Guayaquil Independence Day

The Independence of Guayaquil stands as a significant public holiday in Ecuador, observed annually on October 9th, with the holiday shifting to the closest weekday if October 9th falls on a weekend.

This celebration marks the commemoration of Ecuador's largest city gaining independence on October 9th, 1820.

Ecuador takes its freedom seriously, evident in its three public holidays dedicated to independence. The journey towards independence began when Quito made the initial attempt to break free from Spanish colonial rule in August 1809. Although this endeavor proved unsuccessful, it planted the seeds of revolution. On October 9th, 1820, Guayaquil, the coastal port, achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first city in Ecuador to gain independence from Spain.

Cuenca later joined Guayaquil in the pursuit of independence, securing its freedom on November 3rd, 1820, marking another notable public holiday.

The remainder of Ecuador celebrated its independence following the triumph at the Battle of Pichincha under the leadership of Simón Bolívar on May 24th, 1822, completing the triumphant trilogy of Independence holidays in the country.