Cuenca’s Mascaradas 2026: A Spectacle of Satire and Tradition

Cuenca, a city known for its rich cultural heritage, is gearing up for one of its most vibrant traditions: the "Concurso de Comparsas y Mascaradas 2026". Each year on January 6th, this event transforms the city into a stage for political satire, collective imagination, and social critique, reflecting national and international events from the past year.

Organized by the Amistad Club and the Union of Journalists of Azuay (UPA), the parade is a blend of humor, memory, and citizen participation.

The festivities kick off at 5:00 PM, with clowns and UPA members departing from the club's headquarters on Presidente Córdova and Padre Aguirre streets. They will march towards Huayna Cápac avenue, accompanied by a traditional village band and local authorities.

The official parade begins at 6:00 PM along Huayna Cápac avenue. The route stretches from the intersection with La República avenue to the area of Pachacámac street and Pumapungo avenue.

A unique feature of the Mascaradas is the "encolumnamiento" (lining up) of floats starting at 2:00 PM on La República avenue. Participants join the parade in the order of their arrival, with priority given to children and people with disabilities who lead the procession.

The Mascaradas is a contest as much as it is a parade. Participants compete in five categories: Institutional, Comparsas (troupes), Children, Individual, and Family, with cash prizes ranging from $200 to $4,000.

A dynamic element of the contest involves two control stages: one at the beginning of the route and another in the El Vergel sector. Participants must navigate between these two points within a specified time, adding an extra layer of challenge and fun to the event.

César Banegas, a member of the Amistad Club, captures the essence of the Mascaradas, stating that "Cuencanos laugh at themselves and represent it artistically". This ability to use irony and satire, while maintaining a sense of community, is what keeps this tradition alive and relevant.

The Mascaradas draws a diverse range of participants, from cultural collectives and families to institutions like the Instituto Tecnológico Sudamericano, Barrio El Vado, EBS Gestores Culturales, La Suprema Estación 96.1, and the Prefectura del Azuay.

Instituto Tecnológico Sudamericano: The winners of the 2025 Institutional category are back with a new comparsa titled "Kimsakocha y el Señor de los Delirios". Inspired by "The Lord of the Rings," this performance addresses the defense of the páramo (high-altitude ecosystem) and water resources against political and economic interests.

Barrio El Vado: Another 2025 winner, Barrio El Vado, is aiming to defend their title in the Comparsas category. Their theme centers around "mashos," nocturnal moths, combined with a satirical take on events in Imbabura province. Their comparsa, "Los mashos invaden Cuenca, mientras los coshcos, Imbabura," seeks to dispel fears about these harmless moths and features an original song performed by the EcuaStars orchestra.

The Mascaradas tradition in Cuenca boasts a history spanning over four decades, cementing its place as a key part of the city's intangible cultural heritage. The Municipality of Cuenca, recognizing the event's importance, has supported its organization since 2011 through an ordinance that allocates $30,000 to ensure its continuity.

This financial backing, coupled with the dedicated efforts of the Amistad Club and UPA, ensures that the Mascaradas remains a vibrant and integral part of Cuenca's cultural calendar.

If you're planning to attend the Mascaradas, be aware of the following:

• Road Closures: Huayna Cápac Avenue will be closed to vehicular traffic from 5:00 PM to midnight on January 6th. This includes intersections with Calle Larga and Juan Jaramillo. You can find details on the blocked streets on the Interactive Cuenca Map.

• Public Transportation: Several bus lines will temporarily modify their routes starting at 5:00 PM due to the parade. Lines 2, 3, 5, 7, 10, 15, 20, 22, and 26 will be affected. To facilitate transportation until later hours, the Tranvia administration will extend its working hours until 11 PM with 9 units going around.

• Plan Ahead: Traffic agents will be present, but it's highly recommended to plan your journey in advance and consider alternative routes.

The Mascaradas is a unique opportunity to experience the humor, creativity, and communal spirit of Cuenca. Whether you're a long-time resident or a first-time visitor, this traditional event is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Sources:

[1] El Mercurio - Cuenca https://elmercurio.com.ec/cuenca/2026/01/05/mascaradas-2026-recorrido-cuenca-cierre-de-vias/

[2] El Mercurio - Cuenca https://elmercurio.com.ec/cuenca/2026/01/05/buses-urbanos-modifican-rutas-comparsas-y-mascaradas-2026/

[3] Dirección Municipal de Cultura de Cuenca https://cultura.cuenca.gob.ec/noticia/municipio-de-cuenca-impulsa-la-nueva-edicion-de-anos-viejos-y-mascaradas-tradiciones-que-unen-a-la-ciudad/