New Year's Eve is about much more than countdowns and champagne. In some parts of the world, this sacred moment is transformed into a veritable festival of unexpected traditions, amusing rituals and enchanting landscapes. Have you had enough of endless New Year's Eve celebrations in front of the TV or parties where everyone is counting down the seconds? Then get ready to travel, at least in spirit, through these 15 destinations that celebrate the arrival of the New Year like nowhere else. From the floating lanterns of Bali to the frenzied suitcase races in Colombia, each place has its own little touch of madness and its own dose of magic. So pack your bags (or don't pack your bags), and enjoy exploring!
Imagine the scene: I'm in Medellín, surrounded by delighted Colombians, a glass of aguardiente in hand. As midnight approaches, everyone suddenly grabs a suitcase and starts running around as if a flash sale had just been announced in the corner shop. Not wanting to appear rude, I join them, my (empty) suitcase in hand. My mistake? Wearing my most uncomfortable shoes. Result: I end the year with a blister the size of a souvenir. But hey, if it means a year of travel, it was worth it, wasn't it?
Consult our Colombia mini-guide to discover the destination.
In Kyoto, I wanted to try out the local traditions by witnessing the 108 strokes of a temple bell. Magnificent, yes, but I had underestimated the cold. Without my gloves, each resonance seemed to remind me that I hadn't brought thermal socks either. Still, the experience was so soothing that I forgot all about my numb fingers... until I had to clap my hands to thank the monks. Ouch!
Consult our Japan mini-guide to discover the destination.
In Havana, I was taking a carefree stroll through the colourful streets, savouring the mildness of the evening, when a basin of ice-cold water greeted me like a cold shower. "Happy New Year!" shouted a hilarious lady from her balcony. That's how I learned that throwing water brings good luck, even if it doesn't bring luck to your freshly-combed hair. Fortunately, a mojito on the Malecón soon reconciled me with this tradition... and with my battered curls.
Consult our Cuba mini-guide to discover the destination.
Starting the year in Gisborne, where the sun rises first, is a privilege. I got up at dawn, wrapped in a blanket, to watch the show. What I hadn't counted on was a seagull a little too interested in my breakfast. The result: my muffin gone and my coffee lukewarm, but a magical moment nonetheless, facing the immensity of the Pacific Ocean.
Celebrating New Year's Eve in a Rajasthani palace is like something out of a fairytale. I was dressed in a sari lent by a friend and admiring the traditional dances, when I was offered henna. What elegance, I thought, until I realised that I had mistaken henna for curry sauce. My hosts' laughter lit up the evening as much as the fireworks over the desert.
Consult our Rajasthan mini-guide to discover the destination.
Réunion Island is a feast for the senses. At midnight, everyone is bustling about on the beach. Naive as I am, I get a little too close to the lagoon to get a better view of the fireworks. A bad idea. A misdirected rocket sent me leaping into the DJ's arms. The rest of the evening? A succession of improbable dances and laughter. That's how I discovered that Réunion knows how to party... and that it's best to stay away from amateur pyrotechnicians.
Consult our Reunion island mini-guide to discover the destination.
In Bali, everything seems magical. I was on the beach, ready to drop a lantern with my wish for the coming year. But a naughty breeze blew my lantern straight into the ocean. Luckily, a group of fish seemed interested. New year, new wish: that my clumsiness doesn't follow me everywhere. Fortunately, the evening ended with me dancing barefoot on the sand.
Consult our Bali mini-guide to discover the destination.
Spending New Year's Eve in Kenya is anything but classic. I was on safari, and just as the clock struck midnight, a lion roared in the distance. A symphony that made you forget the lukewarm champagne we'd brought along. Surrounded by the Maasai dance under a starry sky, I realised that the savannah needs no fireworks to impress.
Consult our mini-guide Kenya to discover the destination.
Hogmanay is Scotland's New Year celebration. In Edinburgh, people march with giant torches and bagpipes. I, armed with a trembling torch, burnt a glove trying to pose for a photo. Fortunately, a Scotsman in a kilt offered me a sip of whisky to soothe my embarrassment... and my hand. The evening continued in a warm atmosphere, despite the bitter cold.
Cappadocia is magical, especially in winter. When I took a hot-air balloon ride to admire the snow-covered fairy chimneys, I thought I was having the perfect time. But I wasn't counting on my sudden fear of heights. Fortunately, the pilot offered me a cup of mulled wine to calm my nerves. Result: I spent more time staring at the bottom of my glass than admiring the view, but what an unforgettable adventure!
Consult our mini-guide Turkey - Cappadocia to discover the destination.
The full moon parties on Koh Phangan are legendary, and I was tempted. I found myself, painted in neon, in a crowd of frenzied dancers. At midnight, I wanted to follow tradition and break a coconut for luck. Except I threw it a little too hard... straight at a distracted DJ. He laughed, but I spent the evening making amends with free cocktails.
Consult our mini-guide Thailand to discover the destination.
In Mauritius, I was sitting at the table, enjoying an overturned bowl, when someone shouted: "The old man! The old man! Intrigued, I turned round and saw a flaming effigy in the street. Don't panic: it's a tradition to symbolically burn the past year. It was a surreal scene, especially when I saw a child trying to get the burning man's cane as a souvenir. A typically Mauritian evening of ritual and laughter!
Consult our island mini-guide Mauritius to discover the destination.
In Mexico City, I learnt a hilarious tradition: swallowing 12 grapes, one per second, as the clock struck midnight. Simple, I thought. But after the sixth grape, I realised that my mouth wasn't made for this kind of challenge. I ended up bursting out laughing, with grapes all over my cheeks, under the spectacular fireworks of the Zócalo. A memorable, fruity experience!
Starting the year on the summit of Kilimanjaro sounds like a dream come true. But let's be honest: things don't always go to plan. After days of climbing, I arrived at the last camp exhausted. At midnight, I wanted to open a bottle of champagne to mark the occasion, but the altitude turned it into an uncontrollable geyser. The result: more foam on my clothes than in my glass. But what a view to toast with, even just hot tea!
Consult our Tanzania mini-guide to discover the destination.
In Mirissa, I was enjoying a fresh coconut, savouring the calm before the New Year. But when I put it on the table, I knocked over a candle, which almost set the bar on fire. A race to save the decorations later, I ended up toasting with the hilarious owner. Note to self: never underestimate the dangers of a coconut-based cocktail.
Consult our mini guide Sri Lanka to discover the destination.
And there you have it, a round-up of the most original traditions for celebrating the passage to a new year. Whether you're drawn to the tropical beaches of Bali and Mauritius, the serene spirituality of Japanese temples or the boundless energy of Cuban and Thai festivals, there's a destination to match your idea of a memorable start to the New Year. Aside from the fireworks and cotillions, each place offers a different way of experiencing this universal moment. Some opt for contemplation, as in Japan or Sri Lanka, while others prefer exuberance, as in Colombia or Thailand. It is this diversity that makes the world such a fascinating playground for lovers of adventure and discovery.
So why not take advantage of this period of renewal to broaden your horizons? The coming year is full of promise, and there's no better way to welcome it than by discovering new cultures and having experiences that will leave a lasting impression on you. After all, what better way to start the new year than with a New Year's Eve off the beaten track? What if, for once, your good resolutions included a pinch of daring and a big dose of curiosity? Grab your suitcase (or run with it, to respect Colombian tradition), choose a destination and let yourself be surprised. The world is waiting for you, ready to offer you a unique New Year, full of emotions, encounters and dazzling memories. So, are you ready to leap into the unknown?
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