Patricio Padilla, president of the Frente Unido de Taxistas del Azuay said costs have gone up including for fuel, parts, maintenance, and supplies, all aggravated by the increase in IVA from 12% to 15%. Income has also been lost to parcel delivery services since the pandemic. Lenin Guzmán, general director of EMOV EP, said that on average, there are 7 complaints a week related to presumed alterations of taxi meters. These cases go to the Prosecutor’s Office for investigation. If proved, the economic sanction is 15% of the basic salary. Also, an administrative file against the operator of the taxi is opened. In this regard, another aspect of the discussion is switching to digital taxi meters. Currently these are not mandatory and the current meters are certified and monitored during the vehicular technical inspections.
