It’s the holiday season!  So many parties all over the world, so many different customs! It is widely known the fact that in Australia New Year officially begins on January 1st.  But did you know that in many countries people celebrate the spiritual New Year at many different times?  All these celebrations are about cleaning out the past and preparing for the New Year, a bright future.

For example, the Jewish New Year “Rosh Hashanah” takes place in September and contains the custom of “ Tashlikh” or “casting off” the mistakes of the past year.  Needless to say, the Chinese New Year is known as the “Spring Festival” even though it takes place in late winter.  Moreover, on New Year’s Eve, all the Chinese families gather for a celebration meal.  Everyone will be with their family members, close friends, even if it means travelling long distances.

When it comes to the Hindu New Year, it begins in late Autumn with Diwali – the Festival of Light.  The entire country is lit up with lamps and fireworks, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.  This festival is celebrated in many countries where there is a significant population of Indian immigrants.

In Ethiopia, New Year is called Enkutatash and begins in September, after the rains have finished.  The images are spectacular: children hand out bunches of flowers and everyone celebrates the beneficial effects of the vital rain.

Book accommodation at a Manly hostel and have your own Aussie New Year’s celebration on the night of 31st December and 1st January.  The good news is that Manly is only 30 minutes away from Sydney by ferry.  Everyone knows that one of the most famous parties is held in Sydney.  The good news is that the HarbourBridge is spectacularly lit up by an amazing display of fireworks.

 

Do not forget the fact that Australia is one of the first countries that embraces the New Year.  This is the main reason the Aussie fireworks are often seen by people around the world as a precursor to their own parties.

 

Book budget accommodation Sydney and you will have the chance to experience a New Year without snow.  On the contrary, it is going to be a sunny celebration on the beach.  Do not forget also to bring your picnic blanket!