New Year forbidden: Countries where celebration could get you arrested

Brunei: prison time for Santa hat

In this small but extremely wealthy country, some of the strictest rules apply. Officially, Christmas and New Year celebrations are banned for the Muslim population.

If a foreigner or non-Muslim celebrates too openly, such as displaying decorations or partying loudly, they could face up to five years in prison. Authorities believe foreign symbols harm citizens’ faith.

Saudi Arabia: even flowers are banned

The kingdom does not recognize New Year according to the Gregorian calendar. Muslims celebrate the start of the year according to the Hijri calendar, which begins with Muharram (date changes every year).

The Commission for the Promotion of Virtue monitors shops on December 31 to make sure no red roses, plush toys, or other holiday-related items are sold.

Public parties are strictly prohibited, and showing joy over the New Year according to the Western calendar can result in public condemnation.

Somalia: safety risk

Since 2015, Somali authorities have reminded that Christian and secular holidays have nothing to do with Islam. Police are ordered to stop any gatherings on December 31.

This policy is motivated not only by religion but also by concerns that large crowds could become targets for terrorist groups.

The only New Year allowed in Somalia is the Muslim holiday according to the lunar calendar. All others are prohibited.

North Korea: celebration called ''homeland''

January 1 is a public holiday in North Korea, but it has nothing to do with the New Year as we know it. Instead of making wishes, citizens bow to statues of leaders.

Trying to throw a private party or display religious symbols can be treated as treason. North Korea currently follows the Juche calendar, so 2025 is considered the 114th year.

Iran: different world, different time

Nowruz, the Iranian New Year, is celebrated on the spring equinox – March 21. January 1 is an ordinary weekday for locals.

While youth may celebrate privately at home, appearing in public drunk or with holiday symbols will immediately attract the morality police.

Nowruz also marks the New Year in Afghanistan and is celebrated in Tajikistan, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Turkey, Kyrgyzstan, Albania, and North Macedonia.

Countries where New Year is neither punished nor widely celebrated

Israel

The government and society do not have a tradition of celebrating January 1. It is a normal working day. The Jewish New Year (Rosh Hashanah) falls in autumn.

January 1 is mostly celebrated by immigrants from the former Soviet Union. Some festivities take place in restaurants or hotels, but Israelis consider it the holiday of Saint Sylvester rather than a true New Year.

Tajikistan

Although celebrating New Year is not always explicitly banned, there have been restrictions on Christmas trees, fireworks, and large gatherings on January 1. Discussions about limitations continue, and celebrations are generally restrained.

India

January 1 is not a nationwide New Year tradition. Different regions follow different calendars. In Kerala, New Year is celebrated on April 13; in southern India, it falls in autumn. In Maharashtra, it is called Gudi Padwa, and in Andhra Pradesh, Ugadi.

South Korea, Bangladesh

January 1 is a public holiday or day off, but it does not carry the same cultural significance as in Western countries.

Tips for foreigners

If you find yourself in these countries at the end of December, the best strategy is to stay low-key. Celebrate quietly at home if you wish.

• Avoid posting provocative stories on social media with geotags.

• Do not give locals gifts with New Year symbols.

• Remember that rules in hotels for foreigners may be more lenient, but outside, Sharia law or strict ideological regulations apply.

Sources: Guardian, Go2Tutors, Portal.hr, Brilio, Aperian, Lifehacker, Wikipedia.