New Year's Eve Traditions



It’s that time of year again, when the days of December run out and turn into the first few hours of January, marking the end of one period and the beginning of another.  It also tends to mean celebration and parties, so much so that people feel obligated to ‘do something’ each and every New Year’s Eve.  Surmising this tendency, I decided to look into some of the New Year’s Eve celebrations that are common in the locations I’ve either traveled to or plan to visit in the near future. 

Here in Calgary, the traditions are common with other Canadian cities – people drink and drink a lot.  Sometimes there is dinner, sometimes dancing, but there is always a lot of liquor.  Every pub and nightclub realizes this and offers the same type of party that occurs on a typical Friday or Saturday, only for a vastly inflated cover price and maybe higher priced drinks.  For people looking for something a bit more special and unique, though, Calgary offers some themed galas within some of the higher end hotels or venues.  The Eyes Wide Shut masquerade gala is a spin on the traditional nightclub party in the Epcor Center with mandatory formal attire and masks.  

For family fun, Calgary does offer some free and ticketed events at the Zoo, Olympic Plaza, the TELUS Spark Center and city-owned recreation facilities.  Mind you, not many of these actually ring in the new year, finishing well before midnight, but it can give people with earlier bedtimes a chance to get out and do something fun.

Already a fantastic tourist destination, Cabo San Lucas steps it up with some stylish and glamorous themed NYE parties.  To ring in 2014, the Great Gatsby themed party at ME Cabo Resort will step back to a time full of dancing, laughs, champagne, fireworks and overall spectacular affairs.  For a Venetian gala, the One & Only Palmilla Resort is the place to be on new year’s eve.  Boasting a 10-piece band and champagne, this party is a first for the resort, open to the general public.  Additionally, many of the Medano Beach and popular night spots in town are planning extravagant, fun-filled parties.

The people of Bali take this day and night very seriously and toast the Goddess Island throughout the day and well into the early morning of January 1st.  Dinner begins the night at pubs and restaurants in the surrounding towns, after which people flock to Kuta Beach to party with tourists and locals alike, where drinks are poured freely and fireworks adorn the sky.  Nightclubs also have their own parties for those interested in a less crowded affair, but celebrations on the beach include costumed dancers and traditional dress.  And to start of the new year right, hit up Sanur Beach to watch the most magnificent sunrise on the island.

In Helsinki, tradition includes thousands of people flocking to Senate Square to listen to musical performances and count down to the New Year together.  Traditional speeches and singing occur for the hours leading up to the event, and afterwards, people continue to mingle and party around town throughout the night. 

Bonaire is known for its amazing scuba diving experiences, and as a part of the trio of islands known as the ABC (Aruba and Curaco make up the other 2), it makes sense that their New Year’s Eve celebrations would include a diving adventure.  Their New Year’s Eve scuba excursion includes one week of accommodations and scuba gear, plus a traditional NYE BBQ, along with dives each and every day to see the amazing underwater world of Bonaire.

In Morocco, the celebrations are more low-key.  New Year’s Eve is a time for families to gather, prepare large meals, exchange gifts and outline their resolutions for the upcoming year. 

Where ever you find yourself on New Year’s Eve, it seems that there will be some form of celebration going on, even if it’s just to accommodate the tourists.  Personally, I can fully imagine myself enjoying NYE celebrations on a beach in the warm night air, dancing to the local music and drinking a few glasses of bubbly! 

Happy New Year, readers!

For some "over the top" celebrations, check out Conde Nast's list this year:
http://www.cntraveler.com/daily-traveler/2013/12/worlds-best-new-years-celebrations

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