2023 Holidays - Ecuador

Ecuador Public Holiday Observance Rules

1. When a Public Holiday Falls on a Sunday

- Shift to Monday: If a fixed public holiday falls on a Sunday, it is typically observed on the following Monday to ensure a full weekday off.

- Official Calendar: The annual government-issued holiday calendar specifies which holidays are shifted from Sunday to Monday.

- Employer Obligations: Employers must adhere to the official schedule. Employees working on the substitute Monday are entitled to overtime pay or compensatory time off as mandated by Ecuadorian labor law.

2. When a Public Holiday Falls on a Saturday

- Shift to Friday: If a fixed public holiday falls on a Saturday, it is generally moved to the preceding Friday so that the day off occurs during the workweek.

- Official Determination: The government’s published holiday calendar clearly indicates which holidays are subject to this Saturday-to-Friday shift.

- Compensation: Employers must follow the official arrangement, and employees working on the observed day (whether on the original Saturday or the shifted Friday) are entitled to premium pay or compensatory leave according to national labor regulations.

3. Bridge Holidays (Long Weekends)

- No Automatic Extra Days: Beyond the Saturday-to-Friday and Sunday-to-Monday shifts, there is no automatic provision for additional “bridge” days.

- Government Decrees: Occasionally, the government may declare extra days off to extend a holiday period; such adjustments are clearly stated in the official holiday calendar.

- Employer Flexibility: Employers may offer additional leave or benefits, provided they comply with the statutory requirements and the official schedule.

4. Additional Notes

- Unified Approach: All fixed public holidays—whether secular or religious (such as Christmas, New Year’s Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, etc.)—are generally shifted if falling on a weekend.

- Legal Framework: Public holiday observance in Ecuador is governed by national legislation and government decrees, with the official holiday calendar serving as the definitive guide.

- Staying Informed: For the most current details, consult the latest official holiday calendar and any related updates to Ecuadorian labor law.

- Holiday Work Compensation: Employees working on a public holiday—whether on the original date or the substitute day—are entitled to premium pay or compensatory time off as provided under Ecuadorian law.