Lent and Holy Week in Ecuador: Processions, Devotion and TraditionsThe origin of Corpus Christi processions in Central EuropeEucharistic Procession in MateraSince colonial times, the Church has promoted devotion to the Child Jesus through novenas, masses and the construction of nativity scenes. However, the Passing of the Child, with its characteristic processions and symbolic richness, is a more recent tradition that has flourished with particular strength in cities such as Watershed and Riobamba.
The Pase del Niño consists of a procession in which an image of the Child Jesus, generally dressed in luxurious clothing, is carried through the streets. This image can be of different sizes and materials, from small figures to large sculptures that require several people to be transported.
During the procession, various traditional characters participate such as the Curiquingue, Sacha Runa, Yaruquíes and Punín dancers, the Diablo sonajero, clowns, and even dogs. Each one has a specific costume with cultural and symbolic meanings, performing dances and performances that tell stories and represent aspects of Andean life and cosmovision.
The Traveling Child
One of the most unique and recent manifestations is the Pase del Niño Viajero, a celebration that in a few decades has become deeply rooted in the city of Cuenca. This phenomenon invites us to reflect on how traditions are built and evolve, enriching the faith experience of communities.
Its origin is recent, it is an image of the Child Jesus sculpted in 1823. After passing through several generations of a family from Cuenca, the image came into the hands of Monsignor Miguel Cordero Crespo, who in 1961 took it on pilgrimage to Holy Land. Upon his return, the image was baptized as the "Traveling Child", giving birth to a tradition that would eventually become one of the most important in the city.
The night before the parade, outside the prioste's house (the layman who organizes the procession that year), an evening is held in honor of the image of the Niño Viajero. It begins at 6:00 p.m. and is always attended by neighborhood residents and special guests.
The following day begins with a mass in honor of the Child, followed by the distribution of bread and coffee to the attendees. The program concludes with a fireworks display, music and folkloric dances.
During the tour, the main characters are children disguised as biblical figures, shepherds, gypsies, jíbaros, saraguros, otavalos and mayorales. The latter are particularly striking and interesting, as they represent peasants from the provinces of Azuay and Cañar, who enjoyed great power and prestige among the hacienda workers. Their costumes (stylizations of the attire of the cholos and cholas of the region) are, therefore, very colorful and elegant, as a symbol of wealth.
They always drive horses or carts covered with fine blankets or wool and silk fabrics, and adorned with the "castle" (a set of food arranged in the form of garlands with fruits, vegetables, chocolates, liquor bottles, toys, guinea pigs, pigs, etc.).
The Traveling Child Pass 2024
This December 24, Cuenca vibrated again with the faith and enthusiasm of the Passing of the Traveling Child. Thousands of faithful gathered in the streets to accompany the procession, which this year departed from the Eloy Alfaro traffic circle to accommodate the large number of attendees. Floats, parades, bands and dancers filled the route with color and music, which culminated in San Blas.
At 10 am, the image of the Traveling Child, dressed in an elegant costume, began its journey in a vehicle adorned with flowers. As it passed by, the faithful threw rose petals from the balconies, creating a multicolored carpet. The atmosphere was one of joy and devotion, with songs, prayers and expressions of gratitude to the Child Jesus.
Cardinal Luis Gerardo Cabrera presided the Eucharist in the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception of Cuenca, where moments of deep emotion were experienced. The day before, the traditional change of godparents took place, in which the Salesian family, the merchants of the El Arenal Free Fair and the Army received the responsibility of guarding the Traveling Child until next year.
Curiosities that enrich tradition
The Traveling Child Pass is a tradition full of singularities that make it even more attractive:
- El Niño Viajero, globetrotter: The original image of the Child Jesus toured religious sites around the world in 1961.
- Two replicas for the party: Two replicas are used for most events, including the procession on December 24.
- General of the Police: El Niño Viajero has been appointed General of the Police and has even worn the uniform of the Tarqui grenadiers.
- Mayorales, symbols of tradition: The "mayorales" represent the most important employees of the haciendas of Azuay and Cañar. Their costumes and the decorations of their horses are very expensive.
- Chicha for everyone: One family has been preparing and giving away thousands of liters of chicha to attendees for 40 years.
- A mixture of the sacred and the profane: The Traveling Child Pass includes biblical characters, as well as "diablo humas", "cholos" and even characters from popular culture.
- A feast for the palate: Food abounds in the parade. You can find traditional dishes such as hornado and cuy, as well as bread, fruits and sweets.
The Passing of the Traveling Child is an example of how popular faith is expressed with creativity and originality, generating new traditions that enrich the life of the community and strengthen cultural identity. It is a celebration that invites reflection on the deep meaning of Christmas and its ability to unite people around the figure of the Child Jesus.
