Start Planning
New Year's Day
Ecuador

New Year’s Day 2026 and 2027 in Ecuador

Ecuador celebrates New Year’s Day with a public holiday every 1 January, as does most of the rest of the world. However, the celebrations really begin on New Year’s Eve and reach a high point with the turning of the clock from 11:59pm on 31 December to midnight on 1 January.

YearDateDayHoliday
20261 JanThuNew Year's Day
20271 JanFriNew Year's Day
Please scroll down to end of page for previous years' dates.

New Year’s Day is a time of resolutions and starting fresh for some, while for others it is spent recovering from a big, late night spent with friends and family.

There are many New Year’s traditions here that a lot of people from other countries aren’t even aware of. Some things are the same. For example, fireworks in major cities like Quito and Guayaquil, new year resolutions, big late-night dinners, watching the clock hit midnight, and a toast of champagne when the new year finally arrives.

But much is different too. For example, consider the burning of año viejo dolls.
An effigy of some political or cartoon character, or whatever else, is made. It is like a life-sized straw man and is burned during the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Then there are the many good-luck-related New Year’s traditions. It is traditional to eat 12 grapes during the last minute of the old year to guarantee good luck during the year just ahead. Wearing yellow underwear is supposed to bring prosperity. Walking around the block with a suitcase in hand is thought to help with travel safety during the new year, and keeping lentils in your pocket during the party is also a sure-fire way to obtain good luck!

Previous Years

YearDateDayHoliday
20251 JanWedNew Year's Day
20241 JanMonNew Year's Day