New Year’s Eve and New Year customs

In short: New Year’s Eve, 31 December, is the last day of the year. In Germany people celebrate with fireworks, lead pouring, raclette and resolutions.

In more detail: The name goes back to Pope Sylvester I, whose feast day falls on 31 December.

In detail

• Fireworks: Meant to drive away evil spirits, allowed only on New Year’s Eve and Day; keep a safe distance.
• Lucky symbols: Lucky pig, clover, chimney sweep.
• Food: Fondue, raclette, doughnuts, carp.
• Dinner for One: TV classic, a fixed custom in Germany.
• Resolutions: Good resolutions for the new year, with realistic goals.
• International: In Spain twelve grapes are eaten at midnight, Scotland celebrates Hogmanay.
• Animal welfare: Protect pets from noise (haustier-gesundheit-impfen-entwurmen-tierarzt).