Azuay in Celebration: Honoring Tradition at the Cutchil and Baños Fairs

As summer transitions into autumn, two parishes in Azuay are preparing for a celebration that captures the essence of Ecuadorian culture: their anniversary fairs. Over the coming months of August and September, the communities of Cutchil and Baños will open their doors to invite residents and visitors to immerse themselves in a blend of tradition, gastronomy, music, and community spirit. These events are more than just festivals; they are a vibrant display of the region's deep roots.

The party kicks off in the charming parish of Cutchil, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary with a weekend full of activities. Get ready for a true immersion into local life on Saturday, August 30, and Sunday, August 31.

The celebration starts with energy on Saturday morning with an exciting indoor soccer match at 8:00 AM, pitting the local team against an "All Star" visiting team. Throughout the weekend, attendees can enjoy a gastronomic, artisanal, and productive fair, a perfect opportunity to try local delicacies and find unique handcrafted items.

Music will be at the heart of the festival, with the coronation and proclamation of the Queen of Cutchil, Johanna Coyago, on Saturday night, featuring a special performance by Romeo Santos from "Yo Me Llamo," a talented tribute artist. On Sunday, the festivities continue with the parish parade at 9:00 AM, with the participation of school bands and community groups.

In the afternoon, the Parish Coliseum will be the stage for the Cholita Cutchilense beauty pageant at 2:00 PM, followed by the highly anticipated musical show by the Orquesta Vallenato Sin Frontera at 5:00 PM, promising an unforgettable end to a weekend full of activities.

Moving along the calendar, the parish of Baños celebrates its 173rd anniversary with a series of events that highlight its agricultural and cultural heritage. The main event will be the Third Baños 2025 Agro-livestock, Artisanal, and Gastronomic Fair, which will take place on Saturday, September 13, at the sports fields of Colegio Manuel Córdova Galarza.

This fair is distinguished by its focus on the region's productive sector. There will be a livestock judging with over 70 cows on exhibition, offering a unique glimpse into the high-quality local cattle. Visitors will have the opportunity to see the cows in action and learn more about the modern technology used in the livestock sector.

In addition to the agricultural exhibition, attendees can enjoy a wide variety of activities, including the selection of the Bañense Cholita, a Paso horse exhibition, traditional games, dances, and a vibrant artistic show. Of course, the fair wouldn't be complete without delicious local cuisine and a rich selection of artisanal crafts. The Baños Parish GAD is investing $20,000 in this event, 90% of which comes from its own funds, demonstrating its commitment to community development.

As part of the broader Baños anniversary festivities, two additional events will be held on Saturday, September 28: a civic parade with the participation of all local educational institutions, and the second edition of the "Rural Chef 2025" gastronomic competition, which promises to highlight the culinary talent of the region.

These fairs are a reflection of their communities' spirit and an excellent opportunity for expats and newcomers to experience authentic Azuayan life. If you are looking for a vibrant experience with music and sports, the Cutchil Fair is the perfect destination. If you lean towards tradition, the agricultural sector, and culture, the Baños Fair awaits you with open arms. Both offer a unique way to connect with the people, food, and traditions that make Azuay such a special place. Don't miss out!