New Year's Day, celebrated on January 1, is a public holiday in Guyana, located in South America. It is the first day of the year on both the Julian and Gregorian calendars. Just like the rest of the world, the residents of Guyana bid farewell to the previous year and welcome the new one with great enthusiasm and joy. The preparations for the New Year begin days in advance and include personal and home cleaning, buying new clothes, and preparing a variety of traditional foods.
On New Year's Eve, Guyanese people often attend parties and social gatherings waiting for the stroke of midnight to usher in the new year. Many attend watch-night church services and participate in countdowns. Fireworks are commonly set off at the stroke of midnight. After the midnight celebrations, some Guyanese greet the dawn of the New Year by visiting the seashore, as this activity is believed to bring good luck for the coming year.
As a multicultural nation, New Year's Day celebrations in Guyana reflect its diverse cultural traditions. Greetings are exchanged and gifts are given, symbolizing good wishes for the coming year. On a more personal level, people often take time to set new goals, working towards better health, improved finances, and general life improvements. Businesses close for the day and the mood all over the country is festive as people spend the day sharing joy, optimism, and hopes for a successful new year.