New Year's Day in Guatemala
In Guatemala, January 1 is a paid holiday listed in the Labour Code. New Year observances include family gatherings, hopes for renewal, and customs that vary between households.[1]
Legal status
Article 127 of Guatemala’s Labour Code lists January 1 among the paid holidays. The law also identifies other paid holidays and partial days, but it does not set a general substitute-day rule for New Year’s Day.[1]
The paid-holiday provision does not mean every service closes. The Superintendency of Banks has published a notice allowing banks and other financial institutions to close for New Year’s Day, while leaving special service at an agency or counter to each institution’s discretion. Check with your bank for its branch schedule.[3]
How people mark Año Nuevo
The Agencia Guatemalteca de Noticias describes celebrations that begin on New Year’s Eve and continue into January. Its account mentions midnight toasts, prayers and wishes, fireworks, and the burning of figures representing the old year. These customs are reported examples, not a practice followed by every household.[2]
Other customs described include sweeping the house, wearing colored underwear associated with hopes such as abundance or love, and eating grapes while making wishes. The agency also reports that the first days of January often bring family visits, outings, rest, reflection, and church attendance.[2]
A distinct Maya New Year
January 1 is the civil calendar’s New Year observance; it is distinct from Maya calendar traditions. Guatemala’s Ministry of Culture and Sports describes Wayeb’ as a five-day period of reflection and preparation that precedes a Maya New Year in February. Its account mentions spiritual purification, meditation, gratitude, and honoring ancestors.[4]
Planning for the holiday
For travelers and residents, the clearest practical point is to check directly with a bank before visiting: published SIB guidance allows institutions to close and says any special agency service is at the institution’s discretion.[3] Check opening hours with shops and service details with public transport providers before you go.
Frequently asked questions
Is January 1 a paid day off in Guatemala?
Article 127 lists January 1 as a paid holiday. Check your workplace for its schedule and any arrangements that apply to your role.[1]
Are banks open on New Year’s Day?
Banks may close for the holiday. The SIB says special service through an agency or counter is at each institution’s discretion, so confirm with your bank.[3]
What customs are associated with Año Nuevo?
A government news report describes family visits, midnight prayers and toasts, fireworks, grapes and wishes, and other household customs. Practices differ among families.[2]
Is January 1 the Maya New Year in Guatemala?
No. A Ministry of Culture and Sports account describes Wayeb’ as a period before a Maya New Year in February, separate from the January 1 civil-calendar observance.[4]
Sources and references
Sources used for New Year's Day in Guatemala:
- INICIA UN 2026 LLENO DE OPORTUNIDADES- Congreso de la República de Guatemala
- Guatemala recibe el Año Nuevo entre tradiciones, esperanza y señales del tiempo- Agencia Guatemalteca de Noticias
- JUNTA MONETARIA AUTORIZA ASUETO BANCARIO- Superintendencia de Bancos de Guatemala
- El Wayeb’: un tiempo sagrado de purificación y preparación para el Año Nuevo Maya- Ministerio de Cultura y Deportes de Guatemala