Public holidays in Ecuador in 2026 include 13 nationwide holiday dates, covering Carnival, Good Friday, Labour Day, national independence celebrations and Christmas. The calendar consists of 11 regular statutory holidays and two additional non-recoverable days off established through presidential decrees. Ecuador also operates a system for transferring certain holidays to Mondays or Fridays, creating extended weekends.
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Holiday arrangements are governed by the Labour Code, the Organic Law of Public Service and applicable presidential decisions. This guide explains the official 2026 holiday calendar, additional government-declared holidays, regional celebrations, employment rules and long-weekend opportunities.
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Next Public Holiday in Ecuador
| Date | Day | Holiday | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| November 2, 2026 | Monday | All Souls' Day | Confirmed |
Public Holidays in Ecuador 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 1, 2026 | Thursday | New Year's Day | Confirmed |
| January 2, 2026 | Friday | New Year's Holiday (Additional Day) | Confirmed |
| February 16, 2026 | Monday | Carnival Monday | Confirmed |
| February 17, 2026 | Tuesday | Carnival Tuesday | Confirmed |
| April 3, 2026 | Friday | Good Friday | Confirmed |
| April 30, 2026 | Thursday | Labour Day Holiday (Additional Day) | Confirmed |
| May 1, 2026 | Friday | Labour Day | Confirmed |
| May 25, 2026 | Monday | Battle of Pichincha (Observed) | Confirmed |
| August 10, 2026 | Monday | First Cry of Independence | Confirmed |
| October 9, 2026 | Friday | Independence of Guayaquil | Confirmed |
| November 2, 2026 | Monday | All Souls' Day | Confirmed |
| November 3, 2026 | Tuesday | Independence of Cuenca | Confirmed |
| December 25, 2026 | Friday | Christmas Day | Confirmed |
Ecuador's 2026 schedule contains 11 regular nationwide public-holiday dates, including the two days of Carnival. Presidential decrees added Friday, 2 January and Thursday, 30 April, bringing the total to 13 nationally applicable dates.
The principal legal framework is Article 65 of Ecuador's Labour Code, which establishes compulsory rest days and rules for transferring holidays. The Organic Law of Public Service contains corresponding provisions for public-sector employees.
Both additional days declared for 2026 apply nationally to the public and private sectors. Their inclusion distinguishes Ecuador's actual 2026 holiday schedule from calendars listing only the regular statutory dates.
National Holidays in Ecuador
Ecuador's national holidays commemorate important events in the country's independence movement, military history and civic development. Several historical anniversaries are observed nationally even when they originated in a particular city.
Battle of Pichincha
The Battle of Pichincha is commemorated on 24 May each year. The battle took place in 1822 on the slopes of Pichincha volcano near Quito and marked a decisive victory in the struggle for independence from Spanish rule.
In 2026, the anniversary falls on Sunday, 24 May. Under Ecuador's holiday-transfer rules, the nationwide day off moves to Monday, 25 May.
First Cry of Independence
The First Cry of Independence is celebrated on 10 August. It commemorates the establishment of an autonomous governing junta in Quito in 1809, an important event in Ecuador's independence movement.
In 2026, the holiday falls on Monday, 10 August. The date creates a three-day weekend for employees following a standard Monday-to-Friday working schedule.
Independence of Guayaquil
Independence of Guayaquil is commemorated on 9 October. The occasion marks Guayaquil's declaration of independence from Spanish colonial rule in 1820.
Although the historical event is associated with Guayaquil, the holiday is recognized nationwide. In 2026, it falls on Friday, 9 October.
Independence of Cuenca
Independence of Cuenca is celebrated on 3 November and commemorates the city's declaration of independence in 1820.
The holiday is recognized nationally rather than applying only to Cuenca. In 2026, it falls on Tuesday, 3 November, immediately after All Souls' Day on Monday, creating a four-day break when combined with the regular weekend.
Labour Day
Labour Day, also known as International Workers' Day, is observed on 1 May. It recognizes workers and the historical struggle for fair employment conditions.
In 2026, Labour Day falls on Friday, 1 May. The government declared Thursday, 30 April an additional non-recoverable holiday, extending the national break through Sunday, 3 May.
Religious and Traditional Public Holidays in Ecuador
Religious traditions play an important role in Ecuador's public holiday calendar. Carnival, Good Friday, All Souls' Day and Christmas are among the nationally recognized celebrations.
Carnival in Ecuador 2026
Carnival is celebrated on the Monday and Tuesday immediately preceding Ash Wednesday. In 2026, the official Carnival holidays fall on Monday, 16 February and Tuesday, 17 February.
Carnival is associated with parades, community festivities, music, traditional celebrations and gatherings across Ecuador. Local customs vary considerably between cities and regions.
Both Carnival Monday and Carnival Tuesday are compulsory nationwide rest days under Ecuador's holiday legislation.
Good Friday
Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and falls on the Friday before Easter Sunday. In 2026, it is observed on Friday, 3 April.
The holiday is recognized nationally and is associated with religious services, processions and family observances. It also creates a three-day weekend for employees whose regular days off are Saturday and Sunday.
