New Year is one of the most popular holidays, celebrated all over the world for centuries. Learn more about the traditions and features of New Year celebrations in different countries of the world

The holiday is coming! New Year's Eve is a day that unites us all, regardless of our religion or beliefs. Even those who don't believe in miracles celebrate the end of the old year and the beginning of the new one. Each country has its own unique traditions and even special dates for celebrations.

We have prepared an interesting selection to tell you what unusual New Year's rituals exist in different countries.

Finland

Finland is the real homeland of Santa Claus, known here as Joulupukki, who lives in Lapland. At midnight, Finns take to the streets, launch fireworks and tell fortunes for the coming year using wax and tin.

Kemi, one of the cities of Finland, is famous for its annual snow and ice festival. Near the city there is an impressive 20 thousand square meters snow castle that has become the pride of the country.

Great Britain

Residents of the UK celebrate the New Year in a relaxed manner. Instead of loud parties, their celebration is based on unwritten rules. On New Year's Eve, everyone is free to visit any house, even strangers, and they are obliged to give them a warm welcome. Guests are encouraged to bring pastries, whiskey, and even a small piece of coal, which is thrown into the family hearth, accompanied by a wish that the fire burns as long as possible in this house.

France

New Year's traditions in France are filled with magic and anticipation. French children, like all kids in the world, look forward to receiving gifts. To earn the attention of Per Noel, a generous wizard, children place their shoes by the fireplace, hoping to fill them with various surprises. If it is unfortunate that Per Noel is unable to visit, children escape by writing letters to Santa Claus, who always responds with a personal New Year's card.

The French celebration also includes a tradition with Père Fouettard, a horned grandfather who gives a coal to those who are naughty. Treats and toys are reserved only for obedient children.

These days, the French decorate their Christmas trees with ordinary toys, and put santons on the floor - wonderful wooden or clay figures. And before tasting the New Year's cake, they do not forget to add a bean to it. The one who finds the bean becomes the "bean king" and is entitled to playful fun all New Year's Eve.

Germany

During New Year's Eve, Germans express their best wishes by saying "Guten Rutsch!", which translates to "have a good entry into the New Year". The last 10 seconds of the year are spent loudly counting down, hugging each other and saying "Happy New Year!". Then the sky is lit up with sparklers and fireworks. The traditional German toast is "Prosit Neujahr!", which translates to "to your health!". All of this is celebrated with a cheerful and festive atmosphere, and champagne is consumed as a symbol of a new beginning all over the world.

A popular tradition is fortune telling with molten lead (Bleigießen), where people try to predict the future based on the shape of the solidified metal.

Austria

Austria believes in symbols of good luck and prosperity during the New Year. Traditionally, a chimney sweep and a pig have become their lucky charms. People used to run after the chimney sweep to touch and get dirty with soot. On January 1, it is important to dine on pork (for happiness), horseradish (for health), and green peas (for prosperity). In Vienna, the Mint has a tradition of issuing souvenir coins depicting a boy riding a pig as a symbol of wealth and good luck.

Turkey

In Turkey, Muslims are forbidden to decorate the Christmas tree and decorate their homes for the New Year. The festive evening for them is a family dinner and watching holiday programs. Despite this tradition, it is worth noting that St. Nicholas himself, who became the prototype for Santa Claus and Father Christmas, was born in Turkey in the third century. In the city of Demre, there is a church of St. Nicholas, where his holiday is celebrated for three days, starting on December 6.

Japan

In Japan, New Year's Eve is a special holiday that lasts several days. The Japanese decorate their front doors with wreaths of pine and bamboo branches and straw to ward off evil spirits. This period is also used for self-improvement. At midnight, the bell begins to ring, with 108 strikes. Each strike symbolizes getting rid of one of the human vices. The Japanese believe that there are six basic flaws, but each has 18 different shades, making a total of 108 flaws to get rid of in the New Year.

China

In China, the celebration of the New Year is determined by the lunar phases, usually falling in late January or early February. During the festive procession on New Year's Eve, the streets are filled with the light of huge numbers of lanterns, lighting the way to the new year. The Chinese believe that the holiday is surrounded by evil spirits that need to be driven away with firecrackers and fireworks. In the evening, the family gathers for a festive dinner, and in the morning, parents give their children red envelopes with money, considering it a sign of a happy start to the New Year.

Spain

New Year in Spain is celebrated with special chic - in red underwear (for love and prosperity) and with 12 grapes at hand. By the way, the Spanish share this tradition - to eat a grape for each stroke of the clock - with their Portuguese neighbors.

Sweden

On New Year, Swedes read poems and raise toasts to the future. A popular tradition is to launch fireworks and send glowing lanterns into the sky.

Mexico

On New Year, Mexicans light candles of different colors, symbolizing wishes for the next year: health, money, love. It is also customary to break a piñata to attract good luck.

---

Are you planning to travel or move abroad? An important component of a successful trip is a travel insurance policy, because it guarantees the provision of high-quality medical care in any corner of the world and is able to protect you from unnecessary expenses during the trip. You can buy insurance from verified agents on the Visit World portal.

---

Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

Travel guide for 200 countries;

Legal advice from a local specialist on visa and migration issues;

Travel insurance around the world (please select the country of interest and citizenship to receive services);

Medical insurance all over the world.

---

We monitor the accuracy and relevance of our information, so if you notice any errors or inconsistencies, please contact our hotline.