The 31st of December is for many the chance to celebrate the end of one year and welcome in another. It can either be a time for quiet reflection or riotous parties, dependent upon your mood or location.
With 39 different local times in use, it takes 26 hours for the New Year to be seen in around the world. First to say goodbye to 2016 and hello 2017 will be Tonga in the South Pacific, before moving across countries including New Zealand, Australia, Japan, India, Moscow, United Kingdom, Canada and America.
If you find yourself in a new country for the first time, you may not know what to expect from New Year’s Eve, so here’s a PSS guide to that all important night.
Australia: New Year is lively in Australia. The main hubs for huge firework displays are Sydney and Melbourne. The familiar site of 80,000 fireworks going off over Sydney Harbour Bridge is one most won’t forget. Melbourne too throws huge parties on the 31st and more information about events can be found here.
Japan: It’s a much quieter affair in Japan over New Year but some traditions revolve around TV and buckwheat noodles. On New Year’s Eve families sit down to view Kohaku Uta Gassen, a four-and-a-half hour TV programme involving the most successful musical artists of the year. Food served will include Toshikoshi soba which heralds good luck and long life. At midnight temple bells will ring 108 times and crowds will begin to visit the shrines and celebrate the New Year.
New Zealand: The Auckland Sky Tower is one of the best places to catch the midnight fireworks in Auckland. If you’re in Queenstown head to Earnslaw Park from 7:30pm for views of the festivities. Take a picnic and chill out listening to live music in the capital Wellington where all the action takes place at Frank Kitts Park.
Moscow: Take in the Christmas tree in Red Square, which acts as the centre point to Moscow’s New Year celebrations. You probably won’t find more spectacular sights than fireworks going off around the statues of Lenin and iconic buildings such as the Kremlin Tower (which shows the final minutes before New Year’s Eve). The New Year holiday lasts from 1st-5th January. Families serve delicious appetizers, sparkling wine and Oliver salad (known as a Russian salad elsewhere!).
Sweden: Swedes like to spend December 31st with their friends and it’s a very lavish affair. Expect beautifully laid tables, delicious lobster meals and well-dressed guests. In Stockholm the countdown takes place at Skansen open air museum, where a bell chimes and Tennyson’s poem Ring Out, Wild Bells is read. All over Sweden church bells will ring too.
Hong Kong: For a truly spectacular display of fireworks and celebrations head to Victoria Harbour on Hong Kong’s waterfront for 10 minutes of pyromusical displays. Stay until January 28th (Chinese New Year’s Day) and you’ll see an amazing New Year Night Parade complete with floats marching bands and costumed characters. The Year of the Rooster will certainly get off to a flying start.
If you are considering a move abroad PSS International removals can help. We are a family run company and our desire is to ensure your family receives a friendly, professional and stress free overseas move. We have specialised in international removals for over 34 years, so whether you are planning on sending a full or part household removal, excess baggage or a vehicle we recognise the importance of ensuring our customers receive the same level of care and attention that we would expect ourselves.
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