"Pase del Niño" Christmas Processions in Cuenca Ecuador
The “Pase del Niño” in Cuenca is, without doubt, one of the most important manifestations of popular religiosity in Ecuador. The processions are made to honor Jesus Child, carrying an image usually dressed up with elegant robes of silk and velvet stitched with gold and silver embroideries. These processions have a massive participation, and are organized every year in the city and the surrounding towns. They begin the first Sunday of Advent and end on Shrove Tuesday.
The most important procession is the one dedicated to the “Niño Viajero” (Traveling Child), which is celebrated on December 24th. “Niño Viajero” is an image of Jesus Child which, according to the legend, was commissioned to sculpt by Doña Josefa Heredia in the year 1823. Its last owner, Monsignor Miguel Cordero Crespo, made a pilgrimage to various holy sites in 1861 bringing the image with him. At the end of the trip, the image was blessed by Pope John XXIII. On his return to Cuenca, the people gave this image the title of Traveling Child, and since then a cult of worship with much pomp is offered on Christmas day.
The parade includes colorful floats, popular bands, children wearing biblical characters´ customs as well as clothing of several ethnic groups, animals, and several offerings to Jesus Child including food, candies, bottles of liquor and toys. The “Pase del Niño” generally starts at 10 am on Ordoñez Lazo Avenue, and travels along Simón Bolívar Street until about 3pm.
Don´t miss these unique and colorful processions!
Photos and information courtesy of:
Fundación Municipal Turismo para Cuenca
Fuente: This is Ecuador