Corpus Christi in Cuenca

What is Corpus Christi?

One of the most colorful and attractive religious festivities in the country, is without a doubt the Corpus Christi in Cuencano. It is known that this feast in honor of the “Most Holy” or Blessed Sacrament, was established since the first year of the foundation of the city as one of the main religious celebrations that began to be called “Feast of the City”.

How is Corpus currently celebrated?

Today, the popular tradition in Cuenca is to celebrate the Blessed Sacrament for seven nights, the seven sunrises in which the Holy Host remains on display (hence the name “Septenario” by which this feast is known). In the popular celebrations that take place in the central park; there is the sale of traditional sweets in the vicinity of the place throughout the day, hence its name as The Sweetest party in the world. In the evenings there is a colorful display of pyrotechnics that includes all kinds of fireworks and whose center, is always the castle that is a structure of reed and silk paper with more than four meters high. The most awaited moment of the night is the burning of the same, which is always spectacular: Colored lights that rotate dazzlingly and pyrotechnic fires that come out shooting everywhere.

The coordination and expenses of the entertainments, both popular and religious, are borne by the priostes, the same ones who were formerly farmers or wealthy merchants.

At present, many families, institutions and public or private companies, are those that year by year offer their contribution to give continuity to this tradition.