Carnival, which is celebrated each year in February or March the week before Lent, is Latin America’s version of Mardi Gras. The celebrations that take place in Ecuador the four days preceding Ash Wednesday may not be as crazy as some countries, but if you happen to be in the area during this holiday it is worth checking one out.
The main component of any carnival celebration in Ecuador is water, and lots of it. Beware, as a gringo, you are a very attractive target. If you are in a town with a huge celebration you are sure to be drenched with water and silly string by hoards of children. It can be annoying, but try to accept that it is just their way of celebrating this holiday.
If you prefer a bit dryer holiday weekend, head to Ambato, where water throwing is prohibited. Here there is a huge festival they call Fiesta de las Flores y de las Frutas. This event is filled with colorful parades, bullfights and handicraft exhibits.
Another town that has an impressive carnival celebration is the town of Guaranda, which is located in the central Andes. Usually this town is your average sleepy Ecuadorian town, nothing remarkable for a tourist. However, carnival transforms it into a four day non-stop party, filled with parades, music and fun. Also the locals tend to be very hospitable, many prepare large feasts and invite anyone on the street into their homes to celebrate with them.
For the average Ecuadorian carnival is a time to head to the beach. During the four days before Ash Wednesday Quito is a near ghost town, all of its residents are busy soaking up the sun on the coast. Atacames is in particular busy. Children run around at all hours of the night, soaking passerby with foam in a can while their parents are busy dancing it up in the many bars along the beach.