New Year’s Day in Rwanda
New Year’s Day falls on 1 January and is a public holiday in Rwanda. The law also names 2 January as the Day after New Year’s Day, a separate public holiday for workers and employers in both the public and private sectors.[1]
Legal status and weekend rules
Presidential Order No. 062/01, published in Rwanda’s Official Gazette in 2022, lists both 1 January, New Year’s Day, and 2 January, the Day after New Year’s Day, as public holidays. Its provisions on public holidays apply to employees and employers in the public and private sectors.[1]
The Order provides for a following working day to become a public holiday when a holiday falls on a weekend, with a specific rule for two consecutive holidays falling on a weekend: they are compensated by one following working day. These rules are part of the Order and should be considered alongside the dates for each year.[1]
How the day is observed
Rwanda National Police guidance issued ahead of New Year 2019 referred to increased movement and celebrations, and addressed musical shows and overnight prayers. That notice documents examples of activity around the New Year; it does not show that every community observes the day in the same way.[2]
New Year’s Day is part of Rwanda’s national holiday calendar, and police have noted public festivities on the day.[2]
What to expect for services
A public-holiday designation applies to public- and private-sector employers and employees. Check with a specific provider before making plans rather than assuming it will close or operate on a reduced schedule.[1]
The Rwanda Stock Exchange closes on official government holidays, and its holiday list includes both New Year’s Day and 2 January.[3]
New Year’s Day in Rwanda: FAQs
Is New Year’s Day a public holiday in Rwanda?
Yes. The Presidential Order lists 1 January as New Year’s Day and applies its public-holiday provisions to public- and private-sector employers and employees.[1]
Is 2 January also a public holiday?
Yes. The Order separately lists 2 January as the Day after New Year’s Day.[1]
What happens if the holiday falls on a weekend?
The Order provides for a following working day to become a holiday when a public holiday falls on a weekend. It gives a separate compensation rule when two consecutive public holidays fall on a weekend.[1]
Will shops and public transport be open?
Shops and transport operators set their own hours, so check with them before you travel. The Rwanda Stock Exchange closes on official government holidays.[3]
Sources and references
Sources used for New Year's Day in Rwanda:
- Official Gazette n° Special of 21/10/2022 — Presidential Order No. 062/01 of 19/10/2022 on Official Mission, Delegation of Powers and Public Holidays- Ministry of Justice, Republic of Rwanda
- Police urges public to ‘celebrate responsibly’- Rwanda National Police
- Public Holidays- Rwanda Stock Exchange