Ecuador Public Holidays 2025
Ecuador has 12 public holidays and 4 observances in 2025. Explore the full holiday calendar below.
All Holidays
| Date | Day | Name | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan | Wed | New Year's Day | public |
| 3 Mar | Mon | Carnival | public |
| 4 Mar | Tue | Shrove Tuesday | public |
| 17 Apr | Thu | Maundy Thursday | public |
| 18 Apr | Fri | Good Friday | public |
| 20 Apr | Sun | Easter Sunday | observance |
| 1 May | Thu | Labour Day | public |
| 24 May | Sat | The Battle of Pichincha | public |
| 24 Jul | Thu | The Birthday of Simón Bolívar | observance |
| 10 Aug | Sun | Declaration of Independence of Quito | public |
| 10 Sep | Wed | Independence of Guayaquil | public |
| 31 Oct | Fri | Flag Day | observance |
| 2 Nov | Sun | All Souls' Day | public |
| 3 Nov | Mon | Independence of Cuenca | public |
| 25 Dec | Thu | Christmas Day | public |
| 31 Dec | Wed | New Year's Eve | observance |
About Ecuador's Holidays
Ecuador mixes national pride, religion, and indigenous tradition in its holidays. Major public holidays mark independence and civic history. Many days are paid public holidays when schools and offices close so families can celebrate together across the country.
Religious holidays are important. Catholic feasts like Holy Week and Christmas shape the calendar. Indigenous festivals such as Inti Raymi celebrate the sun and harvest. Carnival is a lively party before Lent with parades, water games, and local foods.
There are also modern civic days like Labor Day and municipal anniversaries. Quito and other cities hold big local festivals that draw tourists. Overall Ecuadorian holidays blend history, faith, and local culture into colorful, community centered celebrations.
Holiday Traditions
In Ecuador holidays mix Indigenous, Spanish, and African traditions. People celebrate with strong family and community focus. Many events blend religion, ancient rituals, music, and colorful dress to mark important days together.
Food is central. Families share hearty dishes like locro soup, hornado roast pork, fritada, humitas, and seafood stews. Sweet breads and treats such as guagua de pan with colada morada appear at special times. Cooking and sharing meals bring everyone close.
Public life fills with parades, folk dances, brass bands, artisan markets, church processions, and fireworks. Town squares and streets become lively places where neighbors meet, sing, and dance into the night.
Overall holidays are about family reunions, visiting relatives, honoring ancestors, giving thanks, and enjoying community warmth.
Travel Tips
Ecuador gets very busy during the holiday season. Shops, banks, and some government offices close on public holidays. Many restaurants and small businesses also shut for family time, especially in smaller towns and indigenous communities.
Public transport runs but schedules change. Buses and flights fill up early and may add extra services. Taxis and rideshares are harder to find in peak moments. Allow extra travel time and book buses or flights well ahead.
Tourist sites and markets are crowded. Coastal and Galapagos spots see higher prices and fast sellouts. City streets can be noisy with parades and fireworks, especially around New Year.
Pack copies of important documents and local cash. Check opening hours before you go. Plan flexible days and book key travel and tours in advance.