The Cucuruchos

In Quito - Ecuador, Holy Week or Semana Mayor, represents a time for Catholics to reflect on Jesus Christ and offer him prayers and penances to commemorate his death and resurrection.

In this city, with the best preserved Historic Center in Latin America and which since 1978 UNESCO declared a Cultural Heritage of Humanity, it houses a number of religious traditions among its streets and passages; among them, the Procession of Jesus of the Great Power that is celebrated every Good Friday and that is accompanied by miles of "Cucuruchos" that represent penance.

His outfits are purple robes and large "cones" on his head.


This practice of popular religiosity is celebrated in the capital of Ecuador since 1961 in which each penitent fulfills his promises by some special request to a saint, or simply, goes out to expel his sins by walking barefoot, dragging chains or carrying large crosses, imitating Jesus on Calvary to save us from our sins.

Viewers look in awe as ordinary men, wear these outfits, with the desire to vindicate themselves and begin a life free of sin. But who can be exempt from it?