Semana Santa 2026: Your National Travel Guide for Holy Week in Ecuador

The Dates

Semana Santa 2026 runs from Palm Sunday, March 29 through Easter Sunday, April 5.

| Day | Date | What Happens | |---|---|---| | Domingo de Ramos (Palm Sunday) | March 29 | Palm processions nationwide | | Martes Santo | March 31 | Major processions in Cuenca, Quito | | Jueves Santo (Holy Thursday) | April 2 | Church vigils, fanesca served | | Viernes Santo (Good Friday) | April 3 | National holiday — everything closes | | Sábado Santo | April 4 | Holiday weekend continues | | Domingo de Resurrección (Easter) | April 5 | Easter services, family gatherings |

The Long Weekend

The official feriado is Friday April 3 through Sunday April 5. Many people take Thursday off too. Return to work is Monday April 6.

Where to Watch Processions

Quito: The capital hosts Ecuador's largest processions. The Procesión de Jesús del Gran Poder winds through the historic center on Good Friday, drawing tens of thousands. The route passes through Plaza Grande, La Compañía, and San Francisco.

Cuenca: The Procesión de los Pasos on Tuesday March 31 features 17 religious images carried from Parque de la República along Calle Bolívar to the Cathedral. Over 10,000 spectators expected. See our Cuenca-specific guide on CuencaExpat.com.

Riobamba: Known for elaborate street-theater reenactments of the Passion.

Loja: Traditional processions through the colonial center.

The Food: Fanesca

Semana Santa's signature dish is fanesca — a thick, rich soup made with 12 types of grains and beans (representing the 12 apostles), salt cod, and topped with hard-boiled eggs, fried plantain, and mini empanadas.

Every family and restaurant has their own recipe. Many restaurants only serve it during Holy Week — ask when their fanesca will be available. It's one of Ecuador's most beloved culinary traditions and worth trying even if you're not religious.

Travel Tips

Roads and highways:

• Thursday April 2 is the big exodus day — highways from Quito, Cuenca, and Guayaquil to beach towns will be jammed
• Sunday April 5 is the return crush
• Remember: four coastal provinces are under military curfew through March 31 (Guayas, El Oro, Los Ríos, Santo Domingo). The curfew runs 11 PM-5 AM. It should end before the holiday weekend, but monitor for extensions
• The rainy season makes mountain highways dangerous — Cuenca-Molleturo, Cuenca-Girón, and Cuenca-Azogues have all had closures this month

Money:

• Withdraw cash before Friday — ATMs run dry during holiday weekends, especially in smaller towns and beach communities
• Many businesses are cash-only during holidays as card systems go down or staff don't know how to operate them

Businesses:

• Banks close Friday through Sunday (some close Thursday afternoon)
• Government offices closed Friday
• Supermarkets may have reduced hours Thursday-Sunday
• Pharmacies — check your local Fybeca or Sana Sana for holiday hours

Beach towns:

• Montañita, Salinas, Atacames, Same, Canoa — all will be packed. Book accommodation NOW if you haven't already
• Prices surge during Semana Santa at coastal hotels and Airbnbs
• Water safety: the Pacific has strong currents. Follow lifeguard instructions

For the faithful:

• Church services throughout the week in every city
• Most cathedrals and major churches welcome visitors regardless of denomination
• Dress respectfully if attending services (no shorts or tank tops inside churches)

The Alcohol Ban

Ecuador traditionally implements a Ley Seca (dry law) during parts of Semana Santa, banning the sale of alcohol. The dates and hours vary each year — the government usually announces the specifics about a week before. Restaurants and bars must comply; penalties for violations are significant.

Stock up on wine and beer before the ban starts if you're planning a quiet weekend at home.

Sources: Primicias, Ecuador221, El Comercio