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Ecuador's Holidays At least l9 days each year are celebrated nationwide in Ecuador. Many of these days are holidays for everyone, and travel or services can be very difficult to arrange. Other holidays are just celebrated regionally or only by some part of the population. There are historical and political holidays, usually commemorating famous generals, battles and independence anniversaries and can range from nationwide parties to special days for individual towns. Religious holidays combine the solemnity of Catholic processions and services with drinking and dancing celebrations, especially in indigenous Andean pueblos. At any rate, be prepared for some inconveniences, even though these national and regional celebrations can be an exciting and memorable experience. Be sure to change enough money into local currency when a fiesta is coming up. Also, transportation will be more crowded. January 1 - Countrywide: New Year's eve is a big night in Ecuador with the burning of the old images (effigies), lots of local drinking, with possibly some local parades. On New Year's Day most shops and services close to recover from the previous night's celebration. January 6 - Countrywide: The Religious holiday Three Kings' Day. Many businesses will be closed. Catholic Spring Holidays - The Catholic Church's most festive season revolves around Easter, which technicallly occurs on the Sunday after the full moon of the vernal equinox. Carnival in February or March is the big celebration before the 40 days of fasting and penance known as Lent, which begins on Ash Wednesday. Holy Week (Semana Santa) occurs just before Easter. Palm Sunday kicks things off, with parishoners bringing palm fronds to church. Four days later, Holy Thursday, similar to the Day of the Dead in |
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Welcome to the Ali Shungu MOUNTAINTOP LODGE, Otavalo, Ecuador |
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Ali Shungu MOUNTAINTOP LODGE E-MAIL MSN MESSENGER Ali Shungu PHONE: 01159362920750 |