Virgen del Cisne pilgrimage reaches Catamayo, prompting Loja holiday

The religious image of the Virgen del Cisne has arrived in Catamayo as part of its traditional pilgrimage toward Loja. On Tuesday, August 18, 2026, the image was received by local authorities and thousands of devotees under clear skies. The pilgrimage, held under the theme ‘María, Reina de la Paz’, involves various religious services and cultural acts.

Devotees have presented new, symbolic garments for the image during the journey, including a yellow and violet outfit representing Christ as the heart of faith and a plea for protection against natural disasters. The image is scheduled to rest in Catamayo before beginning its final leg to the Loja Cathedral on Thursday, August 20.

To facilitate participation and ensure safe movement for the pilgrims, President Daniel Noboa issued Executive Decree 475, suspending the workday for both public and private sectors in the province of Loja on Thursday, August 20. While the holiday is declared, essential services such as water, electricity, health, and banking will remain operational with minimum necessary personnel. Public sector employees will be required to recover the suspended hours through additional workdays.