Hogmanay

Scottish tradition · New Year celebration · festivals

Fireballs and flames. In Stonehaven, Scotland, people swing giant balls of fire on chains above their heads at midnight on Hogmanay. It's a spectacular sight that lights up the whole street.

An old Scottish word. Hogmanay is the Scottish name for New Year's Eve and the celebration that follows. Nobody knows exactly where the word comes from, but it has been used in Scotland for hundreds of years.

Street parties everywhere. Cities like Edinburgh hold huge Hogmanay celebrations with live music, dancing, and thousands of people gathering in the streets to ring in the new year together.

Celebration extends longer. In Scotland, New Year's celebrations don't stop on January 1st. Many people get January 2nd off as a bank holiday, so the festivities can continue for a few days.

First footing tradition. A Scottish custom called first footing means the first person to cross your doorstep after midnight is supposed to bring good luck for the whole year ahead.