In the specific case of Cuenca, the Carnival has elements that make it unique. The celebrations here are nuanced, with a strong traditional and family component, but also festive.
Gastronomy and games are an essential part of the festivity. Among the culinary delights that families prepare for these days, are the classic Cuenca bread, the exquisite sweets such as: peach, quince and figs, and the incomparable “mote pata” that is prepared with peeled grains, pork, bacon and sausage. As for the game known here as “carnival”, it has been said that the local custom of throwing water at people was inherited from Spain. Although today this element is not predominant, in the past it was an essential part of the celebration.
One of the most deeply-rooted customs of Cuenca’s Carnival is the “Jueves de Compadres y Comadres” (“Thursday of Friendship”). This tradition that began two weeks before Carnival (on a Thursday), had the purpose of strengthening ties of friendship and solidarity. “Compadres” (male friends) and “comadres” (female friends”) were chosen depending on the degree of kinship or friendship that existed between them. The chosen person was presented with a “guagua” (girl) made of bread or sugar, which was delivered wrapped in the traditional way – in the form of a tamale – on a tray with flower petals. The ritual continued on the part of the chosen ones, who, seeing themselves committed to such an honor, offered their visitors a glass of the delicious “mistela” (aguardiente made with macerated fruit) and offered to attend the Carnival festivities at the homes of the compadres and comadres.
Currently, the “Jueves de Compadres y Comadres” has been taken up again thanks to the efforts of the Corporación Municipal de Cuenca through its Tourism Foundation, as part of a program aimed at rescuing the main traditions of our culture and making them attractive for tourists.
Today, this celebration constitutes the official proclamation of the festivities and it takes place on the Thursday before the Carnival of each year, for which a compadre and a comadre are chosen from among popular characters in the media. In the same way, authorities and the media are symbolically named “compadres” of Cuenca’s carnival, thus committing them to promoting this festivity for tourism.
In summary, the Carnival of Cuenca is synonymous with fun, color and good food. An opportunity to break the routine and discover the charm of the customs of a people who love their traditions.
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