FEBRUARY · Dates change each year
Carnaval
Everywhere, famously GuarandaWater balloons, foam and music for two days before Lent. Expect to get wet. Kids love it.
FEBRUARY · Dates change each year
Fiesta de las Flores y las Frutas
AmbatoParades of floats covered in flowers and fruit, held around Carnaval.
MARCH · March or April, dates change
Semana Santa
Quito and across the countryHoly Week. Families make fanesca, and Quito's Good Friday procession fills the historic center.
JUNE · Around June 21
Inti Raymi
Otavalo, Cotacachi and ImbaburaThe Andean festival of the sun around the June solstice, with music and dancing in the streets.
JUNE · About June to September
Humpback whale season begins
Puerto López and the Manabí coastHumpback whales arrive to breed off the coast. Not a festival, but a family highlight.
JULY · Late July
Fiestas de Guayaquil
GuayaquilCelebrations for the city's founding, with concerts and events along the Malecón.
AUGUST · August 10
Primer Grito de Independencia
Quito and nationwideA national holiday marking Ecuador's first call for independence in 1809.
SEPTEMBER · September, and again in November
Mama Negra
LatacungaOne of Ecuador's most colorful festivals, with costumed dancers and a famous procession.
OCTOBER · October 9
Independence of Guayaquil
GuayaquilA national holiday celebrating the city's independence in 1820.
NOVEMBER · November 2
Día de los Difuntos
NationwideFamilies remember loved ones, drink colada morada and share guaguas de pan.
NOVEMBER · November 3
Independence of Cuenca
CuencaThe day after Día de los Difuntos, Cuenca celebrates with parades and fairs.
DECEMBER · Early December
Fiestas de Quito
QuitoA week of music, parades and neighborhood parties for the city's founding.
DECEMBER · December 24
Pase del Niño Viajero
CuencaOne of the largest Christmas Eve processions in Latin America, full of costumed children.
DECEMBER · December 31
Año Viejo
NationwideAt midnight on New Year's Eve, families burn life-size effigies of the old year.
Some festivals move each year, and local dates can change. Check with the town before you plan a trip around one.