Ecuador: Guayaquil to have local holiday for founding anniversary

Guayaquil, Ecuador, is gearing up for a long weekend as the city prepares to celebrate its founding anniversary. The commemoration, traditionally held on July 25, will be observed with a local holiday on Friday, July 24, 2026, creating a three-day break for residents. This year marks the 491st anniversary of the city's founding, a historical event that began with Diego de Almagro and was finalized by Francisco de Orellana in 1538. The Municipalidad de Guayaquil has organized an extensive program of events, dubbed "Fiestas Julianas," to mark the occasion. These festivities include concerts, parades, fairs, talks, exhibitions, and athletic races, aiming to bring the community together. Tahiz Panus, director of Tourism and Special Events, anticipates that these celebrations will boost the local economy, projecting revenues exceeding $6.7 million. Over 200 events are scheduled throughout the month, including a float parade on July 24. While Guayaquil enjoys this local holiday, the rest of Ecuador will continue with its national holiday schedule, with the next national break being the First Cry of Independence on August 10.

“

Our objective is that in this review phase, which is the first year, we can reach agreements so that in the following years it will only be a review of compliance with what we agreed upon this year.