New Year's Day in Tunisia

Tunisia’s legal status

Presidential Decree No. 2021-223, dated December 7, 2021, lists “New Year: January 1” as a one-day holiday for personnel of the state, local authorities and public administrative establishments. The decree lists the Hijri New Year separately, showing that the two observances have distinct entries in this public-service holiday framework.[1]

The decree specifies one day for New Year but does not set out a substitute day when January 1 falls on a weekend.[1]

What the sources say about work

The public-service decree does not establish opening hours for banks, schools, shops or transport. It should therefore not be read as confirmation that every business or service closes; check directly with a particular provider for its New Year schedule.[1]

A national collective agreement for press companies provides a separate, sector-specific rule: it treats January 1 as a paid day of rest. If service requirements prevent a covered worker from taking that day, the agreement provides for a 100 percent increase on the worker’s total pay. This rule concerns the press sector and should not be generalized to all private-sector employees.[2]

Customs and historical background

The verified legal sources establish January 1 as New Year in Tunisia, but they do not document the holiday’s historical adoption in the country or describe local customs, ceremonies, foods or regional differences. They also do not verify claims about countdowns, hotel events, family meals or fireworks, so those details are not included here.[1][2]