Are you planning to visit Ecuador on a public holiday? Ecuador observes around a dozen national and religious holidays each year. Most important holidays in Ecuador originate from the Catholic religious calendar and from independence from Spain. Below is a list of public holidays in Ecuador to plan your trip around. If you are traveling, it is important to know these dates as they can affect your travel plans.
Important holidays in Ecuador
- January 1 - New Year's Day.
- March 4 & 5 - Carnival.
- April 19, 20, 21 - Holy Week: Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter Sunday.
- May 1 - Labor Day.
- May 24 - Battle of Pichincha.
- July 24 - Birthday of Simón Bolívar.
- July 25 - Guayaquil Founder's Day.
- August 10 - Quito's Declaration of Independence.
- October 9 - Independence of Guayaquil.
- October 12 - Columbus Day.
- November 2 - All Souls' Day or Day of the Dead.
- November 3 - Independence of Cuenca.
- December 25 - Christmas Day.
- December 31 - New Year's Eve.
During the days mentioned above, banks, public offices, and shops are often closed. If a public holiday falls on a Tuesday or a Thursday, the local government may declare a "bridge". This means that employees can take a long weekend. Like most countries, some dates shift when they fall during the weekend.
To learn more about holidays celebrated in Ecuador visit this link. Ecuadorian Holidays and Traditions
Andes region holidays (Sierra)
The best way to explore The Ecuadorian Andes region and learn about their history and culture is to join their festivals! Here are the major holidays celebrated in the provinces of Azuay, Bolívar, Cañar, Chimborazo, Imbabura, Loja, Pichincha, Santo Domingo, and Tungurahua.
- Azuay: Foundation of Cuenca: April 12, Independence of Cuenca: November 3.
- Bolívar: Independence of Guaranda: November 10.
- Cañar: Cantonization of Azogues: April 16, Independence of Azogues: November 4.
- Carchi: Independence of Tulcán: November 19.
- Chimborazo: Independence of Riobamba: April 21, Foundation of Riobamba: November 11.
- Cotopaxi: Provincialization of Cotopaxi: April 1, Independence of Latacunga: November 11.
- Imbabura: Foundation of Ibarra: September 28, Provincialization of Imbabura: June 25.
- Loja: Independence of Loja: November 18, Foundation of Loja: December 8.
- Pichincha: Foundation of Quito: December 6.
- Santo Domingo de Los Tsáchilas holidays: Cantonization of Santo Domingo: July 3, Provincialization of Santo Domingo: November 6.
- Tungurahua: Fruits and Flowers Festival: March 4 and 5, Independence of Ambato: November 12.
To learn more about holidays celebrated in Ecuador visit this link. Ecuadorian Holidays and Traditions
Pacific Coast region holidays (Costa)
The Ecuadorian Pacific Coast region not only has beautiful beaches and wonderful nature. It is also rich with many traditional festivities. Here you will find some interesting festivals celebrated in their five provinces: El Oro, Esmeraldas, Guayas, Los Ríos, Manabí, and Santa Elena.
- El Oro: Provincialization of El Oro: April 23, Cantonization of Machala: June 25.
- Esmeraldas: Independence of Esmeraldas: August 5, Provincialization of Esmeraldas: November 21.
- Guayas: Foundation of Guayaquil (local): July 25, Independence of Guayaquil (national): October 9, Cantonization of Samborondón: October 31, Duran Foundation: October 16, Cantonization de Milagro: September 17.
- Los Ríos: Provincialization of Los Ríos: October 6, Babahoyo Foundation: May 27 Cantonization de Quevedo: October 7, Mocache Intercultural Day: October 12.
- Manabí: Independence of Portoviejo: October 18, Cantonization de Manta: November 4, Chone Foundation: August 7, Chone Festivities Virgin of the O: October 30.
- Santa Elena: Provincialization of Santa Elena: November 7, Santa Elena Cantonization: January 22, La Libertad Cantonization: April 14, Salinas Cantonization: December 22.
To learn more about holidays celebrated in Ecuador visit this link. Ecuadorian Holidays and Traditions
Amazon region holidays (Oriente)
Amazon region holidays (Oriente)Are you planning your next trip to the Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest? You don't know when to go? Maybe these traditional festivities will help you decide the best time to visit the Amazon jungle in the provinces of Morona Santiago, Napo, Orellana, Pastaza, Sucumbíos, and Zamora Chinchipe.
- Morona Santiago: Cantonization of Macas: May 29, Provincialization of Morona Santiago: November 10.
- Napo: Provincialization of Napo: February 12, Foundation of Tena: November 15.
- Orellana: Cantonization of Coca: April 20, Provincialization of Orellana: July 30.
- Pastaza: Cantonization of Puyo: May 12, Provincialization of Pastaza: November 10.
- Sucumbíos: Provincialization of Sucumbíos: February 13.
- Zamora Chinchipe: Cantonization of Zamora: October 6, Provincialization of Zamora Chinchipe: November 10.
To learn more about holidays celebrated in Ecuador visit this link. Ecuadorian Holidays and Traditions
Insular region holidays (Galápagos)
Discover upcoming mayor holiday dates for the Galápagos Islands in Ecuador. This guide will help you start planning to make the most of your time off in the enchanted islands.
- Galápagos: Provincialization of Galápagos: February 18.
To learn more about holidays celebrated in Ecuador visit this link. Ecuadorian Holidays and Traditions
