Hogmanay

If you are looking for great New Year's celebrations then the only place to be is Edinburgh for a traditional Hogmanay. Hogmanay is the celebration of the last day of the year in Scotland although it usually starts a few days before and goes on sometimes to the 2nd January.

There are many customs associated with Hogmanay. Houses are thoroughly cleaned ready to bring in the New Year and at the first stroke of midnight people sing Auld Lang Syne together whilst linking arms. The song is taken from words adapted from a traditional Hogmanay - Edinburgh Hotels for Hogmanay Rabbie Burns song (1759-96). The most widespread custom is the practice of 'first-footing' which starts immediately after midnight. This involves being the first person to cross the threshold of a neighbour and the giving of symbolic gifts such as coal, shortbread and whisky intended to bring luck to the householder.

Today large public Hogmanay celebrations take place throughout Scotland during January, including parties, street festivals, concerts and dazzling fire festivals. At some of the bonfire events a replica Viking ship is ceremonially burned; a custom known as Up Helly Aa. Another fiery tradition is the Ancient Fireballs Ceremony where sixty locals march through Stonehaven swinging large flaming spheres over their heads.

By far the largest of these events are held in Edinburgh. Hogmanay - Hotel booking online The celebrations start on 29th December 2008 through to 2nd January 2009 with street parties, concerts with international artists, torchlight parades, the One o’ Clock Run on New Year’s Day, Sled Dog Races, the traditional New year's swim in the icy Firth of Forth and many bonfires. This years events are sure to be a large affair, particuarly as 2009 sees the 250th Birthday Celebrations of Rabbie Burns.