The Pacific Islands of Samoa, Tonga and Christmas Island/Kiribati have been the first countries in the world to welcome in 2021. A firework display took place in Samoa’s capital, Apia, as the country entered the New Year.
The Government shared a live video of the fireworks which also shows houses decorated for the festive period. Prime Minister Tuilaepa Aiono Sailele Malielegaoi wished its citizens well in a message of hope for 2021.
January 1 on the islands began at 10am GMT on December 31. And despite being only a one hour flight away from Samoa, the island of American Samoa is 25 hours behind and will be one of the last places to enter the New Year.