Four Days Off Starting Thursday — Here's What You Need to Know About the May Day Holiday
Cuenca Expat Staff
The Schedule
President Noboa signed Decreto Ejecutivo 354, and here's the breakdown for this week:
Working days: Monday April 27 through Wednesday April 29 — normal schedule.
Days off: Thursday April 30 through Sunday May 3 — four consecutive days off.
Thursday the 30th is the bridge day (puente), connecting to the national holiday on Friday May 1 (Día del Trabajo / International Workers' Day).
Who Gets the Time Off
Both sectors. The decree states explicitly: employees of the public and private sectors have a mandatory holiday. This isn't a "public sector only" situation — it's everyone.
Overtime Rules
If your employer needs you to work during the holiday:
- Work performed on mandatory rest days counts as overtime
- The rate: 100% surcharge on your regular pay (double time)
- This applies to Thursday 30 and Friday May 1
What This Means for You
The practical checklist for expats:
- Banks: Closed Thursday through Sunday. Handle any transfers or in-person banking by Wednesday
- Government offices: SRI, civil registry, immigration — all closed. If you have pending paperwork, move it up
- Supermarkets: Most will operate on holiday hours (reduced). Stock up Wednesday
- Pharmacies: Rotating schedule — at least one per zone stays open
- Markets: Most municipal markets close Thursday and Friday, reopen Saturday morning
- Restaurants: Many close Thursday/Friday, especially family-run spots. Chain restaurants and malls typically stay open
If you employ domestic staff (housekeeper, gardener, driver) and ask them to work Thursday or Friday, you owe double their daily rate. Plan accordingly.
Source: Primicias
