| Date | Holiday | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 2026-01-01 | New Year's Day | National |
| 2026-02-16 | Carnival | National |
| 2026-02-17 | Carnival | National |
| 2026-04-03 | Good Friday | National |
| 2026-05-01 | Labor Day | National |
| 2026-05-24 | The Battle of Pichincha | National |
| 2026-05-25 | The Battle of Pichincha (observed) | Substitute |
| 2026-08-10 | Declaration of Independence of Quito | National |
| 2026-10-09 | Independence of Guayaquil | National |
| 2026-11-02 | All Souls' Day | National |
| 2026-11-03 | Independence of Cuenca | National |
| 2026-12-25 | Christmas Day | National |
How many public holidays does Ecuador have in 2026?
Ecuador has 12 public holidays in 2026: 11 national holidays, 1 substitute day. The dates run from 1 January 2026 to 25 December 2026, and no public holiday falls in March, June, July, September. Observances and regional holidays are listed separately and are not counted.
Wondering how that stacks up globally? See how Ecuador's public holiday count compares.
Long weekends in Ecuador 2026
Ecuador's public holidays create 8 long weekends in 2026 - runs of three or more consecutive days off, each built around a holiday that touches a weekend.
- Sat 14 - Tue 17 February: Carnival (4-day weekend, Saturday 14 February to Tuesday 17 February).
- Fri 3 - Sun 5 April: Good Friday (3-day weekend, Friday 3 April to Sunday 5 April).
- Fri 1 - Sun 3 May: Labor Day (3-day weekend, Friday 1 May to Sunday 3 May).
- Sat 23 - Mon 25 May: The Battle of Pichincha (3-day weekend, Saturday 23 May to Monday 25 May).
- Sat 8 - Mon 10 August: Declaration of Independence of Quito (3-day weekend, Saturday 8 August to Monday 10 August).
- Fri 9 - Sun 11 October: Independence of Guayaquil (3-day weekend, Friday 9 October to Sunday 11 October).
- Sat 31 October - Tue 3 November: All Souls' Day (4-day weekend, Saturday 31 October to Tuesday 3 November).
- Fri 25 - Sun 27 December: Christmas Day (3-day weekend, Friday 25 December to Sunday 27 December).
Observed and substitute holidays in Ecuador 2026
A substitute holiday is a day off moved to a nearby working weekday when a public holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday. The legal date never changes - only the day most people actually get off.
- 25 May 2026 (Monday) - given as the day off for The Battle of Pichincha (observed), which falls on a weekend.
Regional variations are common; see public holidays across South America for the wider picture.
Public holidays in Ecuador: is your date a holiday in 2026?
Every date in the table above is a public holiday in Ecuador in 2026. If the date you are checking appears there, it is a day off; if it does not, it is not a public holiday - however widely it may be marked.
For example, 1 January 2026 is New Year's Day, a public holiday in Ecuador.
More to explore: browse public holidays by country.
About these holidays in Ecuador (2026)
Our Ecuador public holidays guide explains the background of each holiday and how the dates are set.
New Year's Day
New Year's Day falls on 1 January and opens the Gregorian calendar year. Most countries mark it with a public holiday, and celebrations usually begin the night before with countdowns, fireworks and gatherings. The date was fixed in its current position by Julius Caesar's calendar reform, and later preserved by the Gregorian reform of 1582. traditions vary widely, from first-footing in Scotland to writing resolutions for the months ahead.
Good Friday
Good Friday is the Friday before Easter and commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus. It is a public holiday in most countries with Christian traditions, and businesses, banks and schools often close. Observance is typically solemn, with church services, processions and in some places Passion plays. The date moves each year because Easter is calculated from the first full moon following the March equinox.
Labor Day
Labor Day honours the achievements of workers and the labour movement. Most countries observe it on 1 May, known internationally as May Day or International Workers' Day, which grew out of the campaign for an eight hour working day. Others, including the United States and Canada, hold it on the first Monday of September. Typical events include trade union marches, rallies and public speeches on working conditions.
Christmas Day
Christmas Day on 25 December is the Christian feast of the Nativity of Jesus and one of the most widely observed public holidays in the world. It is a legal holiday in most nations with Christian majorities or heritage, and a cultural holiday in many others. Customs include family gatherings, gift giving, special meals and decorated trees. Countries following the Julian or Oriental Orthodox calendars often celebrate on 7 January instead.