Ecuador Carnival
2 - March 3, Sunday – Monday
When is it celebrated?
The date of the Carnival depends on Easter, as it takes place 40 days before Holy Week. It usually falls in February or early March. In 2025, it will be celebrated on March 2–3.
Main traditions
– Throwing water – a symbol of purification and fertility.
– Musical and dance parades through the streets of the cities.
– Colorful processions with folkloric groups and traditional costumes.
– Beauty contests and the election of the Carnival queen.
– Street celebrations with traditional music and local dishes.
Where are the most spectacular celebrations?
– Ambato – known as the "Festival of Fruits and Flowers," featuring colorful parades and exhibitions.
– Guaranda – the heart of the traditional Ecuadorian Carnival, with music, dancing, and abundant feasts.
– Cuenca – here, the Carnival is celebrated in a calmer atmosphere, with cultural and gastronomic events.
Traditional dishes
– Motepata – a thick soup with corn and pork.
– Fanesca – a Lent soup made with beans, corn, fish, and milk.
– Chicha – a traditional fermented drink made from corn.
The Carnival in Ecuador is not just a festival but an essential part of the national culture, bringing together folk traditions, religious beliefs, and a love for celebration.
Ecuador Carnival in other years
- 2022 February 28 - March 1, Monday – Tuesday
- 2023 20 - February 21, Monday – Tuesday
- 2024 12 - February 13, Monday – Tuesday
- 2026 16 - February 17, Monday – Tuesday