- Discover the first countries to welcome the New Year and why some nations skip the festivities.
- Time zones, calendars, and traditions shape the world’s diverse approach to New Year celebrations.
The World’s New Year: First Celebrations and Cultural Exceptions
As the clock strikes midnight on December 31, millions worldwide celebrate the New Year with fireworks, festivities, and resolutions. However, not all nations mark the occasion, and even among those that do, traditions differ widely due to cultural, religious, or political factors.
Where New Year Celebrations Hold Minimal Significance
- Saudi Arabia: Public celebrations are rare as the country follows the Islamic calendar and adheres strictly to Islamic traditions.
- Afghanistan: The Persian New Year, Nowruz, celebrated on March 21, takes precedence over the Gregorian New Year.
- North Korea: The Day of the Sun (April 15) and the lunar Korean New Year overshadow the Gregorian calendar’s festivities.
- Ethiopia: Using a unique calendar, Ethiopia celebrates its New Year, Enkutatash, in September.
- Iran: Nowruz, marking the vernal equinox in March, is the primary New Year celebration.
The First to Celebrate 2025
While Nigeria waits to enter 2025, several countries and regions worldwide have already begun the New Year. Due to time zones, smaller Pacific island nations are the first to welcome January 1.
- Christmas Island (Kiribati): The first to greet 2025, at 11 am Nigerian time.
- New Zealand: By 12 noon Nigerian time, celebrations begin in this vibrant nation.
- Samoa and Tonga: These South Pacific nations join New Zealand at the same time.
- Fiji and Russia’s Far East: At 1 pm Nigerian time, both regions welcome 2025.
- Australia: Celebrations roll out across time zones from 1:30 pm to 2 pm Nigerian time.
- Japan, Korea, and Indonesia: By 4 pm Nigerian time, these East Asian nations embrace the New Year.
A Celebration of Global Diversity
While some nations embrace fireworks and countdowns, others honor centuries-old traditions or follow alternative calendars. This mix of time zones, cultural practices, and historical influences highlights the diversity that defines how humanity marks the passage of time.
As we step into the New Year, these varied celebrations remind us of our shared experiences and the unique ways each culture welcomes a fresh start.
