New Year's Day 2025
Date: January 1, 2025 (Wednesday)
Country: Costa Rica Public Holidays
Description
New Year’s Day in Costa Rica is the first day of the calendar year. It marks a fresh start when people think about new plans, hopes, and goals. Schools, banks, and many offices are closed for the national holiday.
The holiday takes place on January 1 every year. It follows New Year’s Eve, which is the last day of December. January 1 is a public holiday across the whole country, so it is observed by everyone.
The day is significant because it helps people reflect on the past year and look forward to the future. It is also a time when communities and families recognize the passage of time and the start of a new chapter in their lives.
For Costa Rica as a nation, New Year’s Day is a shared moment of renewal. It connects people through a common rhythm of ending and beginning, and it is part of the country’s yearly cycle of public holidays.
Traditions
Families and friends gather for loud street parties and house celebrations. At midnight people set off fireworks, play lively music and dance. Many head to plazas or beaches to keep celebrating well into the night with neighbors and strangers.
A popular ritual is the Año Viejo. People make stuffed scarecrow dolls that look like old year figures, then burn them at midnight to leave the past behind. Some also write down things they want to forget before lighting the doll.
Food is central. Households share tamales and arroz con pollo, plus sweets and fruit. Some people eat twelve grapes or lentils at midnight for good luck and wear new or light colored clothes to welcome the year.
Travel Tips
Banks, many government offices, and some shops close on New Year. Airports and bus stations are busier, and roads near beaches and city centers get heavy. Book transfers and accommodations in advance and check opening hours before you travel.
Keep valuables secure and carry little cash. Use licensed taxis or prebook rides and stick to well lit, crowded areas during fireworks. Join organized public events or watch from a safe distance. Plan nature trips early morning when trails and parks are quieter.