New Year's Day, known as 'Primeiro dia do Ano' in Portuguese, is celebrated with great fervor and joy in Timor-Leste. As in many countries around the world, it is celebrated on the 1st of January annually. It signifies the start of a new year in the Gregorian calendar, which is widely acknowledged and used in Timor-Leste. The holiday is recognized with a day off for the general population, and schools and most businesses are closed.
The celebrations in Timor-Leste often reflect the local culture and customs. Traditional rituals, including late-night feasts, praying, giving of gifts, and visiting friends and relatives are common activities. People in Timor-Leste use this holiday as an opportunity to spend time with their families, reflect on the previous year and make resolutions for the upcoming year. New Year's Eve in Timor-Leste is often filled with festivities and fireworks to herald the arrival of the new year at midnight.
Although New Year's Day is a public holiday, it isn’t marked by nationwide grand events like in some countries. However, some larger cities may have parades or fireworks displays. Given the country's Catholic population, many people also attend church services on New Year's Day. In Timor-Leste, the new year is seen as a time of renewal and hope. As with many cultures, it is not just a time of celebration, but also a time of mutual respect, love and hospitality.