New Year's Day in Congo - Brazzaville
New Year’s Day, or Jour de l’An, falls on January 1 and is a public holiday throughout the Republic of the Congo. National law defines it as a paid non-working day, while official New Year greetings offer a documented glimpse of how the occasion is marked in public life.[1][2]
A holiday established by law
Law No. 2-94 of March 1, 1994 lists January 1 as Jour de l’An among the days declared “fériés, chômés et payés” across the territory of the Republic of the Congo: public holidays that are non-working and paid. The law also refers to pay rules for employees paid by the hour, day or output.[1]
The law does not specify a substitute day when January 1 falls on a weekend. Instead, it allows the Minister of Labour to declare other days non-working and/or holidays for important events. That provision means an additional day would require a separate decision; it is not an automatic replacement rule in this law.[1]
Greetings and public observance
The holiday’s legal status is clear. The Presidency’s account of its New Year ceremony describes exchanging good wishes as part of the country’s history and customs, and records the president offering wishes for health, peace and happiness.[2]
That account also shows the occasion’s official dimension: the president addressed national and institutional representatives, including members of government, parliament, political groups and religious denominations. It describes a public ceremony of New Year greetings and a New Year message to the nation on December 31.[2]
What visitors can plan for
For residents and visitors, January 1 is a paid non-working public holiday. Check directly with banks, shops, restaurants or transport providers for their schedules.[1]
The holiday remains fixed on January 1 under the law. Check with local businesses or transport providers for information about regional customs, food or timetables.[1][2]
Frequently asked questions
When is New Year's Day in Congo - Brazzaville?
It is observed on January 1 each year; the 1994 law names that date as Jour de l’An.[1]
Is New Year's Day a paid day off?
Yes. The law declares January 1 a non-working and paid public holiday across the Republic of the Congo.[1]
Is there an automatic substitute day if January 1 falls on a weekend?
The law does not specify an automatic substitute day. It allows the Minister of Labour to declare additional days for important events.[1]
Are banks, shops and public transport open?
January 1 is a paid non-working public holiday. Check with banks, shops and transport providers for their holiday schedules.[1]
Sources and references
Sources used for New Year's Day in Congo - Brazzaville:
- Loi n° 2 - 94 du 1er Mars 1994 fixant les jours fériés, chômés et payés- Secrétariat Général du Gouvernement de la République du Congo
- Back to the 2024 New Year's Ceremony- Presidency of the Republic of Congo