New Year's Day in Chile

A holiday set in law

Chile’s Law 2,977, promulgated in 1915, included January 1 among the country’s public holidays. The date remains fixed: the calendar rule is January 1, with no substitute day listed.[1]

A separate rule in Law 19,973 makes January 1 an obligatory, non-waivable holiday for most dependent workers in commerce. The Dirección del Trabajo explains that this applies to employees whose work involves selling goods directly to the public. The law’s exceptions include workers in restaurants, entertainment venues, fuel stations, and emergency or duty pharmacies, as well as certain convenience shops attached to fuel stations.[2]

This protection applies to the specified commerce workers, rather than making every workplace subject to the same closure rule. The Dirección del Trabajo also notes that the rest period for covered workers begins no later than 8 p.m. on December 31.[2]

How people welcome the year

Chile’s official tourism board describes varied ways of celebrating around the country. Viña del Mar is known for New Year fireworks, while Santiago offers parties and events; the board also describes quieter celebrations in natural settings. Specific events and arrangements can change from year to year.[3]

January 1 is the civil-calendar New Year, but it is not the only New Year observance in Chile. Chile Travel describes Machaq Mara, the Aymara Indigenous New Year, as a winter-solstice celebration in June, with music, dances, and ceremonies. These observances have distinct cultural meanings and dates.[4]

What to expect on the day

Because most retail employees have a protected day of rest, many ordinary shops may be closed on January 1. Some venues and services fall within the legal exceptions, so availability depends on the type of business. The rule concerns workers’ rest; it does not establish one nationwide opening schedule for every business.[2]

Check with the office, bank or transport service you plan to use for its opening hours and schedule. Check whether a dining or entertainment venue is open and covered by an exception to the commerce holiday.[2]