Hogmanay, Edinburgh Scotland

Hogmanay is the massive New Years celebration held every year in Scotland. Although Hogmanay is commemorated all throughout Scotland, the main festivities are held on Princes Street in Edinburgh. The Hogmanay Street Party is the second largest New Years Eve street celebration in the world, after the Times Square party in New York.

Unlike most other New Year’s parties, Hogmanay lasts a whopping five days and features concerts, art exhibits, films, fireworks, food, costumes and the practice of many Scottish customs and rituals that date back hundreds of years. The party is held on the Royal Mile, which is a section of Edinburgh’s famous Princes Street.

The celebration is chaotic and lively, and is a wonderful display of the energetic Scottish spirit. Hundreds and thousands of people, many who are dressed in the traditional Scottish costume, gather together to start the celebration with a torchlight procession reminiscent of the ancient custom of Hogmanay pagan parties of centuries ago.

In some parts of Stonehaven, massive fire ceremonies are held. Fireballs weighing as much as ten kilos are tied to the end of long metal poles and swung around, making it an unbelievable and beautiful display of fire and light.

In Burghead, the ritual “burning of the clavie” is performed. A reassembled cask is filled with tar and set on fire, then carried around town. Bakers in Saint Andrews bake special cakes for the occasion and hand them out.

Right at midnight on Dec 31st, it is customary for strangers and loved ones alike to kiss each other and sing “For Auld Lang Syne”. Hogmanay is such a spectacular and unique celebration that everyone should attend at least once in their lifetime.

For those interested in bringing in 2010 Scot style, tickets to the Hogmanay street party are on sale on the Hogmanay Edinburg website.

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by Gigi Novelo
Gloobbi Travel

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