Hogmanay
The dark of night suddenly interrupted by the whisper of flames. Everywhere. More then 100,000 people singing Auld Lang Syne at the same time. Pure debauchery as a city empties all drinking resorces. The world’s biggest street party rivalled only by the Carnival in Rio. Dance, drink and sing the night away. When New year celebrations 31st December every year Where All over Scotland, the best ones are in Edinburgh and Glasgow
Why This celebration dates back as far as the Vikings. Its roots are found in the pagan practice of fire and sun worship during the dark months of winter.
Later this became the Roman celebration of 'Saturnalia' where the people celebrated without any inhibitions or restraint. The Vikings celebrated a variation of this festival and called it 'Yule' which later became the 12 days of Chistmas or 'Daft Days'.
The symbolism of fire at these festivals is quite profound and it stands for a number of things. Some view it as shining light on the unknown year to follow, putting light on a bright new horizon full of enlightenment. Hogmanay The Hogmanay Festival is essentially a new years celebration with a difference. This festival takes place on the 31st of December every year and is phenomenally well supported and raucous.
It's a ticketed festival - (largest in the world) that starts quite early in the evening reaching its peak as expected at midnight with the ringing of bells and plenty of kissing. Then old folk song 'Auld Lang Syne' is sung and followed by more kissing.
Want to fit in and sing the lyrics to Auld Lang Syne ?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot Should auld acquaintance be forgot For auld lang syne, my dear, for auld lang syne, we'll take a cup of kindness yet, I will add that every year when I am involved in singing this excellent piece I never stray past the first 2 lines. I don’t think anyone has ever noticed. Sometimes humming is as effective.
Depending on where you are in Scotland, activities for this festival may vary from folk song singing, dancing, torch light processions, the swinging of fireballs and a number of other activities are all combined with lots of laughing and fun for the whole evening and most of the morning. Princes Street, Princes Street and the Royal Mile have amazing atmosphere for Hogmanay in Edinburgh.
This celebration dates back as far as the Vikings. Its roots are found in the pagan practice of fire and sun worship during the dark months of winter. Later this became the Roman celebration of 'Saturnalia' where the people celebrated without any inhibitions or restraint. The Vikings celebrated a variation of this festival and called it 'Yule' which later became the 12 days of Chistmas or 'Daft Days'. The symbolism of fire at these festivals is quite profound and it stands for a number of things. Some view it as shining light on the unknown year to follow, putting light on a bright new horizon full of enlightenment.
Although this festival is held in most Scottish cities, the largest groups of people will be found in Edinburgh and Glasgow where up to 100,000 tickets have been sold but even more people have found their way in.
What to wear A kilt if you can find one I’m Irish so it wasn’t too hard Where to drink I found the 3 sisters pub to be excellent but on New Years I stayed on the streets all night. Edinburgh has great pubs, nightclubs & nightlife so get around. But stay aroud Princes St. Who There is something for everyone here drunk people can sing. Single people can have a kiss at the strike of midnight and pyromaniacs can let loose !
It’s easy to get these Fireball ingredients in the days before Hogmanay. This holds the ingredients above, which are packed into the ball. Once you make the ball the handle can be fitted. You make this from a double wrap of 4mm fencing wire. If it’s your first fireball give the handle plenty of length so you don’t burn yourself. Presto ! Your Hogmanay Fireball
Dangers/annoyances The length of time it takes to get served in a pub. Drunken people with Hogmanayt Fireballs. Also watch out for fighting.
Group Tours I found these guys Celticdreamtours.com who do tours but I haven’t used them they’re located in America. Airports Edinburgh Airport Getting There Edinburgh is well serviced by train, bus and taxi all options will take you under 30 minutes. Getting Around Edinburgh is a small beautiful city with great buildings and pubs. I would advise you to walk it all. Internet I used Edinburgh Costa Café 35 Shandwick Place, Edinburgh EH2 4RG Bank/ATM These are easy to locate throughout the city, try Bank of Scotland St James Centre, 8-10 Leith Street, Old Town Weather It will be cold – near zero degrees and high chances of rain. Festival Pig Fact Over 1 million people visit Edinburgh Castle every year. Edinburgh is the UK’s fastest growing city.
Some believe Hogmanay celebrations were unintentionally created as a cure for the Winter Blues. An effort to combat the longest night and shortest days of the year.
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