New Year is celebrated across the world in various different ways, but only in Scotland can you celebrate Hogmanay. The celebration of Hogmanay is like no other New Year celebration in that it takes place over several days and is far more lively and intense.
The larger communities in Scotland celebrate in a really BIG way, and Edinburgh is one of these. The celebrations here are wonderful and if you’re going to visit Scotland at this time of year and have never done so before then make sure you are in Edinburgh for Hogmanay.
The celebrations begin with a torchlit parade through the city centre with several hundred people joining in carrying torches and creating a string of light through the city as they walk. You can buy tickets for £5 or less to be a part of this procession meaning that anyone can join in with it. It’s best to do so in advance though as the number of torches available are limited.
Through the city centre many events take place over the Hogmanay break, from parties in the streets, to street theatre and various other things. The main party takes place on New Years Eve itself and tickets for this can be bought in advance in the form of a street party pass so that you can join in with the various events across the city centre just by showing your one ticket. Drinks flow, food is never in short supply and everyone parties hearty until just before midnight when everything stops. Now’s the time for the real traditional bit to begin, a lone piper plays and then the striking of midnight can be heard loud and clear though speakers and everyone hugs, and kisses each other and wishes each other a happy new year. Auld Lang Syne is sung with lots of clasping of linked arms and much happiness and joy as everyone sings in the New Year together.
There are many traditions associated with Hogmanay some of which are still part of the celebrations and some which aren’t. For example the tradition of sweeping out the fireplace on New Years Eve and reading the ashes to see what the New Year would hold aren’t often carried out any more which isn’t surprising as many people don’t have fire places these days. First footing however is a tradition which is still going strong, and many people will be sure to make certain they have a tall dark haired male friend to be the first to step across their threshold in the New Year, and in this way hope to bring themselves and their families good luck. It’s less likely however that they will be carrying a lump of coal to give to the family which used to be part of this tradition.
Overall a fantastic celebratory event and one which everyone should try and experience at least once. Many who have been part of the celebrations in Glasgow or Edinburgh at New Year say that until you’ve done so you haven’t experienced Hogmanay properly.
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