All Souls' Day
All Souls' Day, known in Ecuador as Día de los Difuntos, is observed on 2 November. It is dedicated to remembering deceased family members and loved ones.
Traditional observances include cemetery visits and family gatherings. Colada morada, a thick fruit-based drink, and guaguas de pan, decorated bread figures, are closely associated with the occasion.
In 2026, All Souls' Day falls on Monday, 2 November. It is followed immediately by Independence of Cuenca on Tuesday, 3 November.
Christmas Day
Christmas Day is celebrated on 25 December and commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. The occasion is associated with religious services, family gatherings and traditional festivities.
In 2026, Christmas Day falls on Friday, 25 December. It remains on its original calendar date under Ecuador's holiday rules.
Additional Public Holidays Declared in Ecuador in 2026
Two additional national holidays were established through executive decrees for 2026. Both apply to public-sector and private-sector workers and were specifically declared non-recoverable, meaning employees are not required to make up the suspended working hours.
2 January 2026 – Additional New Year's Holiday
Executive Decree No. 249, issued on 17 December 2025, suspended the national working day on Friday, 2 January 2026.
The measure extended the New Year's holiday from Thursday, 1 January through Sunday, 4 January, creating a four-day break.
The decree applied to both public-sector and private-sector workers and expressly established that the suspended working day would not be recoverable.
Decree No. 249 was published in the Official Gazette, Supplement No. 187, dated 18 December 2025.
30 April 2026 – Additional Labour Day Holiday
Executive Decree No. 354 established Thursday, 30 April 2026 as an additional nationwide day off immediately before Labour Day.
The decree extended the holiday period from Thursday, 30 April through Sunday, 3 May. It applied to public-sector and private-sector workers throughout Ecuador.
The suspended working day was declared non-recoverable. The decree also provided for the continuation of essential public services and necessary operations.
Decree No. 354 was published in the Official Gazette, Third Supplement No. 258, dated 6 April 2026.
How Holiday Transfers Work in Ecuador
Ecuador has statutory rules for moving certain public holidays when their anniversary dates fall on particular weekdays. These provisions help consolidate days off into longer weekends.
Under Article 65 of the Labour Code, the general transfer rules include:
- When an eligible public holiday falls on Tuesday, the day off generally moves to the preceding Monday.
- When an eligible public holiday falls on Wednesday or Thursday, the day off generally moves to Friday of the same week.
- When an eligible public holiday falls on Saturday, the day off generally moves to the preceding Friday.
- When an eligible public holiday falls on Sunday, the day off generally moves to the following Monday.
Specific exceptions apply, including New Year's Day, Christmas Day and Carnival Tuesday. Holiday transfers also need to account for consecutive public holidays and any special legal provisions.
In 2026, the Battle of Pichincha anniversary falls on Sunday, 24 May, so the official holiday is observed on Monday, 25 May.
Additional executive decrees are different from ordinary holiday transfers. The extra holidays on 2 January and 30 April were separately established through presidential decisions.
Regional and Local Holidays in Ecuador
In addition to nationwide public holidays, Ecuador recognizes local civic holidays in provinces, municipalities and cantons. These observances apply within their respective jurisdictions rather than automatically across the entire country.
Examples of important local celebrations include the founding of Quito and civic anniversaries recognized by individual provincial or municipal authorities.
The distinction between national and local holidays is particularly important for employers, employees and businesses operating in multiple locations.
Some commemorations associated with individual cities, such as the Independence of Guayaquil and Independence of Cuenca, are nationally recognized holidays. Other municipal celebrations remain local.
Regional holidays are excluded from the main nationwide holiday database unless their geographical applicability can be represented separately.
Are Public Holidays Paid in Ecuador?
Yes. Ecuador's Labour Code recognizes specified public holidays as compulsory rest days. The law establishes rules governing remuneration and compensation when employees are required to work during legally designated rest periods.
Article 65 identifies the compulsory holidays, while Article 66 addresses remuneration for those rest days. The applicable provisions concerning extraordinary work determine compensation when employees work on public holidays.
Under Ecuadorian labour rules, work performed during compulsory rest periods may attract an additional 100% remuneration surcharge, subject to the applicable legal conditions.
The two additional public holidays declared for 2026 were expressly non-recoverable. Employees were not required to compensate for the suspended working hours through additional workdays.
Employers should check applicable employment legislation and any special working arrangements before calculating holiday pay.
Long Weekends in Ecuador in 2026
Ecuador's holiday-transfer system and two exceptional presidential decrees create several extended breaks in 2026. The following periods are particularly relevant for travel, family activities and annual-leave planning.
- New Year's Holiday: Thursday, 1 January through Sunday, 4 January, including the additional holiday on 2 January.
- Carnival: Saturday, 14 February through Tuesday, 17 February, creating a four-day break for employees with a Saturday-Sunday weekend.
- Good Friday: Friday, 3 April through Sunday, 5 April.
- Labour Day: Thursday, 30 April through Sunday, 3 May, including the additional presidentially declared holiday.
