New Year's Day in Costa Rica

Date and legal status

New Year's Day, or Año Nuevo, falls on January 1. Costa Rica’s Ministry of Labor classifies it as a paid public holiday and describes the date as “Circuncisión-Año Nuevo.” The holiday is granted to workers in Costa Rica regardless of whether their employer is a domestic or international company.[1][2]

Workers are generally entitled to take the holiday, and employers cannot require them to work it. If an employee agrees to work, the pay rules depend on the employer’s pay schedule; the Ministry says work on this mandatory-pay holiday is paid at double the regular rate. The law’s exceptions for certain kinds of work also apply.[1][2]

January 1 is observed on its calendar date rather than moved to another weekday. The Ministry states that this holiday does not transfer to a different day when it falls on a weekend.[2]

How people welcome the year

There is no single way to celebrate across the country. Costa Rica’s Ministry of Culture says people mark the end of the old year in different ways, while a common tradition is to celebrate with family or friends. Its account mentions food, dancing, conversation and a final countdown to welcome the New Year.[3]

The countdown welcomes the New Year at midnight.[3]

A regional celebration over the New Year

In Boruca, an Indigenous community in Puntarenas province, the Juego de los Diablitos takes place across the New Year period. Costa Rica’s official tourism board lists the Boruca celebration as running from December 31 to January 2, so it extends beyond New Year's Day itself.[4]

The Ministry of Culture’s cultural information system lists the Juego de los Diablitos as a celebration in Boruca. It is a locally rooted observance rather than a nationwide New Year's custom; visitors should check locally for access and arrangements.[5]

Work, services and planning

The holiday’s legal effect is clearest for workers: January 1 is a day of mandatory holiday pay, and employees are generally entitled to enjoy the day off.[1][2]

If you need to visit a business, office or attraction, check its own holiday hours before setting out. Travelers should also confirm schedules directly with their transport provider.[1][2]