New Year’s Day in São Tomé & Príncipe
New Year’s Day is a nationwide public holiday in São Tomé and Príncipe, observed on 1 January. The country’s Labour Code names it an obligatory national holiday, while the Tourism Board describes celebrations that begin on New Year’s Eve and continue at midnight.[1][2]
A holiday set by law
São Tomé and Príncipe’s Labour Code, approved by Law No. 6/2019, lists 1 January as New Year’s Day and one of the country’s obligatory national holidays. The law provides for the holiday across the country, including Príncipe; it also allows Príncipe’s Autonomous Region to establish additional holidays in keeping with its traditions.[1]
The Code sets a substitute-day rule: when an obligatory holiday falls on Saturday, it moves to the preceding Friday; when it falls on Sunday, it moves to the following Monday. This differs from the Tourism Board’s broader summary that holidays falling on a weekend are observed on a weekday.[1][2]
The holiday has a practical meaning for workers: the Code protects pay corresponding to national holidays. The Tourism Board says workers are entitled to paid time off, and that employees required to work may take a paid day off in lieu or receive higher pay, according to their employment contract.[1][2]
Welcoming the new year
The local observance centers on the change of year. São Tomé and Príncipe’s Tourism Board says celebrations start on New Year’s Eve and culminate at midnight. It reports that after midnight people head to the beaches to “wash away the old year and start the new year clean.”[2]
The same account describes different ways people mark the day: some make resolutions and look toward a fresh start, while others use it to recover after spending New Year’s Eve with friends and family.[2]
Across many countries, New Year’s Day marks the beginning of the calendar year. In São Tomé and Príncipe, its local character is reflected in the reported midnight celebrations and beach visits.[2]
What to expect
The holiday gives workers a legal entitlement to paid time off, but check opening hours and transport schedules with each office, bank, shop, restaurant or service before you go. The Tourism Board’s description of people going to beaches after midnight also indicates that some public spaces are part of the celebration.[1][2]
For residents and visitors, check directly with a workplace or service provider for holiday hours.[1][2]
Frequently asked questions
Is New Year’s Day a public holiday in São Tomé and Príncipe?
Yes. The Labour Code lists 1 January as an obligatory national holiday.[1]
What happens if 1 January falls on a weekend?
Under the Labour Code, an obligatory holiday on Saturday moves to the preceding Friday; one on Sunday moves to the following Monday.[1]
Do workers get the day off?
The Tourism Board says workers are entitled to paid time off on holidays. Workers required to work may receive higher pay or a paid day off in lieu, according to their employment contract.[2]
What happens at midnight?
The Tourism Board says the celebrations begin on New Year’s Eve and culminate at midnight, after which people head to the beaches as part of a custom of washing away the old year.[2]
Sources and references
Sources used for New Year's Day in São Tomé & Príncipe:
- Lei n.º 6/2019 — Aprova o Código do Trabalho- Assembleia Nacional da República Democrática de São Tomé e Príncipe
- Holidays- São Tomé and Príncipe Tourism