Writer: Helena Bergström
New Year is celebrated all over the world, but traditions, food and festivities vary widely. (And in some cases, even the date of the celebration varies!) Here’s a quick world tour of how different countries welcome the New Year!
New Year celebrations around the world
Celebrating the New Year is popular in most parts of the world. Stepping into a new year can feel like a fresh start – and it’s worth paying attention to! Most places use the Gregorian calendar, which means the new year is counted from January 1 (although time differences mean the transition doesn’t occur at exactly the same time). Some countries also celebrate the new year according to different, traditional calendars.
For our part, we celebrated the New Year mainly in Sweden, but we also celebrated the New Year in New Zealand, Kenya, Hungary, Ukraine, Malaysia, the Philippines, Portugal, Israel and Sri Lanka.
New Year celebrations in Europe
In Europe, most people celebrate the New Year when December turns into January. However, the exact time may vary slightly as some countries are in different time zones. A nice example is Haparanda and Torneå (on the border between Sweden and Finland), where you can celebrate the New Year twice: first in Torneå, Finland and an hour later in Haparanda, Sweden.
Sweden
In Sweden, people often celebrate the New Year with family or friends, preferably with fireworks at midnight. Some also watch traditional New Year’s programs, such as “The Countess and the Butler.”
Spain
In Spain it is traditional to eat twelve grapes on New Year’s Eve, with each grape symbolizing and bringing good luck for the coming months. It is also popular for major fireworks and festivities, not least in cities such as Madrid and Barcelona.
New Year celebrations in North America
In North America, just like in Europe, people celebrate both within the family and with large public celebrations. Fireworks are common and some places also organize light sows.
USA
In the United States you can expect large public parties with fireworks, for example Times Square ball drop in New York. In addition, family and friends come together for parties that last well into the night.
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Cities such as Toronto and Vancouver organize spectacular fireworks and light shows. On New Year’s Day you can participate in the ‘Polar Bear Dive’ in some places, where you take a dip in ice-cold water.
New Year celebrations in Asia
It is also traditional in Asia to celebrate the new year, although this can happen on different dates. In many countries, such as Japan, South Korea and the Philippines, New Year is celebrated on the same date as in Europe. In some parts of Asia, New Year is also celebrated according to traditional calendars.
The traditional New Year can be celebrated in very different ways: from quiet parties to water parties. And observe – it’s not unusual to pay attention both the Gregorian New Year and the traditional!
- Chinese lunar calendar – The New Year’s date varies, but usually falls between late January and mid-February. (China, Vietnam, etc.)
- Thai New Year (Songkran) – New Year falls on April 13-15 and is celebrated with water festivals, where people throw water at each other to welcome the new year cleanly and happily. (Thailand, Cambodia, etc.)
- Islamic lunar calendar – New Year falls about 10-11 days before the Gregorian calendar. A more sedate, religious holiday. (Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, etc.)
- Persian New Year (Nowruz) – New Year is celebrated during the spring equinox, usually from March 20 to 21. (Iran, Afghanistan, etc.)
- Jewish New Year (Rosh Hashanah) – New Year’s date varies, but falls in September or October. (Israel and others)
Japan
In Japan, January 1 is the New Year’s date. The New Year’s celebration is an important tradition that includes sending New Year’s cards, spending time with family, eating special dishes and visiting temples.
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In China, the New Year is celebrated according to the lunar calendar, meaning it is celebrated sometime between January and February. Celebrations may include fireworks, dragon and lion parades, and the wearing of red for good luck.
New Year celebrations in South America
In South America, New Year’s celebrations are also grand. In this part of the world it is common to have parties and fireworks, or to celebrate the New Year on the beaches. After all, it is summer heat here at the moment!
Brazil
In Brazil, it is a big thing to celebrate the New Year on the beach, and people often wear white for good luck and peace. There are also traditions involving jumping over seven waves or throwing flowers into the sea as an offering to the sea goddess Iemanjá.
Argentina
In Argentina, it is common for families to gather on New Year’s Eve for a party and fireworks. People like to eat meat and various traditional desserts.
New Year celebration in Africa
In Africa, most countries celebrate the new year according to the Gregorian calendar, that is, on January 1, although some countries also follow the Islamic lunar calendar. In big cities it is celebrated with fireworks and concerts, and at home with food and music. In some countries, church attendance is common and there is also room for symbolic actions, such as cleaning the house and starting over.
South Africa
In South Africa, fireworks and festivities are organized in major cities such as Cape Town. In some areas it is also traditional to clean the house, throw away old things and start over.
Nigeria
In Nigeria it is customary to go to church in connection with the new year. They also celebrate with music, dance and fireworks.
New Year celebrations in Oceania
In Oceania, the New Year is often celebrated with fireworks and parties. A difference with our part of the world is that the summer heat dominates, so you can celebrate with big parties on the beaches.
Australia
In Australia you can expect big fireworks shows in cities like Sydney and Melbourne, as well as outdoor concerts. Many celebrate on the beach or with outdoor parties in the summer heat.
New Zealand
In New Zealand they also celebrate with fireworks, music events and parties. The party is often combined with outdoor activities and barbecues.
New Year Around the World – Have you celebrated New Year in another country?
How New Year’s Eve is celebrated around the world varies, while there is something common in leaving the old behind and looking forward to the new. Did you celebrate New Year’s Eve in another country? Please tell us about your experiences!
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