Celebrating the New Year in Europe is not only the change of the calendar year, but also magical traditions that highlight the unique flavor of each country.
Let's start with the northern latitudes of Europe, where Scandinavia impresses with its warm and cozy atmosphere during the New Year celebration.
Sweden: Family warmth and fireworks over the cities
In Sweden, the New Year is a time for family reconciliation. On the evening of December 31, families gather to enjoy a delicious dinner and each other's company. However, the specialty is the so-called "New Year's Eves", events where thousands of people gather. Bonfires are lit in parks, and fireworks bloom over cities, creating a magical atmosphere of the last minutes of the old year. Among the interesting traditions are loud celebrations in churches at midnight and reading of poems from A. Tennyson's "New Year's Clock".
Norway: Julenissen and the king's blessing
Norway, like a fairy-tale cartoon of a winter land, celebrates the New Year at the family table. Fireplaces are burning in the houses, stuffed turkey and various puddings are served. Here, Christmas presents are not brought by Santa Claus, but by the good gnome Julenissen. On the eve of the holidays, Norwegians go to church to greet the year with a blessing, and the king of Norway traditionally delivers a festive speech. In addition, Norwegians have a tradition of placing Nisse gnomes at home, which bring good luck.
Germany: Champagne and lights from Sylvester
In Germany, the New Year's table is full of various dishes, but champagne glasses are especially defined. Fireworks at midnight are the main event, accompanied by lights and candles, creating an amazing atmosphere. Germans celebrate with noise, believing it drives away evil spirits. December 31 is called Silvester here in honor of the Roman Pope Sylvester I. Traditionally, the important "good entry into the new year" is expressed before midnight, and while clinking champagne, they shout: "May everything be successful in the new year."
Italy: The Befana Fairy and being thrown out of windows
In Italy, New Year's Eve begins with a sumptuous dinner of 12 dishes that symbolize each month of the year. At midnight, bottles of sparkling wine are opened and the lantern extravaganza begins. There is no Santa here, and the Italians receive presents from the good fairy Befana, who leaves them in stockings by the fireplace. The tradition of throwing old things out of windows is also popular, symbolizing getting rid of excess for the appearance of something better.
Spain: Ritual of 12 grapes and dancing to the guitar
In Spain, the New Year is celebrated extremely extravagantly. One of the most famous traditions is eating 12 grapes in the last 12 seconds of the old year, which symbolizes good luck for each month. After that, a noisy and fun time begins - festive parties, magical lights and lots of dancing to the sounds of the Spanish guitar.
In many cities, residents gather in squares or popular places with clocks to consume grapes together and spend the last moments of the passing year.
France: Flames of Christmas and dressing up as Père Noël
In France, one of the most popular New Year's traditions is the burning of Christmas logs, made especially for Christmas and kept at home until the New Year. Here they also like to have fun with lotteries, wearing hats and showering each other with candy.
In France, Pere Noel replaces our Santa Claus and travels not on reindeer, but on a donkey. He leaves gifts in his shoes by the fireplace. As for dishes, the French prefer to have foie gras, baked turkey or goose, blood sausages, beans, chestnuts, beans, lobsters, lobsters and wild animal meat on the New Year's table.
Britain: Kisses under Big Ben and open doors for the Old and New Year
The British, like many other Europeans, know how to celebrate the New Year and have their own traditions. Great Britain is distinguished by the fact that it is not customary to give expensive and large New Year's gifts here, as this holiday is considered a continuation of Christmas.
On the New Year's table in the British, you can often find apple pie, oat cakes in a form with a hole in the middle, pudding, Kebben cheese, and among the hot dishes - roast goose breast and steaks.
One of the most famous traditions in Britain is the kiss of a couple in love under Big Ben during the battle of the chimes. The British believe that this ritual will ensure a strong relationship in the new year. In addition, in British homes it is customary to open the back door when the clock strikes midnight, letting out the Old Year and letting in the New.
