Since 1999, the New Year in Ventspils arrives at the local time – precisely 33 minutes and 44 seconds later than elsewhere in Latvia. And for a good reason. International Radio Astronomy Centre, considering the fact that several meridians cross the territory of Latvia.
The tradition of welcoming the New Year at the local time dates back to 1999, as the Ventspils City Council addressed the question about the astronomical start of the year 2000 in Ventspils.
Ventspils market square clock. Each hour clock plays song’s “Pie dzintara jūras” (On Amber sea) melody but at 12:33 and 00:33 with song “Uz priekšu, Kurzeme” (Ahead Kurzeme) written by U. Marhilēvičs clock jingle Ventspils’ time.
The idea about a different time zone came from the Mayor of Ventspils City Council – Aivars Lembergs – during a visit in London, near Greenwich.