New Year's Day in Bolivia

Legal status and date

Bolivia’s Supreme Decree No. 2750 lists January 1, Año Nuevo, among the national holidays with suspension of public and private activities. The decree’s stated purpose is to regulate the national holiday calendar and the transfer of holidays.[1]

The Ministry of Labour has reiterated the national holiday status in official notices, describing the suspension of work across the country as mandatory. The fixed date is January 1; whether a particular workplace or service operates should be checked directly with the provider.[2]

A civil New Year in Bolivia

January 1 marks the start of the civil calendar year. Bolivia also recognizes a distinct Indigenous New Year observance in June: the country’s Ombudsman describes the Andean, Amazonian and Chaco New Year as a June 21 commemoration connected with the recognition and revaluation of Indigenous peoples and cultures. It is a separate observance from January’s Año Nuevo.[3]

What to expect

The legal suspension applies to public and private activities. Residents and visitors should confirm opening hours and service schedules with providers before making plans.[1][2]

Official notices describe the holiday primarily through its labor-calendar effect. The sources cited here do not establish a single nationwide set of January 1 customs, foods or public events, so local plans may depend on family, community and venue arrangements.[1][2]