Observe the Arrastre de Caudas with local guide, Jacqueline Granda.

Photo Credit: Agencia de Noticias ANDES, photographer Carlos Rodriguez

Translated literally as "the dragging of capes", the Arrastre de Cuadas is a funeral rite that once commemorated Roman generals who had fallen in battle. Early Christians adopted the sacred ritual as way to recognize Jesus Christ's sacrifice.

Once practiced in Seville, Spain and Lima, Peru,  this ancient ritual has fallen out of favor with most Catholics. However, it is found in a single church in the world, Quito's City Cathedral, also called La Primada de Quito. 

The ceremony begins as six clerics, called Los Primados, enter the cathedral dressed in white robes covered with a long black capes (caudas) that train five meters behind them, symbolizing the cleansing of our sins. They head to the altar, where the Archbishop of Quito, wearing a gold, purple, and white tunic, waits with two priests, also dressed in white and purple, representing penance. 

The  ceremony's greatest impact take place when  Los Primados lay face down on the ground, hiding everything except their black capes, while another priest waves a huge black banner with red cross over the altar. Then, the priests rise, symbolizing Christ's resurrection and the end of ceremony.

Please note that obtaining entrance to this event requires advanced notice OR long hours waiting in line with thousands of Quiteños wanting to gain access to this ceremony.  Jacquie takes this into account when limiting the number of participants to four people.

Proposed Schedule of Events

This schedule of events may change due to circumstances beyond Jacquie's control. For 2023, it seems likely that this will be an afternoon ceremony. Registered participants will be advised of any changes to the schedule with as much warning as possible.

Meeting Time: 2 pm

Meeting Location: "El Quinde," an artisan shop facing the Plaza Grande

Ceremony Start Time: 4 pm

After the ceremony, our small group will head to a local cafe and enjoy an afternoon coffee Quiteño-style coffee. This will allow time to ask Jacquie any questions about the ceremony that she was unable to address in the cathedral.

Jacquie will walk with you to your hotel in Historic Quito OR help you in finding return transportation to another Quito neighborhood.