http://www.partyideasforyou.com/hogmanay-parties-scotland/
Hogmanay is one of the largest celebrations on the Scottish calendar. The Hogmanay celebrations last for four days and the whole celebration kicks off with a massive torch lit procession through the central streets of Edinburgh. Thousands of people take part with many carrying fire lit torches in a massive long winding parade.. Anyone can join in with the celebrations, but as there are a limited number of torches available, in order to carry a torch you will need to buy a ticket. The carrying of these torches has a traditional meaning. It is said that by carrying a flame forward you are bringing knowledge forward from one year to the next and you are also burning away the old to create space for the new. This modern take on the traditional event has taken place every year since 1992.
Over the celebration period there are many events to enjoy from street parties to concerts and plays. The biggest of all the celebrations takes place on New Years Eve itself, when all across the city centre many events take place and by buying a Street Party Pass for £5 you can join in with them all. A huge fireworks display happens at midnight for everyone to share in, and of course there’s plenty of food to be eaten and drink to be drunk as well as the singing of Auld Lang Syne to help bring in the New Year. This massive street party goes on well into the early hours of the morning.
From midnight onwards you’ll find people partaking in another very old tradition called First Footing. The first person to cross the threshold of a home brings good (or otherwise) luck to the home, and it’s said that the luck will be best if the person is a tall dark haired stranger. Traditionally this person should be carrying a gift of a lump of coal and a piece of black bun to see that the family has warmth and food through the year, but this part of the tradition is often left out these days. Generally though a dram of whisky or some other drink is provided to the first footer along with food. The idea of a dark haired person is because dark hair was the natural colouring of those born locally rather than someone who had been part of a raiding nation.
On the 1st of January for those people who aren’t all partied out, more celebrations occur and this year sees the start of what will hopefully become a new Tradition. The Royal Mile will be setting the scent for an entertainment entitled Feet First. It will be a street entertainment featuring over 120 performers, and many new works including song, theatre, dance, light and sound. It is expected to attract up to 10,000 people and will be one of the largest celebrations of street theatre for 2009.
Check out our website for full details of Hogmanay is Scotland [http://www.edinburghshogmanay.org/] as well as Edinburgh Hogmanay accommodation [http://www.edinburghshogmanay.org/info/staying-here].
A Hogmanay Party From Scotland (Part 1)
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The Scottish Hogmanay Handbook: The Complete Guide to Celebrating New Year in True Scottish Style
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Edinburgh's Hogmanay: Review of the 1996/97 street party
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