Holidays in Ecuador 2025

02

Jan

By Ambaturismo | Transfer, Tourist Transportation and Adventure Tourism

Holidays in Ecuador

1. New Year's Day - January 1 (Wednesday)

This day symbolizes new beginnings and the hope for a prosperous year. Traditions vary by region, but the spirit of celebration and renewal is common throughout the country.

Muñecos de Año Viejo: Dolls are made from old clothes and filled with paper or fireworks. These dolls represent the departing year and are burned at midnight.

2. Carnival - February 11 and 12 (Monday and Tuesday)

Carnival in Ecuador is a fusion of indigenous and Spanish traditions, reflecting the cultural diversity of the country. It is a time of joy, family and community union, where life and hope are celebrated.

Water and Foam Battles: People throw water and foam at each other in a festive atmosphere, especially among young people and children.

Parades and Comparsas: Parades are organized with music, dance and costumes, highlighting the local culture.

3. Holy Week April 18-19 (Friday and Saturday)

This celebration reflects the deep Catholic faith of the country and is an occasion for family and community unity.

Clothing: Participants usually wear tunics and hoods, symbolizing mourning and penitence.

Religious events: In many cities, processions representing the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ take place. The most famous are those of Quito and Cuenca.

4. Labor Day - May 1 (Thursday)

This day offers the opportunity to reflect on the achievements made in labor rights and to continue the struggle for equity and justice in the labor sphere.

Parades: Marches and parades are organized in various cities, where workers and unions come together to demand labor improvements and rights.

Solidarity Messages: During these demonstrations, messages of solidarity and unity among workers are expressed.

5. Battle of Pichincha - May 24 (Saturday)

This date is celebrated with parades, civic acts and activities that honor the heroes of independence.

Tributes: Tributes are paid to the heroes of independence, with speeches and symbolic acts in squares and monuments.

Civic Parades: In several cities, especially in Quito, civic parades are held with the participation of educational institutions, military and civilian organizations.

6. Independence Day - August 10 (Sunday)

This day is commemorated with parades, civic acts and activities that pay tribute to the heroes of independence.

Patriotic Parades: Parades are organized in cities such as Quito, where schools, military institutions and community organizations participate.

Dances and Music: During the parades, folkloric dances and traditional Ecuadorian music are presented.

7. All Souls Day - November 2 (Sunday)

It is a celebration that strengthens family and community ties, remembering the importance of memory and respect for those who have passed away.

Prayers and Reflections: Prayers and moments of reflection are held at the graves, remembering the deceased.

Cleaning and Decoration: Families visit cemeteries to clean and decorate the graves of their loved ones with flowers, especially cempasúchil (flor de muerto) and other floral arrangements.

8. Independence of Cuenca - November 3 (Monday)

This date symbolizes the resistance and struggle for freedom in Ecuador, highlighting the role of the city in the process of emancipation of the country.

Patriotic Parades: Parades are held with the participation of schools, military institutions and community organizations, showing pride in independence.

Dances and Music: During the parades, folkloric dances and traditional Ecuadorian music are presented, highlighting the local culture.

9. Christmas - December 25 (Thursday)

Christmas is a time of family togetherness, reflection and celebration of faith. Christmas traditions reflect the cultural diversity of the country and the importance of the community in this holiday.

Christmas tree: Families decorate a Christmas tree with lights, spheres and ornaments, creating a festive atmosphere in the home.

Nativity Scenes: It is common to set up nativity scenes representing the birth of Jesus, using clay, wood or cardboard figures.