Wherever you go, you will find people celebrating New Year’s Eve, but nowhere will you find celebrations like the Scottish ones. They even have a name for it: Hogmanay. There are many traditions in its name in the most famous and less famous places in Great Britain. Here are some:
Hogmanay in Edinburgh
Edinburgh, known not for having a quiet character, will host a 4-day marathon of celebrations (www.edinburghshogmanay.org/) from late December to early January with numerous events throughout the city. One of the most famous and ‘dazzling’ events is the Torchlight Procession that marks the beginning of the celebrations.
Torchlight Procession in Edinburgh
The Edinburgh Torchlight Procession originates from an ancient pagan ritual of Hogmanay. It begins on the Royal Mile where you can join thousands of participants with a torch in hand, creating a spectacular river of fire throughout the city. The Vikings will escort you to The Mound, along Princes Street and up Calton Hill, where you will witness spectacular fireworks and performances by musicians and comedians.
Stonehaven Fire Ceremony
Some of these customs continue even today, especially in the small communities of the Highlands and on the islands where ancient traditions, as well as dialects, are still alive. Visit Stonehaven, south of Aberdeen, for one of the most spectacular fire ceremonies (Fire Balls). Watch about sixty people go back and forth along High Street waving large and heavy fire balls.
Hogmanay Traditions in Scottish Villages
The inhabitants of the ancient Scottish villages would dress in animal hides and run around the village being struck with sticks. The celebrations include bonfires, barrel runs down the hills, and torch throwing. People prepare the torches by wrapping animal hides around sticks and lighting them. The smoke produced by these torches is considered useful for keeping evil spirits away.
Hogmanay in Inverness
The capital of the Highlands, Inverness, holds the record for the largest free event to celebrate Hogmanay in Scotland. The Red Hot Highland Fling event takes place along the banks of the River Ness in Northern Meeting Park and is also suitable for families; in addition to music and fireworks, there are other shows to entertain the crowd. The best show always takes place before 10:00 PM, so families can return home in time before the classic midnight chime. This year the show will be hosted by Scottish comedian Craig Hill and will feature performances by The Elephant Sessions, Scooty and The Skyhooks, as well as the multi-award-winning rock band Skerryvore.
The Biggar Bonfire
In the last weeks of the year, you can see a huge pile of wood gradually rising in the town center of Biggar, in preparation for the New Year’s celebrations typical of this South Lanarkshire town. The Bonfire is lit at 9:30 PM on New Year’s Eve to welcome the new year in the town with a warm glow.
