Hostaled La Casona. Un Ambiente familiar

The 12 of April of every year is the commemoration of the Spanish foundation of Saint Anne of the Four Rivers of Cuenca, which first took place in 1557 over the ruins of the Cañari's city of Guapondelig , and the Inca's city of Tomebamba , for Don Gil Ramirez Davalos.

The festivities include various events, which occur in the neighbourhoods and in the arts markets. The festivities of the foundation of Cuenca usually are accompanied by a series of seasonal events. The majority of the acts still hold a significant local importance.

Festivity of the Crosses (Fiesta de las Cruces)

The festivity of the crosses of Cuenca and of Azuay is a live tradition that has been held since the colonial times, when the Spanish missionaries, with their lack of religious images, deci ded to strengthen the cult of the cross. They believed that the crosses of the indigenous ancient cultures were a reference to an extinct Christianism.

From then on, it has been celebrated in festivities during the month of May, the time when the indigenous celebrated their feasts to render tribute and thanks to Nature for the resurgence of life.

“In the colonial times, the celebration of the Saint Cross of May, was celebrated in the city and in the countryside. In the city, this celebration occurred in the neighbourhoods and in certain houses. To give a greater splendour to the festivities, they arranged alters in each neighbourhood. They dressed the Cross with linen that was stamped on its center with representations of the crucifix or images of the Passion. With these they wanted to simbolize and mark to the people the idea of the Passion of the Saviour. The ceremony of dressing the cross began the first of May and was dismantled the last day of the month.”