Here’s how countries around the world are ringing in 2021

Much of the world bade “Sayonara!” to 2020 long before the new year landed in the US — and a subdued Times Square.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to rage across the globe — no doubt making 2020 one of the worst years on record — here are some countries that ushered in 2021 ahead of us.

Samoa, Tonga and Kiritimati

The Pacific islands are the first in the world to bring in the new year. Apia, the capital of Samoa and its largest city, celebrated with music and a fireworks display livestreamed on the government Facebook page.

The new year on the islands began at 5 a.m. Eastern time.