When moving to Ecuador with IntlMOVE, one thing is certain – you will be doing a lot of celebrating.
There are festivals every month of the year in Ecuador, so you will have a reason to party if you are looking for an excuse.
These festivals will just give you more reasons to travel around Ecuador to learn more about your new home.
IntlMOVE has put together a list of celebrations when you are moving to Ecuador.
January Events in Ecuador
Like the rest of the world, Ecuador celebrates New Years on January 1 annually.
One of the different traditions in Ecuador is that they burn a life-size dummy to put the old year in the past.
However, most of their New Year celebrations will seem familiar to you.
The celebrations begin on December 31 and peak at midnight, when it is the official beginning of the New Year.
Epiphany is celebrated nationally on January 6.
February Events in Ecuador
Carnival is a popular celebration throughout Central and South America.
The people of Ecuador do not cut any corners when preparing for the Carnival celebrations.
The festivities begin sometime in the middle of February right before Lent.
This event can take place in March sometimes as the date changes.
Daily water throwing marks the beginning of this celebration.
Parties, dancing and lots of food make this an event you won’t want to miss.
The good news is that the parties will be easy to find as most cities in Ecuador hold extravagant Carnival celebrations.
April Events in Ecuador
Almost the entire population of Ecuador practices the Catholic religion, so many of the festivities are based on religious events.
In April, the people of Ecuador celebrate Semana Santa, which is Holy Week.
This celebration takes place after the end of Lent.
During this event, you will likely try the soup, Fanesca.
This soup is made with seven types of grain and cod.
May Events in Ecuador
If you are living in San Lorenzo, you can celebrate the Marimba Festival in May.
On May 1, you will celebrate Labor Day, or Dia de los Trabajadores, all across Ecuador.
May 24 marks the date of General Sucre’s march on Quito.
This celebration of the Battle of Pichincha led to Ecuador’s independence.
This event is celebrated nationally and a flag-raising event helps to mark the significant date.
June Events in Ecuador
Corpus Cristi is a day that is celebrated nationally in May or June in Ecuador.
If you are moving to Otavalo, Ecuador you will celebrate St. John the Baptist day on June 24.
San Pedro y San Palo is celebrated nationally on June 29.
July Events in Ecuador
July 24 is celebrated to honor Simon Boliviar is celebrated nationally.
Simon Boliviar helped many countries in South American gain their independence over Spain.
July 25 is a very popular evening to go out as you celebrate Santigo de Guayaquil, or the founding of Guayaquil.
August Events in Ecuador
August 10 marks the date Ecuador gained its independence from Spain in 1822.
This date is celebrated nationally.
If you are moving to San Lorenzo, Ecuador the Fiestas de San Lorenzo take place in August.
Quito Independence Day is celebrated on August 10 in Quito, Ecuador.
September Events in Ecuador
The Fiesta del Yamor is an event that takes place in Otavalo the first two weeks of September.
This event attracts people from all over the world, who come to eat, drink and enjoy the music, dancing and fireworks.
The crowning of the Reina de la Fiesta is one of the most exciting parts of the celebration.
If you are moving to Latacunga, Ecuador, you will celebrate the La Virgen de las Mercedes on September 23 to September 24.
October Events in Ecuador
In Guayaquil, Ecuador, you will celebrate Guayaquil Independence Day on October 9.
The soldiers and citizens of Guayaquil declared their independence on this day in 1820.
Columbus Day, which is celebrated nationally, takes place on October 12.
October 12 is also celebrated as Race Day, translated to Dia de la Raza in Spanish, when the people of Ecuador celebrate the Hispanic races of the world.
November Events in Ecuador
Day of the Dead is celebrated on November 1 and November 2 throughout Ecuador and other parts of Central and South America.
On these dates, people make guaguas de pan, or bread people, and drink a special beverage made from blackberries.
The Day of the Dead is also a time to remember family members and other people who have passed away.
If you are moving to Cuenca, Ecuador, you will celebrate Cuenca Independence Day on November 3.
One of the biggest parties in Ecuador takes place on November 7 in Latacunga for the Mama Negra event.
You will celebrate with parades, parties and dancing with a little bit of Spanish and African flair.
Latacunga, Ecuador celebrates their independence day on November 11.
December Events in Ecuador
As mentioned earlier, most of the population in Ecuador practices Catholicism.
Therefore, Christmas is one of the biggest holidays celebrated in Ecuador.
Although there are not a lot of parties on December 25, most people spend the day with their families.
When you are ready to move to Ecuador, contact IntlMOVE for your international shipping needs.
I have lived in Quito for over 16 years, I am happy to help with any questions you might have about the country. Patrick- bullock0005@yahoo.com