New Year’s Day
January 1 · Level 10 · #24 of 2238
New Year’s Day opens a fresh calendar year, bringing a chance to gather with loved ones and imagine what comes next. January 1 begins the year in the Gregorian calendar, but the customs surrounding it vary widely around the world.
How it is celebrated: people share festive meals, count down to midnight and exchange good wishes. Fireworks light up many cities, while Russian celebrations often feature a decorated tree and gifts from Father Frost.
In Spain, a midnight tradition involves eating twelve grapes as the clock strikes twelve, one for each month of the coming year.