New Year's Day

**New Year's Day in Estonia** is celebrated on January 1st, marking the beginning of the new year with joy, traditions, and festivities. It is a public holiday, and Estonians often spend the evening of December 31st (New Year's Eve) with family and friends, enjoying festive meals, fireworks, and countdowns to midnight. Traditional foods like roast pork, sauerkraut, and blood sausage are commonly served. Many people also watch the President's annual New Year's speech, which reflects on the past year and looks ahead to the future. On New Year's Day, Estonians often relax, visit loved ones, or take part in outdoor activities, such as ice skating or walking in nature, to start the year fresh and energized. The holiday is a time for reflection, hope, and celebrating new beginnings.