Ecuador Public Holidays
Ecuador observes a mix of public, national, and regional holidays throughout the year.
Overview
Ecuador observes a mix of public, national, and regional holidays throughout the year.
Some holidays are observed nationwide, while others may apply only to specific regions or communities.
Explore the holiday calendar for Ecuador by year below.
2026 holidays
A quick look at upcoming holidays in Ecuador.
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 1 | Thursday | New Year's Day |
| Feb 16 | Monday | Carnival |
| Feb 17 | Tuesday | Carnival |
| Apr 3 | Friday | Good Friday |
| May 1 | Friday | International Workers' Day |
| May 24 | Sunday | The Battle of Pichincha |
| Aug 10 | Monday | Declaration of Independence of Quito |
| Oct 9 | Friday | Independence of Guayaquil |
| Nov 2 | Monday | All Souls' Day |
| Nov 3 | Tuesday | Independence of Cuenca |
| Dec 25 | Friday | Christmas Day |
Holiday calendar by year
Years are listed in ascending order.
About public holidays in Ecuador
This guide provides an overview of public holidays in Ecuador. Holidays are observed nationwide and are often based on religious or historical events. You can find definitions for public holidays on our About Public Holidays page.
For a comprehensive list of all holidays in Ecuador for a specific year, please visit the Ecuador Public Holidays 2026 page.
Major public holidays in 2026
Ecuador observes a variety of public holidays throughout the year, commemorating significant religious, historical, and cultural events. Many of these holidays are fixed dates, while others, like Carnival, are based on the lunar calendar.
In addition to the holidays listed below, Ecuador observes other important dates such as Carnival, which spans two days in February, and regional independence days. For a complete list, please refer to the Ecuador Public Holidays 2026 page.
- New Year's Day — 1 January 2026. Marks the start of the Gregorian calendar year.
- Good Friday — 3 April 2026. A solemn observance commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
- International Workers' Day — 1 May 2026. Celebrates the achievements of workers.
- The Battle of Pichincha — 24 May 2026. Commemorates the decisive battle for Ecuador's independence.
- Declaration of Independence of Quito — 10 August 2026. Celebrates the first cry for independence in Quito.
- Independence of Guayaquil — 9 October 2026. Marks the independence of the city of Guayaquil.
- All Souls' Day — 2 November 2026. A day to remember and honor the departed.
- Christmas Day — 25 December 2026. A major Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus.
Planning around holidays
Ecuador's public holidays are spread throughout the year, offering various opportunities for observance and rest. Many holidays fall on weekdays, but some may create longer breaks when combined with weekends. It's advisable to check the specific dates for the year you plan to visit or celebrate.
- New Year's Day and Christmas Day are fixed holidays at the beginning and end of the year.
- Carnival is a movable holiday, typically occurring in February or March, and can create a four-day break.
- Religious holidays like Good Friday are determined by the lunar calendar.
- National independence days are celebrated on fixed dates throughout the year, often with civic ceremonies.
- Some holidays may be observed on a Monday if they fall on a weekend, though this is not a universal rule and can vary.
Plan Your Year Around EC Holidays
View Ecuador holidays in calendar mode
Explore public holidays in a visual calendar layout and plan ahead more easily.