Ecuador

Ecuador : Public Holidays and Bank Holidays 2025 2026 2027

Public Holidays in Ecuador

Ecuador observes a number of public holidays that reflect its rich cultural heritage, historical milestones, and religious traditions. These holidays are celebrated nationwide with various festivities, ranging from parades and traditional dances to religious ceremonies and family gatherings. Many holidays commemorate significant events in Ecuador's struggle for independence and its cultural identity.

• New Year's Day

  • Date: January 1
  • Significance: Marks the beginning of the new year.
  • Traditions: Fireworks, family celebrations, and parties are common.

• Carnival

  • Date: Variable (usually in February or March before Lent)
  • Significance: A festive season before the Lenten fast.
  • Traditions: Parades, music, dancing, and water fights take place across the country.

• Good Friday

  • Date: Variable (Friday before Easter Sunday)
  • Significance: Commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
  • Traditions: Religious processions, church services, and solemn observances.

• Labor Day

  • Date: May 1
  • Significance: Honors workers and labor rights.
  • Traditions: Rallies, speeches, and celebrations by labor unions.

• Labor Day (observed)

  • Date: Sometimes observed on a different date if May 1 falls on a weekend.
  • Notable: Public sector and some private sector may observe this day on the closest weekday.

• The Battle of Pichincha

  • Date: May 24
  • Significance: Commemorates the decisive battle in 1822 that led to Ecuador’s independence from Spain.
  • Traditions: Military parades and patriotic events.

• The Battle of Pichincha (observed)

  • Date: Observed on a nearby weekday if May 24 falls on a weekend.

• Declaration of Independence of Quito

  • Date: August 10
  • Significance: Celebrates Quito’s declaration of independence from Spain in 1809, the first step toward Ecuador’s independence.
  • Traditions: Civic ceremonies and cultural festivities.

• Declaration of Independence of Quito (observed)

  • Date: Observed on a nearby weekday if August 10 falls on a weekend.

• Independence of Guayaquil

  • Date: October 9
  • Significance: Marks Guayaquil’s declaration of independence in 1820.
  • Traditions: Parades, concerts, and local celebrations.

• Independence of Guayaquil (observed)

  • Date: Observed on a nearby weekday if October 9 falls on a weekend.

• All Souls' Day

  • Date: November 2
  • Significance: A day to remember and honor deceased loved ones.
  • Traditions: Visits to cemeteries, offerings of food and flowers, especially the traditional "Colada Morada" drink and "Guaguas de Pan" bread.

• All Souls' Day (observed)

  • Date: Occasionally observed on a weekday if November 2 falls on a weekend.

• Independence of Cuenca

  • Date: November 3
  • Significance: Celebrates Cuenca’s declaration of independence from Spain in 1820.
  • Traditions: Parades, cultural events, and civic ceremonies.

• Independence of Cuenca (observed)

  • Date: Observed on a nearby weekday if November 3 falls on a weekend.

• Christmas Day

  • Date: December 25
  • Significance: Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ.
  • Traditions: Family gatherings, festive meals, midnight masses, and gift-giving.

• Christmas Day (observed)

  • Date: Sometimes observed on a weekday if December 25 falls on a weekend.

• New Year's Day (observed)

  • Date: Sometimes observed on a weekday if January 1 falls on a weekend.

Site officiel de référence

• Ecuador Government Portal - National Holidays