From Ethiopia to Iran: Five countries that do not celebrate New Year

While most countries and cultures worldwide celebrate the New Year in some form, there are certain regions, communities, or groups where New Year celebrations are not observed or hold minimal significance.

These exceptions usually arise due to cultural, religious, or political reasons. Here are some examples:

Saudi Arabia

In Saudi Arabia, public New Year celebrations are rare due to the country’s strict adherence to Islamic traditions. The Islamic calendar, not the Gregorian calendar, is primarily observed.

Afghanistan

Afghanistan follows the Islamic calendar, and the Persian New Year (Nowruz), celebrated on March 21, holds more significance than the Gregorian New Year.

North Korea

In North Korea, the Gregorian New Year is not widely celebrated. Instead, the Day of the Sun (Kim Il-sung’s birthday) and the Korean New Year (based on the lunar calendar) are more prominent.

Ethiopia

Ethiopia uses its own calendar, which is roughly seven to eight years behind the Gregorian calendar. Their New Year, “Enkutatash,” is celebrated in September.

Iran

Similar to Afghanistan, Iran celebrates Nowruz, the Persian New Year, on the vernal equinox (around March 21). The Gregorian New Year has little cultural or traditional significance.

As Nigerians eagerly await the New Year, several countries around the globe have already stepped into 2025. This difference is due to the varying time zones worldwide, allowing some regions to celebrate hours ahead of others.

Interestingly, while Australia and New Zealand are often thought to be the first to welcome the New Year, smaller island nations take the lead. Below is a list of countries that celebrate 2025 before Nigeria, along with the corresponding Nigerian time.

Punch