Ecuador holiday calendar

Public holidays in Ecuador 2026

Calendar compilation last reviewed

Plan the year with every Ecuador public holiday, regional date and major cultural observance in our calendar. Each entry links to a detailed guide covering its history, status, traditions and sources.

Public holidays
11
Regional dates
1
Observances
2
Substitute dates
1

How public holidays work in Ecuador

The calendar separates public holidays from regional dates and cultural observances. Public holidays are the broadest category in our Ecuador calendar. Regional holidays may apply only in a particular state, province, territory or community, while an observance does not automatically mean that workplaces, schools or public services close.

1 holiday has a separate substitute or observed date in 2026. Those dates are shown in the table, but entitlements can still depend on location, employer and the governing authority. November is the busiest month, with 3 listed dates.

Ecuador holiday dates in 2026

The table lists 14 calendar entries. Follow a holiday name for its full background, observance details and traditions.

Public holidays, regional dates and cultural observances in Ecuador for 2026
DateHolidayTypeObserved day
New Year’s DayEcuador’s January 1 statutory holiday, opening the year with family gatherings, public celebrations and reflection.Public holiday—
Carnival MondayThe first statutory day of Ecuador’s pre-Lenten Carnival break, marked by music, food, water play and regional festivals.Public holiday—
Carnival TuesdayThe second compulsory national rest day of Ecuador’s Carnival season, closing the celebrations before Ash Wednesday.Public holiday—
Good FridayA nationwide statutory holiday at the solemn centre of Christian Holy Week in Ecuador.Public holiday—
Labour DayA May 1 statutory holiday recognising workers and the dignity of labour across Ecuador.Public holiday—
Battle of PichinchaA May 24 national holiday commemorating the 1822 battle that consolidated independence in the former Royal Audience of Quito.Public holiday
Inti RaymiAn Andean solstice observance honouring the Sun, agricultural cycles and Indigenous community knowledge.Cultural observance—
First Cry of IndependenceAn August 10 national holiday recalling the 1809 Quito movement that began Ecuador’s independence process.Public holiday—
Independence of GuayaquilAn October 9 national holiday marking Guayaquil’s 1820 declaration and the Free Province of Guayaquil.Public holiday—
All Souls’ DayA November 2 statutory holiday and day of remembrance for deceased relatives, closely associated with colada morada and guaguas de pan.Public holiday—
Finados TraditionsA cultural observance of ancestral and family remembrance on November 2, shown alongside the statutory All Souls’ Day holiday.Cultural observance—
Independence of CuencaA November 3 national holiday commemorating Cuenca’s 1820 independence movement. This guide explains the date, background, legal status and customary observance of Independence of Cuenca in Ecuador.Public holiday—
Foundation of QuitoA Quito regional holiday and citywide cultural observance marking the Spanish foundation of San Francisco de Quito in 1534.Regional public holiday—
Christmas DayA December 25 statutory holiday centred on Christian worship, family meals, music and Christmas-season gatherings.Public holiday—

Sources for Ecuador holidays

Calendar dates and classifications are checked against the primary calendar sources below. Historical and cultural claims have additional citations on each individual holiday guide.