Doce de Abril Festivities

Happy Birthday, Cuenca!  We're so glad you were born!

This year, 12 of April marks the 454 year celebration of the Foundation of Cuenca.  With the naming of Cuenca  by the Spanish, the year 1557 began Cuenca's colonial period and the Spanish influence. 

The full name of Cuenca is "Santa Ana de Los Rios de Cuenca" , named by the Spanish, and remains the full name today.

Many celebrations around town, from parades, art exhibits, street sales, concerts, traditional dancing, you name it.  One of the streets along the river is also named for this big day.  (It's a tradition to name markets and streets after important dates in history here.) 
The picture of the sign above was taken at the intersection of Av. Doce de Abril and Av. Solano.

We ventured out and enjoyed some of the festivities. 

*Art in Parque de la Madre (Mother's Park).

Lovely tree in bloom and booths in the background.

Permanent art on a park building.

We bought some bright-colored dried flower bouquets from one of the street vendors.  Here's Howard and Rich posing with the posies.

*Art at La Esquina, an upscale collection of little shops, on Av. Doce de Abril.
Had to eat ice cream! before cruising through the exhibits.

Weaving demonstrations.

Backstrap loom.

Orchid display.

Nice items for sale.

Adorable child and Mom having fun.

Love the hat!

*Booths at Otorongo Plaza.

*A military band and a parade at the Square

This sweet little girl was having fun dancing to the music.

Parade route included Av. B. Malo.  This high school group got a rousing round of applause from the crowd.

The City's song, Chola Cuencana, played everywhere!  Viva Cuenca!!

The Mayor of Azuay Province (Cuenca is the Capitol) declared Monday, 11 Abril, to be the official holiday, so folks could enjoy a 3 day weekend.  On the actual day, 12 Abril, it seemed to be business as usual. Most shops were open, but there were still vendor booths in several neighborhoods, a big stage going up at the Square  and some traffic diversions.


Now to get ready for Holy Week and Easter.