A Celebration 71 Years in the Making: Join the Mercado 10 de Agosto Anniversary Festivities!

Get ready to mark your calendars because one of Cuenca's most beloved institutions, the Mercado 10 de Agosto, is throwing a massive, four-day celebration for its 71st anniversary. This year's festivities are extra special, as the market also celebrates its first anniversary as an official Gastronomic Market of Ecuador. From Thursday, August 7th, to Sunday, August 10th, the market will be a vibrant hub of local flavor, music, and community spirit.

Food lovers, this is your chance to dive deep into the heart of Cuencan gastronomy. The main culinary events are happening on Friday, August 8th. Kicking off at 10:30 AM, a specialized gastronomic tour will guide you through the market's hidden gems and most beloved stalls. You'll get to see, smell, and taste the city's rich culinary traditions firsthand.

Following the tour at 11:00 AM, a hands-on cooking class will teach you the secrets behind some of the region's most iconic dishes. Imagine learning to prepare classics like succulent hornado (roasted pork), creamy mote pillo (hominy with scrambled eggs), or golden llapingachos (potato pancakes with a peanut sauce). This is an opportunity to not just eat the food, but to truly understand its cultural significance.

Music is the soul of any celebration, and the Mercado 10 de Agosto's anniversary is no exception. This year, the spotlight shines brightly on Cumbia, a rhythm that will get everyone on their feet. Cumbia originated in Colombia and has since evolved into a diverse and infectious style of music loved across Latin America. It's characterized by its upbeat, folkloric rhythms driven by percussion, flutes, and accordion, creating a sound that is both celebratory and deeply rooted in tradition.

The anniversary festivities will feature fantastic Cumbia acts. On Saturday, August 9th, you won't want to miss Esteban Barrera "The Cumbia Boy", who will get the party started. The celebration of Cumbia continues on Sunday, August 10th, with the lively performance by “La Diosa de la Cumba Kumbara”. These performances, with their energetic dance groups and infectious beats, are the perfect way to experience this cultural phenomenon.

While the gastronomy and music are major attractions, the anniversary celebration offers a full spectrum of community activities.

Thursday, August 7th

• 09:00 AM: Flag protocol in the 10 de Agosto Market

• 10:00 AM: Indoor soccer round-robin quad in the courts of the 12 de Abril Market (Non-tourism activity, but curious tourists are welcome to watch!)

Friday, August 8th

• 08:30 AM: Gastronomic enjoyment

• 10:30 AM: Specialized tour on Cuencano gastronomy

• 11:00 AM: “Cooking class”

• 12:00 PM: Presentation by group Danzantes de Nuestra Tierra (Dancers of Our Land)

• 01:00 PM: Presentation by “Jordán El Multifacético” (The Multi-faceted Jordan)

Saturday, August 9th

• 10:00 AM: Eucharist

• 11:00 AM: Solemn Commemorative Session for the 71st anniversary of the founding of the market

• 12:30 PM: Dance presentation by “Sisarina Ñukanchika Allpa”

• 01:00 PM: Open Mic “Se Siente Tu Talento” (Your Talent is Felt)

• 03:00 PM: Presentation by artist Esteban Barrera “The Cumbia Boy” and his dance group, with entertainment by La Suprema Estación.

• 04:00 PM: Artistic presentation by Paul Ramon and Los Soneros

Sunday, August 10th

• 10:00 AM: Folklore dance “El Espíritu de un Pueblo” (The Spirit of the People)

• 11:00 AM: Presentation by artist “Maria Augusta la Reina del Ritmo” (Maria Augusta the Queen of Rhythm)

• 01:00 PM: Presentation by group “Las Diosas de la Cumbia Kumbara” (The Queens of the Kumbara Cumbia)

At its core, this celebration is a testament to the market's role as a cornerstone of Cuenca. Every purchase and every moment of joy shared at the market directly supports the local vendors who pour their heart and soul into their work. So come, celebrate, and support the community that makes Cuenca so special.

All events are FREE, so there's no reason not to join in the fun! The celebration takes place at the Mercado 10 de Agosto, located in the Historic Center of Cuenca at Calle Larga and General Torres Street. We'll see you there!