Today is the last day of 2012… meaning, New Year’s Eve celebrations are going down tonight! Need some inspiration for how to ring in 2014? THE MAGAZINE has compiled a list of the top 10 interesting places to celebrate the New Year!
10. Niagara Falls, Canada What better place to celebrate the New Year than in our home and native land? Even though it’s usually freezing, the gorgeous scenery, spectacles of lights and Niagara Falls will make you forget about the cold. There’s usually live music and free firework shows, so if you ever visit Niagara Falls during New Year’s Eve, be sure to stay for the celebrations!
9. Hong Kong,ChinaThe Chinese celebrate the Lunar New Year, but it doesn’t fall on January 1. It usually falls between January 17 and February 19 because the Chinese follow a different calendar. During Hong Kong’s celebrations, they bring out the full parade, equipped with huge floats, bright lanterns, fireworks and tasty delicacies. A cool tradition to be a part of would be the lighting of firecrackers. Setting off firecrackers supposedly scares off evil spirits and keeps them from entering homes.
8. Barcelona, Spain The residents in Barcelona party it up with their own celebration of Noche Vieja. Everybody dances, sings and rejoices, for festivities can last up to seven days. If you ever visit Barcelona on New Year’s Eve, you should participate in their traditions! When the clock finally strikes midnight, there’s an old Spanish tradition dating back to Roman times where people eat 12 grapes, one per clock strike. It is supposed to signify the sweet beginning of the New Year.
7. Athens, Greece For the Greeks, they have two holidays to be cheerful for. Not only is January 1 their New Year’s Day, but it is the Festival of Saint Basil as well. On Saint Basil’s day, kids place their shoes by the fireside in hopes that Saint Basil will put a special present in them. On this day, be prepared to smell a mix of delicious aromas floating around, as hearty feasts are a part of the tradition. Yum!
6. Jewish New Year (Around the world!)Also known as Rosh Hashanah, this is a very religious holiday that does not fall on January 1. It usually happens in September. Rosh Hashanah is a two day celebration, where Jewish people recall mistakes they made and promise to change for the upcoming year. They pray at the synagogues, bake and kids receive brand new clothing.
5. Finland and SwedenThis is the only chance you’ll be able to successfully travel back in time… for now. Tornio, Finland and Haparanda, Sweden, are only a five minute car ride away from each other. However, they are both in different time zones, as Haparanda is an hour behind Tornio. If you ever get the chance to visit these places on New Year’s Eve, don’t forget to travel back to December 31 so you can ring in the New Year twice!
4. Sydney,AustraliaIf you’ve watched FINDING NEMO, then you might recall that the movie took place around Australia. The large surrounding bodies of water, numerous docks and floating boats do exist. They are the main reason why Sydney’s parties are so extravagant, as many people lounge out on their boats or near the harbour to celebrate. Their fireworks are launched above the Sydney Harbour, where the city and the Opera House create a beautiful setting. Don’t forget that they get to experience a summertime feel, too!
3. Tokyo,JapanJapan is known for their rapid technological advancement, sushi and weird game shows. Their celebrations are not far from their usual uniqueness! New Year’s celebrations often start on December 29 and last until January 4. Not only are there magnificent fireworks, dancing, singing and feasting, but the symbolicJuya No Kanebell rings at every temple in Japan, signifying prosperity. Also, everyone wears new traditional kimonos and houses are decorated with bamboo and charms.
2. Edinburgh,ScotlandThe Scots are similar to the Greeks in the way that theyalso celebrate their own holiday on January 1, called Hogmanay. There are the usual fireworks shows, live music, dancing and singing of a traditional song called “Auld Lang Syne”. What sets Hogmanay apart from other celebrations is their rituals that date back to the vikings! For instance, many still practice “first footing”. First footing is a belief that thefirst person to enter your house on January 1 should be a dark haired male, as they used to believe blonde males meant trouble.
1. New York City, United States If you’re a fan of a bustling city with incredible lights, you should visit New York’s free New Year’s Eve celebration! When the clock strikes midnight, a giant ball drops down over Times Square. People, confetti, media and live performers all come together for the big bash. This New Year’s Eve tradition has been happening for over a century!
How are you planning to celebrate New Year’s Eve tonight! Let us know by leaving a comment of Tweeting us @TheMagazineHQ