Who celebrates new year first?
Updated: September 5, 2024Introduction to Time Zones and the International Date Line
Understanding who celebrates the New Year first requires a basic comprehension of time zones and the International Date Line (IDL). The Earth is divided into 24 time zones, each roughly 15 degrees of longitude apart. The IDL, an imaginary line located at roughly 180 degrees longitude, acts as the demarcation point where the date changes by one day. When it is midnight at the IDL, the date advances by one day to the west and remains the same to the east.
First Nations to Celebrate: Kiribati and Samoa
The first regions to celebrate New Year’s are located just west of the IDL. The tiny island nations of Kiribati and Samoa are the first to welcome the New Year. Specifically, the Line Islands of Kiribati, which include Kiritimati (Christmas Island), are the first to celebrate, with their time zone being UTC+14.
The Role of Chatham Islands
The Chatham Islands, part of New Zealand, are among the next to celebrate the New Year. Located at UTC+12:45, the Chatham Islands are 45 minutes ahead of New Zealand’s main islands. This unique time zone positioning makes them one of the earliest places to ring in the New Year.
Tonga and Other Pacific Islands
Following Kiribati and the Chatham Islands, the Kingdom of Tonga (UTC+13) celebrates New Year’s. Other nearby Pacific islands such as Fiji (UTC+12) and parts of Antarctica, depending on their specific time zone, also celebrate early but not as early as Kiribati and the Chatham Islands.
Australia and New Zealand’s Celebration
New Zealand (UTC+13 during Daylight Saving Time) is among the first major countries to celebrate the New Year. The capital, Wellington, and the largest city, Auckland, host vibrant celebrations. Australia follows closely, with Sydney (UTC+11 during Daylight Saving Time) being renowned for its spectacular fireworks display over the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Japan, Korea, and Eastern Russia
Moving westward, Japan (UTC+9), South Korea (UTC+9), and parts of Eastern Russia, such as Vladivostok (UTC+10), welcome the New Year next. Each of these regions has its unique traditions and celebrations. For example, in Japan, New Year’s Eve is often celebrated with a meal of soba noodles, symbolizing longevity.
China and Southeast Asia
China (UTC+8) and Southeast Asian countries such as Singapore (UTC+8), Malaysia (UTC+8), and the Philippines (UTC+8) celebrate the New Year next. While China’s most significant celebration is the Lunar New Year, the Gregorian New Year is also marked with festivities, especially in urban areas.
India and Sri Lanka
India (UTC+5:30) and Sri Lanka (UTC+5:30) are among the next to celebrate. India’s New Year traditions vary significantly across its diverse states, from the Punjabi Lohri to the Tamil Puthandu.
Russia’s Celebrations Across Multiple Time Zones
Russia spans 11 time zones, meaning New Year’s celebrations occur at different times across the country. The easternmost region, Kamchatka (UTC+12), celebrates first, while the westernmost region, Kaliningrad (UTC+2), celebrates last.
Europe and Africa
As the New Year progresses westward, European and African countries begin their celebrations. Major cities such as Moscow (UTC+3), Istanbul (UTC+3), Athens (UTC+2), and Johannesburg (UTC+2) host large events. Western Europe, including Berlin (UTC+1), Paris (UTC+1), and London (UTC+0), is known for its iconic celebrations and fireworks.
The Americas: From East to West
The Americas are among the last to celebrate the New Year. The easternmost parts, such as Newfoundland (UTC-3:30), celebrate first, followed by regions in the Atlantic Standard Time (UTC-4) and Eastern Standard Time (UTC-5) zones, including New York and Toronto. As midnight moves westward, celebrations occur in Central Standard Time (UTC-6), Mountain Standard Time (UTC-7), and Pacific Standard Time (UTC-8) zones, culminating in Alaska (UTC-9) and Hawaii (UTC-10).
Uninhabited Islands and Rare Celebrations
Some of the last regions to celebrate New Year’s are uninhabited islands in the Pacific, such as Baker Island and Howland Island (UTC-12). These islands are among the last places on Earth where the New Year is celebrated, although they have no permanent residents.
Unique Celebrations and Traditions
New Year’s celebrations vary widely around the globe. In Spain, it’s customary to eat 12 grapes at midnight, one for each stroke of the clock, to bring good luck for the coming year. In Brazil, people wear white for peace and jump over seven ocean waves, making wishes for the New Year. In Scotland, the tradition of "first-footing" involves being the first person to enter a home after midnight, bringing gifts such as coal, shortbread, or whisky.
From the isolated Line Islands of Kiribati to the bustling streets of New York City, the New Year is celebrated in a myriad of unique and fascinating ways. The journey of New Year’s celebrations across time zones offers a captivating glimpse into the diverse cultures and traditions that mark this global event.
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