- Battle of Pichincha: Saturday, 23 May through Monday, 25 May.
- First Cry of Independence: Saturday, 8 August through Monday, 10 August.
- Independence of Guayaquil: Friday, 9 October through Sunday, 11 October.
- All Souls' Day and Independence of Cuenca: Saturday, 31 October through Tuesday, 3 November.
- Christmas: Friday, 25 December through Sunday, 27 December.
These examples assume a standard Saturday-Sunday weekend. Workers on different schedules may have different rest arrangements, and essential services may continue operating.
Are Banks, Schools and Government Offices Closed on Public Holidays?
Government Offices
Government offices generally suspend ordinary administrative operations during nationally designated compulsory rest days. Essential services may continue operating according to institutional arrangements.
The additional holidays declared for 2 January and 30 April 2026 included provisions addressing the operation of necessary public services.
Banks and Financial Institutions
Bank branches may close or follow special schedules on public holidays. However, essential banking operations and financial services may be maintained under applicable government and supervisory arrangements.
Customers should consult their bank's official notices before scheduling time-sensitive transactions or branch visits.
Schools and Universities
Public holidays generally affect the operation of educational institutions, but academic calendars and school vacation periods are managed separately.
School closures should therefore be checked against instructions issued by the relevant education authority or institution.
Private Businesses
Retail businesses, restaurants, hotels, transport providers and other private establishments may continue operating during public holidays.
Employees working on legally designated rest days remain subject to the relevant labour compensation rules.
Who Announces Official Public Holidays in Ecuador?
Ecuador's public holiday framework is established primarily through legislation and supplemented by decisions of the national government.
The Ministry of Labour provides access to employment legislation governing compulsory rest days. Public-sector holiday arrangements are also regulated under the Organic Law of Public Service.
The national tourism authorities publish holiday calendars useful for public planning, while presidential decrees may establish additional days off in particular years.
The Official Gazette, known as the Registro Oficial, publishes executive decrees and other legally relevant instruments.
For 2026, Executive Decrees No. 249 and No. 354 are particularly important because they extend the New Year's and Labour Day breaks beyond the ordinary statutory calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the next public holiday in Ecuador?
The next public holiday depends on the current date. The Next Public Holiday in Ecuador section near the top of this page displays the upcoming holiday from the VisaBoards public holiday database.
What is Ecuador's country code?
Ecuador's ISO 3166-1 alpha-2 country code is EC.
How many public holidays are there in Ecuador in 2026?
Ecuador has 13 nationwide public-holiday dates in 2026, comprising 11 regular statutory dates and two additional non-recoverable holidays declared by presidential decrees. This count excludes provincial, municipal and cantonal holidays.
When is Carnival in Ecuador in 2026?
Carnival Monday falls on 16 February and Carnival Tuesday on 17 February 2026. Both are nationwide compulsory public holidays.
Is 2 January 2026 a public holiday in Ecuador?
Yes. Executive Decree No. 249 declared Friday, 2 January 2026 an additional nationwide non-recoverable day off, extending the New Year's holiday period from 1 to 4 January.
Is 30 April 2026 a public holiday in Ecuador?
Yes. Executive Decree No. 354 established Thursday, 30 April 2026 as an additional nationwide non-recoverable holiday, extending the Labour Day break through Sunday, 3 May.
When is the Battle of Pichincha holiday in 2026?
The historical anniversary falls on Sunday, 24 May 2026. The official public holiday is observed on Monday, 25 May under Ecuador's statutory holiday-transfer rules.
Why are some public holidays moved to Mondays or Fridays?
Ecuador's Labour Code establishes rules for transferring certain holidays to Mondays or Fridays when the original dates fall on other weekdays or weekends. The system helps create longer periods of consecutive rest, subject to specified exceptions.
Are public holidays paid in Ecuador?
Yes. Ecuador's Labour Code recognizes national public holidays as compulsory rest days and establishes remuneration rules. Employees required to work during applicable rest periods may qualify for additional compensation under the relevant labour provisions.
Are regional holidays included in Ecuador's national calendar?
No. Regional, provincial and cantonal holidays generally apply only within their respective jurisdictions. The national calendar includes holidays applicable throughout Ecuador, including certain historical celebrations associated with Guayaquil and Cuenca.
Official Sources for Public Holidays in Ecuador
- Ministry of Labour – Ecuadorian Labour Code: Article 65 identifies compulsory national public holidays and establishes holiday-transfer rules. Article 66 addresses remuneration for compulsory rest days.
- Ministry of Labour – Organic Law of Public Service: Provides the legal framework governing public-sector employment and corresponding holiday arrangements.
- Official Gazette – Supplement No. 187, 18 December 2025: Contains Executive Decree No. 249, establishing the additional nationwide holiday on 2 January 2026.
- Official Gazette – Third Supplement No. 258, 6 April 2026: Contains Executive Decree No. 354, establishing the additional nationwide holiday on 30 April 2026.
For official scheduling and employment purposes, the applicable statutory provisions and executive decrees should take precedence over commercial holiday calendars. Regional holidays should be checked separately with the competent local authority.
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