New Year’s Day in Paraguay
New Year’s Day is a national public holiday in Paraguay, observed every January 1. The law gives the day a fixed place in the calendar and sets out how holiday rest applies to workers and essential services.[1][2]
Legal status and date
Paraguay’s Law 7544/2025 names January 1, Año Nuevo, among the country’s national holidays. The law classifies January 1 as non-movable: the holidays that the executive may shift to a Monday are listed separately, and New Year’s Day is not among them. It therefore remains on January 1 each year, including when that date falls on a weekend.[1]
The law gives no separate historical anniversary or national origin story for New Year’s Day; it identifies the occasion simply as Año Nuevo. Its significance in the statute is as the fixed start-of-year holiday, distinct from dates that commemorate Paraguay’s history.[1]
Work and public services
The Ministry of Labour says that holidays established by law are mandatory rest days for workers. Where the nature of a company’s work makes holiday service necessary, employers may call workers in, but must notify them, pay a 100% surcharge on the ordinary hourly rate for hours worked, and respect their other labour rights.[2]
The holiday does not mean every service stops. Law 7544 says that urgent medical services and other essential public services continue during holidays. The law does not set a universal opening schedule for shops or private businesses, so opening hours can depend on the provider.[1]
Gatherings and food
Paraguay’s National Institute of Food and Nutrition describes Christmas and year-end gatherings as occasions to share with family and friends. Its guidance discusses planning menus, including vegetables and seasonal fruit, and keeping perishable food properly chilled. Year-end meals can include these foods and follow these preparation practices.[3]
For celebrations, handle food safely, keep prepared dishes cool, and moderate alcohol consumption.[3]
Planning for the holiday
For workers, January 1 is generally a day of rest under the labour rules, with exceptions for necessary work under the conditions described by the Ministry of Labour. The law also preserves urgent medical care and essential public services.[1][2]
For errands or travel, check directly with the bank, shop, public office, or transport provider you plan to use.[1][2]
Frequently asked questions
When is New Year’s Day in Paraguay?
It is observed on January 1 each year. Paraguay’s holiday law classifies it as non-movable, so it stays on that calendar date.[1]
Is New Year’s Day a day off for workers?
Holidays established by law are mandatory rest days for workers. Employers may require work when the nature of the activity makes it necessary, subject to notice, additional pay and other labour rights.[2]
Are public services closed?
Urgent medical services and other essential public services continue during holidays. Check with shops and private businesses for their opening hours.[1]
What should I expect for shops, banks or transport?
Check with each bank, shop, or transport provider before making plans.
Sources and references
Sources used for New Year's Day in Paraguay:
- Ley Nº 7544/2025 / QUE DETERMINA LOS FERIADOS NACIONALES DE LA REPÚBLICA DEL PARAGUAY, SE ESTABLECEN LOS FERIADOS MÓVILES Y SE FACULTA AL PODER EJECUTIVO A INSTITUIR OTROS FERIADOS EN SITUACIONES ESPECIALES.- Biblioteca y Archivo Central del Congreso de la Nación
- Ministerio de Trabajo estableció directrices ante la vigencia de ley de feriados extraordinarios- Ministerio de Trabajo, Empleo y Seguridad Social
- Recomendaciones para las Fiestas de Fin de Año- Instituto Nacional de Alimentación y Nutrición