Midnight New Year’s Eve in Spain eating twelve grapes
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Holidays and fireworks are popular ways to celebrate the new year around the world. But years ago in Seville Spain, we count back the new year: twelve, eleven, ten … with simple grapes, to bring luck.
Each country has its own vision of the celebration. Here, at the turn of the decade, are some of the most fascinating New Year’s traditions:
People a Denmark throw old plates and glasses against the doors of family and friends to banish evil spirits. They also jump out of their chairs together at midnight to “jump” in January hoping to have good luck. In Finland, people throw molten tin into a container of water and then interpret the shape: a heart or a ring means a wedding; a ship, travels; and a pig, lots of cooking.
Durant ScotlandThe celebration of Hogmanay, the first person to cross the threshold of a house during the New Year, should bring a gift of luck. At the bonfire ceremonies, the Scots parade as they spin giant fireballs on sticks, symbols of the sun, to purify next year.
A la Philippines it’s about roundness: the coins symbolize prosperity, many eat 12 round fruits (usually grapes) at midnight and wear polka dots to get lucky.
In Brazil, Bolivia, i Venezuela, is considered lucky to wear colorful underwear on New Year’s Eve. Red brings love; yellow, money. In Colombia, some carry empty suitcases in hopes of traveling. In Chile, some have money or put coins on the door. In Ecuador, men can dress in wigs, heavy makeup and miniskirts. In Argentina, the celebration is during the summer, as in many South American countries, so families go to the beach.
inside Greece, an onion hanging on the front door symbolizes rebirth. On New Year’s Day, parents wake up their children by touching their heads with onions.
In Japan, New Year’s Eve is used to prepare and welcome Toshigami, the New Year’s god. Buddhist temples ring their bells 108 times at midnight, representing the elements of mental states that lead people to do wrong.
Over the course of the decade, I have found a sample of extra special getaways around the world. And everywhere, there will be exaggerated celebrations closer to home. In any case, here is a big 2021.
Masquerade of Marrakech
The Royal Mansour will host a large Italian masquerade. Adorned in red and gold and sprinkled with Venetian chandeliers and masks, Royal Mansour welcomes a performance of the commedia dell’arte with Colombina, Pedrolino and other iconic characters from Italian comedies.
The festivities begin at the hotel’s Blue Patio, with live performances by local ensembles, followed by a festive dinner at chef Maximilano Alajmo’s new Italian restaurant. Guests can prepare for the evening with treatments and massages.
Glamor of the Golden Age
Belmond’s famous Eastern & Oriental Express train will host a three-night New Year’s Eve journey from December 29, 2020 to January 1, 2021. After a night departure from Singapore, the first train stop is the lively capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur.
Guests can choose between visiting historic sites such as Independence Square and the Jamek Mosque, or stop at the Petronas Towers, have tea at the Malaysian Petroleum Club and take a shopping tour of the central market.
On December 31, travelers will have a celebratory dinner on the train, with live Thai dance performances and a DJ, while enjoying the passing fireworks. The trip ends in Bangkok, in a new year and a new decade.
Seen on the horizon of Tokyo
Park Hyatt Tokyo hosts its fifth annual New Year’s Eve party in retrospect at The Peak Lounge & Bar, a bamboo garden overlooking the sky. Partygoers can count back to 2021 as they dance and eat, with panoramic city views from 41 floors.
Dance on the beach of Copacabana
Celebrate Reveillon, the second largest celebration after Carnival, at Belmond Copacabana Palace with front-row seats at the Copacabana Beach Fireworks. After dinner, there is access to the terrace overlooking the beach, a live band and an all-night pool party with an open bar.
Ball Drop from a private terrace
At The Chatwal’s famous Lambs Club run by chef Geoffrey Zakarian, party-goers can choose from a gala dinner in the main dining room with champagne reception and a four-course dinner or a mezzanine-level cocktail, including a bar. top quality open. past canapés and a cut and raw bar station with music.
When the ball starts to fall, all the guests are taken to 44th Street to see how the ball falls with Nat Sherman’s cigars and pashminas. Or look out from The Chatwal’s Producer Suite’s private terrace. It has a cozy fireplace and a spiral staircase leading to the large roof deck overlooking Times Square.
Wine and dinner in the Napa Valley
Blue Note Napa, the intimate 144-seat jazz club and restaurant, hosts a special New Year’s Eve performance with jazz superstar Kenny G. Visitors can stay at Andaz Napa, less than a five-minute walk away. of Blue Note.