Good to know
Good to Know
- Ecuador is a dollarized economy with the US Dollar as official currency since 2000; all prices and transactions use USD.
- Exact dates for movable festivals (Carnival, Easter, Corpus Christi) vary yearly by the liturgical calendar—plan ahead.
- Semana Santa (Holy Week) and Fiestas de Quito are Quito's two signature annual celebrations attracting both locals and international visitors.
- Many celebrations feature traditional Andean music, regional food specialties (such as fanesca soup during Easter), and chicha (traditional corn-based beverages).
- Processions often require arriving early for good viewing spots, especially for Holy Week and Fiestas de Quito events.
- Street water-throwing during Carnival can be vigorous; bring appropriate clothing if planning to participate.
Events
Fiestas De Quito (Founding of Quito)
- Dates
- December 1–6 (culminating December 6)
- Significance
- One of Quito's largest annual events
- Location In Quito
- City-wide, primarily historic center and neighborhoods
- Description
- The city's signature celebration commemorating the founding of Quito in 1534. The week-long festival features bullfighting, parades, beauty pageants, block parties, flamenco dancing, opera, theatre plays, and elaborate firework displays throughout neighborhoods.
Semana Santa (Holy Week)
- Dates
- Variable (March or April, ending on Easter Sunday)
- Significance
- One of Ecuador's largest and most celebrated religious events; Quito is especially renowned for this celebration
- Location In Quito
- Historic center, multiple churches and plazas
- Description
- A deeply religious celebration featuring processions and street events. The historic Good Friday procession in Quito involves purple-robed penitents walking barefoot for five kilometers through the Historic Center, accompanied by the Jesus de Gran Poder image. Palm Sunday procession at Plaza San Francisco (~10 am), Holy Thursday church visits, candlelight processions, artisan fairs, and special food/music events throughout the region.
Carnival (Mardi Gras)
- Dates
- Variable (February or March, Monday and Tuesday, 40 days before Easter)
- Significance
- National holiday across Ecuador
- Location In Quito
- City streets and central areas
- Description
- Traditional parades with dancers and musicians, musical and dance performances on stages, and food tents near parade sites. Unique to Ecuador: water throwing and water balloon activities mixed with traditional Catholic celebration.
Corpus Christi
- Dates
- Variable (June, Thursday after Trinity Thursday)
- Significance
- Traditional religious festival
- Location In Quito
- Various venues and streets
- Description
- Celebration featuring masked participants and Palos encebados (smeared poles climbed by men to acquire hanging prizes). Includes traditional music, dancing, and colorful costumes.
Battle of Pichincha (Batalla De Pichincha)
- Dates
- May 24
- Significance
- National holiday celebrating Quito's liberation from Spanish rule
- Location In Quito
- City-wide; Pichincha Volcano
- Description
- Commemorates Ecuador's independence from Spain in 1822. Events include military parades, parades throughout the city, and programs on Pichincha Volcano (the battle site) including air shows, cannon fires, flag hoisting ceremonies, and cultural exhibitions.
Day of the Dead (Día De Los Difuntos)
- Dates
- November 1–2
- Significance
- National holiday across Ecuador
- Location In Quito
- Family homes and cemeteries
- Description
- Traditional ethnic festival honoring deceased ancestors. Originally an indigenous tradition, now blended with Catholic observance. Families prepare special foods and gather to remember the dead.
New Year Celebration (Año Viejo)
- Dates
- December 31
- Significance
- Elaborate displays often financed by large businesses; Quito known for particularly elaborate año viejo puppets
- Location In Quito
- City streets, residential areas, and public spaces
- Description
- Unique Ecuadorian tradition where life-size stuffed dummies representing 'old year' personalities are paraded through streets and burned at midnight. Men and women dress as widows of these effigies and go door-to-door requesting money. Includes traditional celebrations, meals, and rituals for good luck.
August Events (Open-air Cultural Activities)
- Dates
- Throughout August
- Significance
- Part of city council's initiative to promote tourism and conserve tradition
- Location In Quito
- City-wide open-air venues
- Description
- Various cultural, dance, theatre, film, and craft events held at open-air venues with free entry.
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this signature annual events research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
More About Quito
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.