Cuenca Celebrates Guayaquil's Independence: A Holiday Guide

This weekend, Ecuador commemorates a pivotal moment in its history: the independence of Guayaquil on October 9, 1820. This bold move by the port city was a crucial catalyst, reviving the fight for freedom across the nation and paving the way for the decisive Battle of Pichincha two years later.

But how did it all happen? The story of Guayaquil's independence is filled with intrigue and courage. A secret meeting, cleverly disguised as a party, was held on October 1st, 1820. While couples danced the night away, a group of patriots, led by figures like José Joaquín de Olmedo and José de Antepara, gathered in a back room to plot the revolution. This clandestine meeting, known as "La Fragua de Vulcano" (The Forge of Vulcan), set the stage for the swift and almost bloodless takeover on October 9th. By dawn, the city was free, and the news of their triumph spread like wildfire, inspiring other cities, including our own beloved Cuenca, to declare their own independence just weeks later on November 3rd.

This holiday is not just about Guayaquil. It's a celebration of the spirit of freedom that swept through Ecuador. And here in Cuenca, we're marking the occasion with a fantastic lineup of events. From rock concerts and electronic music festivals to theater performances and cultural workshops, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Here's a rundown of the exciting activities happening in Cuenca this holiday weekend:

Rotofest RockStage

• 12:00 PM - 12:00 AM

• Parque la Libertad (Nicanor Merchan y Pedro León)

• The first concert of Rotofest 2025, featuring 11 independent alternative rock bands from Ecuador and one international guest. Free admission.

Traditional Folklore Music Presentation by Orquesta Savhara Internacional

• 2:00 PM

• Mercado 9 de Octubre (Hermano Miguel y Mariscal La Mar)

• Enjoy the traditional and folkloric music of Ecuador, including the classic pasillo, with the accordion-led Orquesta Savhara Internacional.

Gigant Puppet Parade and Music

• 6:00 PM

• Parque Calderón to Pumapungo

• A lively parade with giant puppets will wind its way from Parque Calderón, through the Plazoleta de la Merced and the Escalinata Francisco Sojos, ending at the Pumapungo Theater for the official opening of the festival.

La Derniére Danse de Brigitte

• 8:00 PM

• Teatro Pumapungo (Calle Larga y Av. Huayna Cápac)

• A touching play about an elderly woman's wise and loving farewell to life. This performance is for students.

Rotofest Electronic Stage

• 12:00 PM onwards

• Parque la Libertad (Nicanor Merchan y Pedro León)

• An electronic music concert featuring international artists Marhu (Belgium), Amare (Belgium), and Sole Llorente (Argentina), along with Ecuadorian DJs Jair AKA Sapell, Lilian Tech, Luna Alvarado, and more. Free admission.

"La noche de los Giles"

• 8:00 PM

• Teatro Pumapungo (Calle Larga y Av. Huayna Cápac)

• A play about the night of November 3-4, 1985, when a false earthquake alarm sent many Cuencanos into the streets with their belongings, waiting for a disaster that never came.

Introduction to Ceramics Workshop

• 10:00 AM

• Casa Patrimonial Municipal “Tienda” (Calle De La Condamine)

• An introductory ceramics workshop led by the winner of the "Taller de Arte y Diseño Cerámica Viva" project.

Compañía Nacional de Danza (The National Dance Company)

• 11:00 AM

• Parque de la Madre (Av. Federico Malo y Av. 12 de Abril)

• The "Escenarios del Mundo" Festival presents an open-air performance by the National Dance Company, featuring the works "Cuerpos que suenan," "Sensemayá Danza," and "Danzón."

Rotofest Electronic Stage Yunguilla

• 12:00 PM - 12:00 AM

• Valle de Yunguilla - Vía a Santa Isabel

• A rave-style concert in the Yunguilla Valley at the Valle de Yunguilla Ecotourism Center. The concept is "Peace, Love, Unity & Respect." Free admission.

"El Pan de las 10" theater play

• 4:00 PM

• Plazoleta de El Vado (Juan Montalvo y Bajada de la Cruz)

• A play that highlights daily effort and the satisfaction of moving forward with determination.

"Impulso irresistible, bobit vs bobit" theater play

• 8:00 PM

• Teatro Pumapungo (Calle Larga y Av. Huayna Cápac)

• A raw, ironic, and sensitive play by the Ecuadorian group Círculo Artes Escénicas that revisits the infamous Bobbitt case and questions collective violence. Tickets: $12.

Sábado de Glorieta: an Extended Play by the Lateléfono band of their album "Amor Imaginario" (Imaginary Love)

• 8:00 PM

• Glorieta del Parque Calderón (Simón Bolívar y Benigno Malo)

• The band Letelefono launches their new EP of modern ballads, "Amor Imaginario," a winner of the 2025 Competitive Funds.

"Bajos Sueños" in concert

• 10:00 PM

• Parroquia Llacao (Parque Central)

• Enjoy a performance by the band Bajos Sueños as part of the traditional and joyful "Cholita Llacaoense" election (town queen election).

Festival Escenarios del Mundo - Arriba los Pies

• 11:30 AM

• Parque Calderón (Bolivar y Benigno malo)

• The "Escenarios del Mundo" Festival presents "Arriba los pies," a performance full of emotion and acrobatics by the group Pan y Guineo.

El cruce mágico en bicicleta

• 5:00 PM

• Teatro Pumapungo (Calle Larga y Av. Huayna Cápac)

• The "Escenarios del Mundo" Festival presents "El cruce mágico en bicicleta," a show that combines contemporary circus, illusionism, and humor by the performer Ciclester.

Terracota, the Art of Ceramics and Pottery

• January 1 - December 31, 2025, 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM

• Casa Patrimonial Municipal del Alfarero (Mariscal La Mar y Convención del 45)

• A permanent exhibition on the history of pottery and ceramics in Cuenca.

Showcase in the Exhibition halls of the Museo Municipal de la Paja Toquilla y el Sombrero

• January 1, 2005 - December 31, 2025, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

• Museo Municipal de la Paja Toquilla y el Sombrero (Rafael María Arízaga y Luis Cordero)

• Discover the fascinating history of the toquilla straw and the art of hat making.

Permanent Astronomy Shows in the Planetarium

• January 1 - December 31, 2025, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

• Planetario Municipal Ciudad de Cuenca (Av. Florencia Astudillo y Federico Malo)

• Explore the mysteries of the cosmos with daily screenings at the city's planetarium.