Countries Celebrating 2025: New Zealand, Fiji, and More before Nigeria
As is customary, many #Nigerians, particularly Christians, would spend the final hours of 2024 in churches, where they would pray, sing, dance, and shout “Happy New Year” as the long hand of the clock struck one minute into #2025.
Non-Christians would probably go to clubs and other fun places across the country to celebrate the new year.
The first sites to ring in the new year are Kiribati and the Christmas Islands, which have just hit midnight.
Meanwhile, Sydney, Australia, has begun its celebrations with a 9 p.m. fireworks display, providing a taste of what’s to come.
Here Are A Few Key Times To Watch:
- Kiritimati atoll in Kiribati – 10:00 GMT
- New Zealand – 11:00 GMT
- Most of Australia’s east coast – 13:00 GMT
- Japan and South Korea – 15:00 GMT
- India and Sri Lanka – 18:30 GMT
- The UK and 25 other countries – 00:00 GMT
- Brazil and Argentina 03:00 GMT
- The east coast of the US 05:00 GMT
By the time Baker Island in the central Pacific Ocean leaves 2024, it will be 12:00 GMT – by which point it will already be 2 January 2025 in Kiribati.
Four Countries That Won’t Celebrate New Year
Ethiopia, Nepal, Iran, and Afghanistan are four countries that won’t be celebrating New Year’s Day 2025.
- Ethiopia: The Ethiopian calendar
Ethiopia is a land of ancient traditions and unique cultural identities, including its own calendar system. The Ethiopian calendar, based on the Coptic calendar, comprises 13 months—12 of which have 30 days, while the 13th month, Pagumē, has five or six days depending on the leap year.
The Ethiopian New Year, known as Enkutatash, falls on Meskerem 1, which corresponds to September 11 or 12 in the Gregorian calendar. Interestingly, Ethiopia is about seven to eight years behind the Gregorian calendar, meaning that as the rest of the world enters 2025, Ethiopia will still be in 2017.
- Nepal: Vikram Samvat and Nepal Sambat
Nepal embraces two traditional calendar systems—Vikram Samvat and Nepal Sambat—making it one of the most unique timekeeping cultures globally. Vikram Samvat, a lunisolar calendar, is the official calendar of Nepal and is approximately 57 years ahead of the Gregorian calendar.
Additionally, the Nepal Sambat, a lunar calendar, is used by the Newar community and runs on its own timeline, adding another layer of distinction to the nation’s calendar traditions. The official New Year celebration in Nepal, called Bisket Jatra, typically falls in April. Hence, January 1 is not a significant date in Nepal.
- Iran: The solar Hijri calendar
Iran follows the Solar Hijri calendar, which is one of the most accurate solar calendars in the world. This system begins with the vernal equinox, marking the first day of spring. The Iranian New Year, known as Nowruz, falls around March 21 and is celebrated with elaborate customs and rituals that date back over 3,000 years.
For Iranians, January 1 is an ordinary winter day, with their focus firmly set on the arrival of spring and the renewal it symbolises.
- Afghanistan: The Solar Hijri Calendar
Afghanistan also uses the Solar Hijri calendar, aligning its timekeeping closely with Iran. Similarly, Nowruz marks the New Year in Afghanistan, celebrated with feasts, family gatherings, and cultural events.
Afghanistan’s rich history and adherence to its traditional calendar reflect its cultural pride and resistance to adopting the Gregorian system, making it one of the few nations where January 1 holds no special significance.
Why These Calendars Persist
The use of non-Gregorian calendars by Ethiopia, Nepal, Iran, and Afghanistan highlights their dedication to preserving cultural heritage and resisting colonial influences.
These calendars are more than systems of timekeeping; they embody historical and spiritual traditions that remain integral to their national identities.
