Ecuador will celebrate its second national holiday of 2026 in February, coinciding with the Carnival festivities. According to the national schedule released by authorities, the Carnival holiday will occur on Monday, February 16 and Tuesday, February 17. The official holiday calendar indicates that there are 11 national holidays plus an additional day of rest for local, cantonal, or provincial celebrations, reflecting the importance of regional festivities in the country.

After the Carnival holiday, the day known as Ash Wednesday will also be observed as a holiday in several cantons due to local festivities. These holidays are crucial for local communities, especially in regions like Manabí and the Galapagos Islands, where specific local celebrations may adjust the holiday schedule. The Galapagos will have its holidays on February 18 for San Cristóbal, Santa Cruz, and the Provincialization of Galápagos, highlighting the diversity of cultural celebrations across Ecuador.

Moreover, this announcement contributes to the ongoing dialogue regarding public holidays in Ecuador, as it affects planning for both citizens and businesses. The next national holiday after Carnival will be on April 3, underlining the government's efforts to provide a structured approach for holiday observance throughout the year. This systematic scheduling encourages tourism and local celebrations, benefiting the overall economy.