New Year's Day in Guam
New Year's Day is a public holiday in Guam and falls on January 1. Guam's law names it among the territory's holidays and says the government follows federal practice when a listed holiday falls on a weekend.[1]
A Guam holiday under local law
Guam is an unincorporated territory of the United States under the Organic Act, with its own government. Guam's code lists New Year's Day as one of the territory's holidays, alongside observances including Guam History and CHamoru Heritage Day, Liberation Day and Our Lady of Camarin Day.[2][1]
The same law directs the Government of Guam to follow federal practice when a listed holiday falls on Saturday or Sunday. For a standard Monday-to-Friday workweek, federal guidance treats the preceding Friday as the holiday when January 1 is Saturday, and the following Monday when it is Sunday. Other work schedules can have different in-lieu days.[1][3]
What the day marks
Guam's code uses the Gregorian calendar and reckons January 1 as the first day of the year. The holiday marks the calendar year's start.[1]
The holiday chapter names New Year's Day but does not prescribe a ceremony, parade or meal for it. Ask local organisers about customs or foods for the holiday.[1]
Closures and practical planning
Government offices observe the holiday. Guam's Department of Revenue and Taxation lists New Year's Day among the Government of Guam holidays on which its offices close. The Judiciary of Guam also includes January 1 in its holiday calendar, so court office services are not available that day.[4][5]
Check directly with a business before travelling, and check the relevant agency's notice if you need a particular public service.[1][4][5]
Frequently asked questions
When is New Year's Day in Guam?
It falls on January 1. Guam's code identifies January 1 as the first day of the Gregorian calendar year.[1]
Is New Year's Day a public holiday in Guam?
What happens when January 1 falls on a weekend?
Sources and references
Sources used for New Year's Day in Guam:
- Title 1 - Ch. 10 Holidays, Festivities, Time, etc.- Office of the Compiler of Laws, Judiciary of Guam
- Organic Act of Guam- Guam Legislature
- Federal Holidays - "In Lieu Of" Determination- U.S. Office of Personnel Management
- Help- Guam Department of Revenue and Taxation
- Judiciary Hours & Holidays- Judiciary of Guam