By
Giovanna
Valdivieso
CUENCA. NOVEMBER, 2003.
In the southern part of Ecuador, there exists, quite naturally,
a city where art, history, culture and citizens come together
to form a tangible and breathing entity. On this early
November adventure, Cuenca, the City
of Four Rivers, opened its doors for us and showed us
a glimpse of why it was declared a "Cultural Patrimony
of Humanity" by UNESCO (United Nations Educational,
Scientific and Cultural Organization).
We departed from Quito on an overnight bus
full of tourists-- local and foreign-- headed for Cuenca
to enjoy the city's annual independence celebrations.
A golden sunrise welcomed us to the countryside of Azuay,
of which Cuenca is the provincial capital. Red-tile roof
houses, undulating hills and vast pastures dominated the
landscape. Later, stately colonial era mansions, artisan
factories and the typical hustle and bustle of an urban
environment opened the way to the so-called Sultana
de los Andes (Female Sultan of the Andes).
Cuenca was founded in 1557 by the Spanish
conquistadors with the name of Santa Ana de los Ríos
de Cuenca, in honor of four rivers that traverse the city.
These rivers are: Tomebamba, Yanuncay, Tarqui and Machángara.
Cuenca, like many Andean cities, has a significant pre-Columbian
cultural heritage. This history is centered around the
ancient Inca city of Tomebamba and the Cañari culture,
both of which were evolving in the region of modern day
Cuenca at the time of Columbus' arrival to America.
A few centuries passed after Cuenca's foundation,
during which the unique architectural style of the city
was consolidated. This consolidation is now reflected
in its historic center.
Following its foundation, Cuenca quickly
acquired enormous political and economic importance. This
blossoming was locally claimed-- quite proudly and loudly
-- to be the result of the courage, dedication and love
of freedom inherent in its home-grown citizens. Influenced
by this regionalistic fervor, on November 3rd, 1820, General
Antonio José de Sucre led the citizens of Cuenca
to declare independence from the Spanish monarchy.
The anniversary of this proclamation of
independence is celebrated every year by Cuencanos with
dozens of cultural and official events that take place
throughout the month of November. In December, an unique
and transcendental celebration with religious overtones
takes place in Cuenca, El Pase
del Niño Viajero (the Passage of the Traveling
Christ Child).
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