The New Year is the day when the new calendar year begins. For many, it occurs on 1st January every year like it is the first day of the year in the Roman Calendar. But for many the first day of the year is different. They follow their own tradition or customs, some follow lunar calendar like Chinese, Tamil, Islamic New Year and Jewish New Year whereas according to some it is the harvesting season like North India.
The tradition of New Year celebration started centuries ago.The New Year celebration starts even before the New Year countdown starts and goes on for 2-3 days. The peak of celebration is on New Year’ eve which is the evening of December 31.
Kiribati and Samoa are the first places on earth to observe NYE, they enter first to the New Year on the night of 31st December because they are very close to the international date line.
During this day people dance, drink, eat, and light fireworks world wide. People love to send New Year’ message, New Year’s greetings and New Year quotes on New Year’s Eve to their friends, relatives and colleagues and it goes on for two to three days in the first month of January.
Different types of celebration world over
The celebration usually includes eating out, dancing, singing, shopping, making dishes at home, going out on vocations, activities in the schools, colleges, street fairs and lighting fireworks. The celebration is influenced by weather, who organised the celebration, traditional ways, religious services and regional influences.
- Influence of weather : Apart from new year wishes and new year party, there are many activities people do during this time.
In countries observing winter the celebration consists of festive parties, concerts, themed parties, fireworks, Ice Skating, Winter wonderland events, city view.
Countries in the southern hemisphere observe summer during the New Years’ eve, they celebrate it outdoors, activities include parties at beach, firework displays, beach events, boat cruises, sailing at midnight, outdoor concerts, rooftop parties in cities and effigies.
- Who sponsored : At some places it is the government which does all the expenditure on organising the celebration whereas many times it is the communities which takes the responsibility of celebration. It is a great economic activity and source of revenue for the government. The hospitality industry provides offers and discounts during this season.
Places which celebrate new year in unique ways
| Places | Unique Activity | Symbolises/ Significance |
| Ecuador | Burning effigies | Burn the past and welcomes the future |
| Brazil | Wearing white | To symbolize purity and good luck |
| Jumping waves | Good fortune | |
| Spain | Eating 12 grapes | Good fortune for all 12 months |
| Japan | Joya no kane- ringing bell tradition | Killing 108 desires cause suffering |
| Australia and Scotland | First footing | One who enters the home first after midnight brings good fortune |
| Denmark | Breaking plates | Good fortune |
| Hang onions | Growth and rebirth | |
| United States | Ball drop in Times Square | Arrival of new year |
| Greece | Cutting cake called vasilopita | Prosperity and hope |
| Smashing pomegranate | Good luck | |
| Colombia | Carry empty suitcase for travel | Hope for new year filled with adventure and travel |
| Italy | Throwing out old stuff from windows | Eradication of past and new beginnings |
| Thailand | Releasing birds | Let go of past and start fresh |
| Iran | Place 7 symbolic items starting with Persian alphabet “S” on the table | Renewal, rebirth, well being |
Top Five Location for New Year’ eve Celebration
Brazil
Brazil organises the biggest New Year celebration in the world. The capital Rio De Janeiro hosts the world’s biggest New Year Party. Millions of people worldwide visit Brazil during the festive season. People wear white clothes as New Years Dress as they believe white colour brings good fortune and a symbol of purity. The main attractions which makes the New Year holiday special in Brazil are
- Copacabana beach firework’s display
- São Paulo music shows
- Parties at beaches on Fernando De Noronha island
- Tourist city like São Miguel dos Milagres
- Brazil hosts large-scale concerts
Dubai
Dubai is a must-visit place for New Year’s eve celebration. Dubai’s seasonal entertainment makes it world famous. The lightning and fireworks during New Year’s eve is a spectacular event. People love to visit the place to celebrate New Year’s day. The offerings make Dubai one of the best places for New Year celebration in the world. Dubai offers
- Live music performances
- Breathtaking fireworks from iconic Burj Khalifa
- Rooftop DJ sets
- Picnic by the beach
- Arabian Gulf views with array of restaurants
- Global Village- shopping destination
- City Walk’s bright light
- Camping in desert
Scotland
Scottish New Year celebration is not just a party, it is a long event lasting till 2nd January every year. The New Year’s Eve in Scotland is known as Hogmanay. These days are called “Daft Days”, a term given for festive days derived from old Scottish tradition. During this day people observe first footing, ceilidhs (traditional dancing) and massive parties. All these make it a special destination for New Year celebration in the world. Scotland offers
- New Year Part at Edinburgh
- Scottish fire festival
- Fireball parade at Stoneheaven
- Enjoy Ceilidhs events
New York
The bidding farewell in New York to the previous year attracts people worldwide. The Times Square ball drop has become a global tradition. Many people visit the city to witness NYE. Cruise activities for fireworks display, music, and parties make it more attractive to the visitors. New York offers
- Fireworks cruise
- Ice Skating
- Light night tour on open bus
- Holiday ride
- Evening jazz cruise
- Tour in central park
Bangkok
It is one of the best places for NYE celebration. NYE in Bangkok has multiple countdowns, decorated streets, and massive fireworks. Bangkok Offers
- Chao Phraya river Cruise
- CentralWorld party countdown
- Multiple temples visit
- Party at Asiatique The Riverfront
- Rooftop firework from sky bar
- Sanam Luang cultural celebrations
These are the unique places to celebrate NYE on the basis of size of the celebration in terms of gathering, number of events, unique way of celebration, and most historic places for celebration. Some of these practises modern ways like Dubai while others are a blend of traditional as well as modern ways like Scottish NYE.
Answers regarding New Year Celebration?
When did the New Year Celebration start?
Christmas celebration dates centuries ago, about 2000 B.C. Babylonians in ancient Mesopotamia started this. It is considered as the first location where the celebration of New Year started.
Why do people celebrate the new year?
Earlier this was celebrated for the beginning of the year or renewal of life or the new king sat at the throne. The day was on the spring equinox. Later in ancient Roman tradition it marks the god of beginnings (Janus).
Why is Jan 1 a New Year?
In 45 B.C. Julius Caesar started a calendar in the honour of a two faced god called Janus. This calendar is a Roman calendar and the modern Georgian calendar also aligns with the same dates.
Which country has the New Year first?
Kiribati and Samoa are the first places on earth to observe NYE, they enter first to the New Year on the night of 31st December because they are very close to the international date line.
