New Year’s Day in Colombia
New Year’s Day falls on January 1 in Colombia. The date is a paid public holiday for workers in both the public and private sectors under national law, and the law does not move it to a Monday when it falls on another weekday.[1]
A fixed date in Colombian law
Colombia’s Law 51 of 1983 lists January 1 among the civil and religious feast days with remunerated rest for public- and private-sector workers. The law transfers certain other listed holidays to the following Monday when they do not fall on a Monday; January 1 is not among those holidays. So the holiday remains on January 1, including when it falls on a weekend.[1]
The law establishes workers’ right to paid rest; it does not say that every workplace or business must close. It therefore supports calling January 1 a paid public holiday, but not claiming that all offices, banks, shops, or restaurants shut for the day.[1]
The meaning of the date
In the civil calendar used in Colombia, New Year’s Day marks the start of a new calendar year. January 1 is a paid public holiday under Colombian law.[1]
A historical account held by the Instituto Caro y Cuervo documents New Year beliefs and practices in Colombia, including ideas about being happy or taking a walk on the first day of the year. This is evidence of customs recorded in that account, not proof that every Colombian observes them today or that they are shared uniformly across the country.[2]
Planning for the holiday
Because the law guarantees paid rest to workers, government and private workplaces may adjust their operations for January 1. The law itself does not specify opening hours or service schedules for particular offices, banks, shops, restaurants, or transport providers, so travelers should check directly with the place or operator they plan to use.[1]
The law also does not set a special New Year’s Day transport schedule or establish a nationwide pattern of heavier highway traffic. Travel arrangements and business hours can depend on the individual service; confirm them locally before setting out.[1]
New Year’s Day in Colombia: FAQs
When is New Year’s Day in Colombia?
It is January 1 each year. The holiday is not shifted to Monday under Law 51 of 1983.[1]
Is January 1 a paid day off?
The law grants workers in both the public and private sectors remunerated rest on January 1. It does not say that every workplace closes.[1]
Are shops, banks, and restaurants open?
The law does not set opening hours for these businesses. Check with the specific shop, bank, or restaurant before visiting.[1]
Does public transport run on a holiday schedule?
The law does not specify transport schedules. Check with the relevant operator for service information on January 1.[1]
Sources and references
Sources used for New Year's Day in Colombia:
- Ley 51 de 1983- Departamento Administrativo de la Función Pública
- Celebraciones navideñas y de comienzos- Instituto Caro y Cuervo