It’s about that time — preparations are underway in many corners of the globe to ring in the New Year! On December 31st many countries celebrate the change from one year to the next. In the U.S., New Year’s typically begins with lively New Year’s Eve parties on the night of December 31st – and many people watching the ball drop in Times Square in NY (live or on T.V). Celebrations continue on New Year’s Day (January 1st) with most businesses on holiday and scores of people making resolutions for the New Year.
In Europe, Mexico, Central America, and South America, they also party long into the morning hours and fireworks are a popular form of New Year’s celebration. Throughout the world this custom of making noise to ring in the New Year continues. It was started as a way to scare off any evil spirits.
In addition to noise and parties, many food is a popular tradition. Our offices in Hungary tell us there are many traditional foods to eat in order to have good luck in the New Year. And, the Portuguese pick and eat 12 grapes from a bunch as the clock strikes twelve on New Year’s Eve. This is done to ensure 12 happy months in the coming year.
But did you know that there are many different dates of the year when different countries celebrate a New Year?
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