All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
New Year in different countries of the world: interesting facts
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
Surely, many Ukrainians associate the New Year with a Christmas tree, snow, festive mood and, of course, Olivier salad. But what associations do residents of other countries have with this holiday? Ilive invites you to take a short trip and find out how the New Year is celebrated in different parts of the world.
China
In China, New Year is celebrated from January 17 to 19. Thousands of lanterns are lit in the streets to "light the way for the New Year." The Chinese like to indulge in pyrotechnics on New Year's. Well, we also explode firecrackers and launch fireworks, so you won't surprise Ukrainians with this. But sealing doors and windows on New Year's is more interesting. In this way, residents try to scare away evil spirits from their homes.
Scotland
The Scots also celebrate the New Year in an original way. On New Year's Eve, they set fire to barrels of tar and throw them along the streets, thus lighting the way for the new year and seeing off the old one. Frankly speaking, the smell emitted by burning barrels hardly leaves any chance for the old year.
Japan
An obligatory attribute of the Japanese New Year is a rake, so the inhabitants of the land of the rising sun gather to rake in the happiness that will surely come in the new year.
France
The French, as true connoisseurs of wine, do not forget to congratulate this noble drink on the New Year. On New Year's Eve, the host of the house always has a heart-to-heart talk with wine barrels. One interesting thing is how many glasses did the person who came up with this tradition drink?
Panama
On New Year's Eve in Panama, you can forget about peace and quiet. Not everyone can stand the noise and hubbub that rises on the city streets: everyone is shouting, cars are honking - in general, earplugs will definitely come in handy here.
Bulgaria
"Kukeri" is the name of the New Year's tradition of Bulgarians. The inhabitants of this country dress up in a variety of costumes and scare away evil spirits. This tradition is especially popular with children, who are delighted by the fairy-tale characters walking along the streets.
[ Italy
Exactly at midnight, Italians start cleaning out their homes and throw out all the unnecessary and worn-out junk: chairs, tables, chests of drawers and other utensils. Therefore, it is better to stay away from windows, otherwise you can become the happy owner of some piece of furniture.
Spain
There is an interesting custom in Spain – a fictitious marriage. Before the New Year, young men and women draw pieces of paper with the names of the “husband” and “wife”. The newly formed couples behave like real spouses until the very end of the celebration.
Cuba
Cubans fill all available containers in their homes with water in advance. After midnight, all the contents of the vessels are poured out of the windows onto the street. This is how Cubans "pave" the way for the New Year - bright and pure, like water.
Switzerland
On New Year's Eve, the streets of Switzerland are filled with Sylvesterclauses. This is because New Year's Eve in this country is called St. Sylvester's Day. There is a legend that tells of Pope Sylvester (314), who caught a terrible monster. According to legend, the imprisoned monster was supposed to break free in the year 1000 and destroy all of humanity. Fortunately, this never happened, but now this story is remembered every New Year.