26 September - Day of the National Flag (Ecuador)

 

Day of the National Flag in Ecuador, celebrated on 26 September is a national holiday that honors the country’s flag and its significance in Ecuadorian history and identity. The flag of Ecuador, consisting of three horizontal bands of yellow (top, twice as wide), blue, and red, symbolizes the nation's natural wealth, the sky and ocean, and the blood shed for independence, respectively.

The flag is closely tied to the legacy of Gran Colombia, the short-lived republic of which Ecuador was a part, alongside Colombia, Venezuela, and Panama. Ecuador adopted its current design officially on 26 September 1860, when President Gabriel García Moreno decreed it, reinstating the tricolor flag originally used by Gran Colombia.

On this day, Ecuadorians celebrate with flag-raising ceremonies, parades, and civic events that emphasize patriotism, unity, and respect for the national symbol. Schools, government institutions, and public spaces often participate in commemorations that reflect the importance of the flag in Ecuador’s history and national pride.