The calendar of holidays in Ecuador is an indispensable guide for planning personal and work activities, as these dates not only commemorate historical and religious events, but also offer an opportunity for rest and recreation. In April 2025, Ecuador will have a prominent holiday that unites tradition, culture and spirituality: Holy Week.
April Holidays in Ecuador 2025.
In 2025, the main holiday in April corresponds to the celebration of Holy Week, a tradition deeply rooted in Ecuadorian culture. This event is spread over two days of mandatory rest:
Good Friday : April 18, 2025
Easter Sunday : April 20, 2025 (although not a mandatory holiday, it is a significant date for many families).
Good Friday is part of a long weekend, giving people the opportunity to travel, participate in religious activities, or simply rest.
Holy Week: Meaning and Celebrations.
Holy Week is one of the most important religious holidays in Ecuador. During this week, especially on Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday, the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ are commemorated. Although Holy Thursday is not an official holiday, many people participate in religious activities and processions.
Processions and Religious Events.
Among the most notable traditions are the processions, which take place in several cities across the country. One of the most famous is the "Procession of Jesus of the Great Power" in Quito, which attracts thousands of parishioners and tourists every year. During this event, participants walk through the streets of the Historic Center dressed as penitents, carrying crosses or wearing traditional attire.
In other regions, such as Cuenca and Loja, similar events are also organised that combine religious devotion with cultural and artistic events.
Typical Easter Gastronomy.
Holy Week is also an opportunity to enjoy the rich Ecuadorian gastronomy. One of the most emblematic dishes of this time is fanesca, a soup made with 12 different grains that symbolize the twelve apostles. Fanesca is prepared with ingredients such as corn, beans, chochos and squash, and is served with accompaniments such as hard-boiled egg, fresh cheese and empanadas de viento.
Other traditional sweets, such as figs with cheese and aloja, are also part of the culinary customs of this season.
Impact of the Holiday on the Economy and Tourism.
Domestic Tourism.
The Easter holiday significantly boosts domestic tourism in Ecuador. During this period, many families take advantage of the free time to travel to popular tourist destinations such as the Sierra region, where colonial cities such as Quito and Cuenca are located. These localities offer a combination of religious traditions and architectural beauty that attract both nationals and foreigners.
The Costa region also receives numerous visitors. Beaches such as Salinas, Montañita and Manta are ideal destinations for those looking to relax and enjoy the warm weather.
Trade and Crafts.
Holy Week also represents an opportunity for small merchants and artisans, who offer traditional products such as candles, religious figures and local crafts. In markets and fairs, it is common to find objects alluding to the celebration, as well as typical foods prepared especially for the occasion.
Preparations for the Holiday.
Transport Planning.
It is important to plan ahead for travel during Holy Week, as demand for land and air transportation increases considerably. The main land terminals in cities such as Quito, Guayaquil and Cuenca are often full, so it is recommended to purchase tickets in advance.
Accommodation Reservation.
Similarly, hotels and accommodations also experience high occupancy during this period. Platforms such as Booking and Airbnb offer options for all budgets, but it is advisable to make reservations weeks in advance to ensure availability.
Additional Holidays in April 2025.
Although Easter is the main event in April, it is also important to consider other days that, although they are not official holidays, have cultural and social relevance in the country:
Ecuadorian Teachers' Day (April 13) : A date that honors the work of educators in the development of the country. Although it is not a holiday, commemorative activities are held in schools and colleges.
Earth Day (April 22) : This global day also has an echo in Ecuador, where awareness-raising activities on environmental care are carried out.
Importance of Holidays in Ecuadorian Society.
Holidays, especially those related to religion, play a crucial role in the social cohesion of the country. They allow people to reconnect with their traditions, spend time with their families and reflect on spiritual and cultural aspects.
Economically, these days represent a driving force for sectors such as tourism, commerce and gastronomy, generating significant income for thousands of families.