Uusaasta

Uusaasta is the Estonian term for New Year, referring to January 1, the first day of the calendar year. The word combines uus (new) and aasta (year). It is used to describe both the date and the celebrations that take place around it.

In Estonia, uusaasta is celebrated on the night of December 31 to January 1. People commonly gather with family or friends, have festive meals, and take part in a countdown to midnight. Fireworks are common in many towns and cities. After midnight, people toast with sparkling wine or champagne and exchange wishes for the coming year, often saying “Head uut aastat.”

January 1 is a public holiday in Estonia, and many services are closed. The day is typically spent relaxing, visiting relatives, or continuing celebrations. A New Year’s resolution is a common practice for some, reflecting on the past year and planning goals for the new one.

The term and its celebrations align with the Western calendar; modern practices have been shaped by national culture and international influence. Uusaasta serves as a cultural marker for the start of the new year and a time for reflection, social gatherings, and communal festivities.