We're here to help you keep count of the days to or since a date. Just click the button below and enter your chosen date to get started. Also choose the suggested days or search for a special day above #countingthedays
Day Off for New Year's Day in Ecuador
In Ecuador, New Year's Day, known as "Año Nuevo," is a public holiday celebrated on January 1st. It marks the beginning of a new year according to the Gregorian calendar. As with many countries around the world, it is a day off for the general population, and schools, government offices, and most businesses are closed.
New Year's Day is embedded with various customs that blend indigenous beliefs with Spanish colonial traditions. One of the most famous traditions in Ecuador for welcoming the New Year is the burning of "años viejos" (old years). These are effigies that can represent public figures, cartoons, or other symbolic characters from the past year. The effigies are often filled with paper scraps or sawdust and set alight at midnight to symbolize burning away the bad from the previous year and making way for new beginnings.
Another tradition includes wearing colorful underwear; red is believed to bring love in the New Year, while yellow is thought to bring wealth and happiness.
On New Year's Eve leading into New Year's Day, Ecuadorians often gather with family and friends for parties and large meals. At midnight, fireworks light up the sky across cities and towns as people celebrate. After setting fire to their años viejos, families might jump over the flames as a symbol of overcoming challenges or to gain good luck for the coming year.
In addition to these practices, some people also participate in spiritual rituals or attend religious services to give thanks and pray for prosperity in the new year.
The first day of January itself tends to be more relaxed as people recover from late-night festivities. Many spend time at home with loved ones or take advantage of the holiday by relaxing at parks or beaches if weather permits.
