Auld Lang Syne
Posted by Hans Ericsson | Under Festivals and Events of Note Wednesday Dec 31, 2008New Year’s Eve is celebrated all over Europe with as much enthusiasm as it is here in the United States.
In France, New Year’s Eve or la Saint-Sylvestre, is celebrated with a feast called le Réveillon de la Saint-Sylvestre. There is always plenty of Champagne for this feast. It can be celebrated in any of the major cities, as well as smaller groups for more intimate settings.
Silvester is the name of the German New Year’s celebrations. The City of Berlin plays host to one of the largest New Year’s Eve celebrations in Europe and draws a million people. Fireworks from the Brandenburg Gate take place at midnight. The sale of firecrackers and fireworks is always high around this time, so watch your feet!
New Year’s Eve in Ireland is typically modest compared to the rest of Europe. Dublin’s New Year’s celebration ends with fireworks along the River Liffey. Other major cities in Ireland that have New Year’s celebrations are Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford.
Capodanno is the Italian word used to describe New Year’s Eve. The proper dinner is enjoyed with family and friends, typically includes spiced Italian sausage with lentils. At midnight, fireworks are enjoyed in most cities throughout the Italy.
New Year’s Eve in Spain is called Fin de Año. Family feasts traditionally include shrimp and lamb or turkey. Tradition in Spain says that wearing red underwear on New Year’s Eve brings good luck. Weather or not this is true is debatable. The countdown is followed from the clock on top of the Casa de Correos building in Puerta del Sol square in Madrid. Traditionaly, twelve grapes are eaten for each chime of the clock. The parties after the 12 grapes usually last until the next morning. They range in size from small celebrations at local bars to huge parties with thousands of guests.
In the UK, London has a massive fireworks display, which is viewed by millions on television. The fireworks display in London celebrations centre around the London Eye. In Edinburgh a giant cannon is fired at right at the stroke of midnight at the scenic Edinburgh Castle. Scotland celebrates New Year as Hogmanay.
However you decide to celebrate, please be safe, and enjoy the festivities!
Auto Europe wishes you all the best in the new year.
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