|
Four days later, Holy Thursday, similar to the Day of the Dead in November, precedes the solemn processions on Good Friday and elaborate nighttime masses on Holy Saturday. Businesses not closed already will close on Saturday. Easter morning Mass (Pascua) signifies the end of the deprivations of Lent and the holiday cycle. February 27 - Countrywide: Patriotism Day--Speeches, parades, flag-waving. Countrywide: Intense partying and revelry mark CARNIVAL-- the three days prior to Ash Wednesday. Many shops and services close to celebrate the major holiday of the year. It is common for "carnival spirit" to start weeks before, especially with the water throwing. May 1 - Countrywide: Labor Day--most shops and services stay open. Some parades and speeches focusing on workers. May 24 - Countrywide: The Battle of Pichincha--commemorates Battle of Tarqui over Spain in 1822. May/June (ninth Thursday after Easter) - Countrywide: Corpus Christi--honors the Eucharist, heavy indigenous influence in the Andean highlands; parades, street dancing, harvest fiestas. June 24 - Otavalo, Guamote, Tabacundo: Saint John the Baptist Commemoration, one of the biggest Indigenous celebrations in the Otavalo area. Lots of dancing and folklore music, as of late--cultural programs, presentations. Goes on for 3 days, continues into the St. Peter and Paul fiesta. June 28-29 - Countrywide: Religious fiesta of St. Peter and St. Paul. Largely celebrated in the "Campo". Lots of celebrations in the town of Cayambe. July 24 - Countrywide: Lots of parties, drinking and dancing commemorate Simon Bolivar's birthday (Ecuador's liberator). Celebrations last one day in the highlands and two days on the coast, fading into the Anniversary of the Foundation of Guayaquil on the 25th. August 10 - Countrywide: National Independence Day, few shops and services will be open. September (first week) - Otavalo area: Yamor festivities, the harvest fiesta, lost of dancing and drinking, some cultural presentations. Cotacachi (minutes from Otavalo) simultaneously celetrates the Jora Corn Festival (another harvest celebration) with dancing and parades. September (third week) - Loja: The Virgin of Cisne Festival, religious processions with several days of street parties and local color. September (Third week) - Portoviejo (Manabi), The Arts and Tourist Fair--Many unique souvenirs can be found at this fair. Last Days of September - Machala (El Oro) - The International Banana Fair September 23-24 - Latacunga (an hour outside of Quito): Our Lady of |