Nothing beats the revelry of the whole world coming together as one in the celebration of a new calendar year.
From the iconic crowds that gather to see the ball drop at Times Square at midnight to the determined bunch of travelers who gather at East Cape in North Island, New Zealand to witness the first sunrise of a new year. From nightclubs to house parties across the planet, the countdown to midnight is accompanied by lots of noise, good cheer and of course , high spirits ( see what we did there!)
Here’s a glimpse of how the world raises a toast to a brand new year
People across the globe raise a glass to welcome the New Year, with an estimated 360 million glasses of sparkling wine consumed on New Year’s Eve.
France leads the world in Champagne consumption during New Year’s Eve, with an astonishing 45 million bottles popped open on average.
In Spain and some Latin American countries, it’s customary to eat 12 grapes at the stroke of midnight, each grape representing good luck for each month of the coming year. Pairing this tradition with a glass of Cava (Spanish sparkling wine) is common.
In Iceland, it’s tradition to celebrate with a bonfire to symbolize burning away the old year and welcoming the new one. Many Icelanders also enjoy a “Brennivín,” a traditional Icelandic schnapps, to stay warm in the cold winter night.
In Japan, many people visit temples at midnight to ring the bells 108 times, symbolizing the 108 human sins in Buddhist belief. Sake, a traditional Japanese rice wine, often accompanies these celebrations.
Scots practice “first-footing,” where the first person to enter a home after midnight brings symbolic gifts such as whiskey, shortbread, or black bun (a rich fruit cake). The tradition is believed to bring good fortune for the coming year.
Germans often enjoy a glass of “Feuerzangenbowle” on New Year’s Eve, a traditional hot, spiced wine punch topped with a flaming sugarloaf soaked in rum. It’s said to bring good luck for the year ahead.
South Africans celebrate with a unique twist, sipping on “Méthode Cap Classique,” a sparkling wine produced in the traditional Champagne method. The country’s warm weather makes it a perfect complement to festive outdoor celebrations.
Russians often toast with vodka, and it’s customary to make a wish for the coming year before taking the first sip. It’s considered bad luck to put the glass down before the entire toast is completed.
In India’s multi faceted partying scene that differs with every state border crossed, it can be champagne at a night club, guzzling beer at a Goan shack or a rooftop celebration held by the residents association!
New Year’s Eve alcohol consumption traditions reflect the rich diversity of global celebrations. In countries where alcohol consumption is restricted, or for those choosing not to drink, creative non-alcoholic “mocktails” are becoming increasingly popular for New Year’s Eve celebrations.
So raise a toast wherever you are reading this and let the countdown begin to the new year that’s waiting to be cheered!
