New Year’s Day in American Samoa
New Year’s Day is a public holiday in American Samoa, observed on January 1. Local rules make it a paid holiday for government employees and set out how they observe it when the date falls on a day off.[1][2][3]
A public holiday under local rules
American Samoa’s administrative code lists New Year’s Day on January 1 among public holidays designated by statute and paid holidays for agency employees. The Governor may also establish additional holidays by proclamation, but that provision does not change the regular January 1 listing.[1]
The local code also treats public holidays as paid days for government employees. If a government employee is required to work on a public holiday, the law provides an additional day’s pay in lieu of the holiday.[3]
When the date falls on a day off
For employees whose workweek runs Monday through Friday, a holiday falling on Saturday is observed on the preceding Friday, while a Sunday holiday is observed on the following Monday. If the holiday falls on a workday, it is observed that day.[2]
Employees whose workdays are not Monday through Friday follow a separate rule: when a holiday falls on their day off, it is observed on their first workday afterward; when it falls on a workday, they observe it that day.[2] The code also says American Samoa government employees follow the federal employee observance day when it differs from the date specified in the public-holiday law.[3]
Meaning and local customs
January 1 marks the first day of the Gregorian calendar, which gives the holiday its broad calendar meaning.[3]
New Year’s Day is a civic holiday in American Samoa, with rules for public employees.[1][2]
Planning for services
If you need a particular service, check its schedule directly before making plans.
The employee observance rule is more specific than a general assumption that every workplace follows a Monday-to-Friday calendar. A person’s schedule depends on their workdays, and the law separately addresses government employees required to work on the holiday.[2][3]
Frequently asked questions
Is New Year’s Day a public holiday in American Samoa?
Yes. American Samoa’s administrative code lists January 1 as New Year’s Day, a public holiday designated by statute.[1]
Who receives a paid day off?
Public holidays are paid holidays for government employees. If a government employee must work that day, the law provides an additional day’s pay in lieu of the holiday.[3]
What happens if January 1 falls on a weekend?
For Monday-to-Friday employees, Saturday holidays are observed on the preceding Friday and Sunday holidays on the following Monday. Employees with other work schedules follow a rule based on their own days off and workdays.[2]
Are shops, banks and transport services open?
Check with the specific office, bank, shop or transport provider before travelling or arranging a service.
Sources and references
Sources used for New Year's Day in American Samoa:
- 4.2403 Holidays-Designated-Proclamation.- American Samoa Bar Association
- 4.2404 Holidays-Days observed.- American Samoa Bar Association
- 7.1205 Paid holidays.- American Samoa Bar Association
- A calendar of New Year celebrations around the world- National Geographic