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New Year's Day
Western Sahara

New Year’s Day 2026 and 2027 in Western Sahara

Western Sahara celebrates New Year’s Day with a public holiday every 1 January, as does most of the rest of the world. However, the celebrations really begin on New Year’s Eve and reach a high point with the turning of the clock from 11:59pm on 31 December to midnight on 1 January.

YearDateDayHoliday
20261 JanThuNew Year's Day
20271 JanFriNew Year's Day
Please scroll down to end of page for previous years' dates.

New Year’s Day is a time of resolutions and starting fresh for some, while for others it is spent recovering from a big, late night spent with friends and family.

The largest city, Laayoune, is the centre of New Year’s Eve and Day celebrations in Western Sahara. There may be some fireworks and some feasts and events at local hotels. Throughout the rest of the country, celebrations are very simple. Families may simply gather, eat a meal together, and stay up until after midnight to welcome the new year in.

Previous Years

YearDateDayHoliday
20251 JanWedNew Year's Day
20241 JanMonNew Year's Day