Christmas in Ecuador
Ecuadorian Christmas peaks on Christmas Eve with a family dinner of roast turkey or pernil (pork leg), followed by the Ano Viejo tradition on New Year's Eve when life-sized effigies are burned at midnight to destroy the old year's bad luck.
Ecuador celebrates Christmas with a distinctive combination of Catholic tradition and folk customs. The Pase del Niño parade in Cuenca on Christmas Eve is one of the most elaborate Christmas processions in South America. The Ano Viejo on New Year's Eve, when life-sized effigies (monigotes) of politicians, cartoon characters, and the old year are burned at midnight, gives the season a fiery conclusion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Pase del Niño?
An elaborate Christmas Eve parade in Cuenca featuring children dressed as biblical figures, accompanied by music and dancing. The Pase del Niño Viajero is the largest and most famous.
Traditions & Customs
Nochebuena
Christmas Eve dinner with extended family. Turkey or pernil, pristiños (fried dough with honey), and buñuelos. Gifts are opened at midnight.
Pase del Niño
In Cuenca, an elaborate Christmas parade features children dressed as biblical characters, accompanied by music and dancing. The Pase del Niño Viajero on December 24 is the largest.
Ano Viejo
On New Year's Eve, Ecuadorians build life-sized effigies (monigotes) representing the old year and burn them at midnight. The tradition is shared with Colombia but is even more elaborate in Ecuador.
Key Dates
Nochebuena
Family dinner and Pase del Niño parade in Cuenca.
Navidad
Public holiday.
Ano Viejo
Effigies are burned at midnight.
Christmas Carols
Silent Night
Noche de PazSung at Ecuadorian churches.