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Every year, people around the world eagerly await the arrival of the New Year, marking the transition with various celebrations and traditions. Due to the Earth's rotation and different time zones, the New Year arrives at different times across the globe. This disparity creates a fascinating sequence of celebrations, starting in the easternmost regions and concluding in the westernmost areas. Let’s explore which countries witness the New Year first and which ones bid farewell to the old year last.
The honor of celebrating the New Year first goes to the islands of Kiribati and Samoa, located in the Pacific Ocean. Specifically, the easternmost island of Kiribati, known as Caroline Island or Millennium Island, is the first inhabited place on Earth to welcome the New Year.
Samoa, another Pacific nation, also rings in the New Year early. Since 2011, Samoa shifted its time zone from UTC-11 to UTC+13 by skipping December 30th, placing it among the first to celebrate the New Year.
Just an hour later, New Zealand becomes one of the first major countries to welcome the New Year.
Around the globe, major cities celebrate the New Year with unique and grand spectacles. Here are a few notable mentions:
At the other end of the spectrum, the last places to celebrate the New Year are Baker Island and Howland Island, both uninhabited U.S. territories located in the Pacific Ocean.
While Baker Island and Howland Island are the last to enter the New Year, the last inhabited place to celebrate is Hawaii.
The International Date Line (IDL) plays a crucial role in determining the order in which countries welcome the New Year. It is an imaginary line that runs from the North Pole to the South Pole, roughly following the 180° longitude line but zigzagging to accommodate international borders.
Different countries have unique traditions and customs for ringing in the New Year. Here are a few interesting examples:
The celebration of the New Year is a global phenomenon, marked by a rich tapestry of traditions, customs, and spectacular displays. From the first light of dawn on Kiribati to the final celebrations in Hawaii, the world unites in a shared experience of hope and renewal.
Each country’s unique way of ushering in the New Year reflects its culture and history, creating a mosaic of human expression that transcends borders and time zones. The journey from the first to the last celebration is a testament to the diversity and unity of our world.
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