New Year’s Day in Portugal
New Year’s Day falls on 1 January and is one of Portugal’s mandatory public holidays. The day’s observance is closely linked to New Year’s Eve: people may welcome the year at midnight with a toast, raisins and wishes for the months ahead.[1][2]
A holiday set by law
Portugal’s Labour Code names 1 January among the mandatory public holidays. On these holidays, activities that are not permitted on Sundays must close or suspend work, so the rule does not mean that every workplace or service shuts down.[1]
The law allows certain mandatory holidays to move to the following Monday through specific legislation. Any change to New Year’s Day would require specific legislation.[1]
A midnight custom
New Year’s Eve, the night before the holiday, is a main festive occasion in Portugal. A guide from the Portuguese Network of Intercultural Cities describes a midnight toast with champagne and eating raisins, one for each clock chime, while making a wish for each month.[2]
The same guide lists wearing a new blue undergarment and beginning the year with the right foot as customs associated with good luck. These are described as traditions, rather than requirements followed by every person or family.[2]
January songs and visits
New Year customs can continue into January. The University of Porto describes Janeiras as songs wishing people a happy new year, sung during January by groups who may go from door to door. In some rural-tradition parishes of Porto, associations of friends and neighbours still sing in the streets and receive food or drink from residents.[3]
The songs and lyrics vary from place to place, according to the university’s account. This offers a glimpse of regional practice without implying that the same custom is observed everywhere in Portugal.[3]
What to expect on the day
The Labour Code requires Sunday-prohibited activities to close or suspend work on a mandatory public holiday. It does not establish that every shop, restaurant, bank or transport service must close, so opening and service arrangements can differ.[1]
Portugal’s national tourism site gives usual, non-holiday opening patterns for shops and banks, but those hours do not confirm what a particular business will do on 1 January. Visitors should check directly with shops, restaurants and transport operators before making plans.[4]
A new calendar year
In Portugal, New Year’s Day follows the year-turning celebrations on 31 December and marks the start of the calendar year. Its place in the national holiday calendar is defined by law; no distinct Portuguese historical origin for the date is documented.[1][2]
Frequently asked questions
When is New Year’s Day in Portugal?
It is observed on 1 January.[1]
Is New Year’s Day a public holiday in Portugal?
Yes. The Labour Code lists 1 January as a mandatory public holiday and requires activities not permitted on Sundays to close or suspend work.[1]
Do all businesses close?
What customs are associated with New Year in Portugal?
A Portuguese intercultural guide describes a midnight toast, eating twelve raisins with a wish for each month, wearing something new and blue, and starting the year with the right foot.[2]
Sources and references
Sources used for New Year's Day in Portugal:
- Código do Trabalho - CT - Subsecção IX- Diário da República; Assembleia da República
- Welcome Guide. Portugal Incoming- Portuguese Network of Intercultural Cities
- 16 de janeiro é dia de Cantar as Janeiras na Universidade – Casa Comum- University of Porto
- Sobre Portugal Info Útil- Visit Portugal; Turismo de Portugal