Colombo (LNW): As the clock struck midnight on December 31, 2023, Kiritimati, a small Pacific island also known as Christmas Island, etched its name in history by being the first location globally to herald the dawn of the new year.
Situated in the Kiribati archipelago, the New Year’s celebration on Kiritimati not only marked the commencement of 2024 but also underscored its distinctive geographical advantage, placing it at the forefront of global time zones.
Positioned at UTC+14, Kiritimati is located on the easternmost edge of the international date line, making it the initial inhabited location to transition into the new year.
Renowned for its breathtaking coral atoll and pristine beaches, this isolated island has garnered international attention as the inaugural site for New Year’s celebrations.
