New Year's Eve in Australia is significantly different from celebrations both in Russia and in America or Europe. The main reason for this dissimilarity is the climate - the main night of the year, Australians meet not in winter, but in the midst of the hot summer season.
Features
New Year's Eve in Australia is most often celebrated outdoors by the water. High temperatures, lack of snow and brightly shining sun turn a cozy winter fairy tale into a beach party. January 1 itself is a public holiday, and therefore an official day of rest, but on January 2, all Australians already go to work. The main Christmas tree of the country is located in Sydney on the central square of Martin. The tree is usually set artificial and richly decorated with garlands. No less attractive trees are placed in the centers of Melbourne and Canberra.
I must add that in the same Sydney at midnight in the harbor Sydney Harbor organized one of the most impressive fireworks in the world. This event is so attractive to both tourists and local residents that many of them additionally purchase tickets to the highest observation deck of the Sydney Tower city tower. Rising 250 meters above ground level, enthusiastic people comfortably enjoy the light performance.
How to prepare for the holiday?
Considering that before the New Year, Australians also celebrate Christmas, preparation for both holidays takes place simultaneously and lasts more than a month. In the early days of winter, a competition of "New Year's lights" is held in all cities, therefore, the inhabitants of Australia begin to create the scenery even earlier. Public institutions, as a rule, are decorated with shining garlands and figures of holiday characters. Owners of private houses also mount quite expensive light and musical constructions on the site. Entrance doors are everywhere decorated with Christmas wreaths, and streets flash with garlands.
Live spruces are imported from Europe, and artificial ones are purchased in advance in hypermarkets. Some Australians use the evergreen metrosideros as a holiday tree, which does not even require special decoration, because during the New Year's celebration its flowers are just painted in an amazing dark red hue. Near the Australian "Christmas tree" are a variety of sweets and numerous gifts. Somewhere in the middle of December in Australia, excursions begin for all comers along the most decorated streets.
In shopping centers, children’s meetings with Santa Claus are organized, which you can ask for the best Christmas present.
How and what date is celebrated?
Despite the fact that the Australian New Year is celebrated on the same night, from December 31 to January 1, this happens in the summer. The fact is that the seasons in the Southern Hemisphere do not coincide with the European ones, therefore the onset of the festive season occurs in the month symbolizing the beginning of the hottest time of the year, when the average temperature is from 25 to 30 degrees, and there is practically no rain. Moreover, New Year in Australia begins at 16:00 Moscow time, which makes the Australians one of the first in the world to “turn over” the calendar page.
Festive table
Celebrating the New Year, Australians do not pay too much attention to the festive table. Of course, it is always organized abundant and very tasty, but the dishes themselves can be quite mundane.
- For residents of Australia, it’s quite normal to enjoy a well-cooked steak, grilled sausages or barbecue on New Year's Eve.
- Quite often, the housewives bake a variety of pies, and in some of them surprises are hidden: coins, pieces of paper with predictions or nuts. That guest, who comes across a treasured piece, will definitely be happy next year.
- Of the traditional dishes on the Australian table, you can only find a pie-float - a closed meat baking served in a bowl of pea soup.
- The inhabitants of the continent are not picky about the choice of drinks: on New Year's Eve they drink champagne, local wine or even beer.
In general, it must be said that for most Australians it is not customary to gather for a holiday for a family dinner. Rather, they will be found in the park and in the squares, where, by the way, kiosks with holiday treats work all night.
However, if a resident, for example, Sydney decided to arrange a home party for relatives and friends on a festive date, he will make sure that no one remains hungry, and the table shines with a snow-white tablecloth and new appliances to attract good luck.
Traditions and customs
New Year's Eve in Australia often takes the form of a noisy party. Loud music is everywhere, and fireworks are lit in the sky. The format of a masquerade or some kind of thematic event is also possible. Many Australians go outdoors or even organize a vacation on a cruise ship. At midnight, Australians raise champagne glasses, shake hands or kiss. The salute surely starts, symbolizing the transition from the old year to the new. Horners everywhere buzz, drums sound and bells ring. Australians believe that the new year will be able to come only if it is “ringing” as much as possible. New Year's events last until almost 4 in the morning.
Santa Claus, by the way, gets to Australia, but, giving the deer a break, sometimes he changes to a kangaroo or a surfboard. A good wizard leaves gifts either under a Christmas tree or under a metrosideros.In response, the kids prepare carrots for his deer, and his grandfather leaves beer cakes. Despite the fact that Santa Claus is a symbol of Christmas, people in red caps and beach shorts of the same color can be found on New Year's Eve. Instead of snowmen, children at this time enjoy sand sculpting.
On the morning of January 1, many Australians meet on the beach, because it is there that surfers arrange demonstrations. Then the townspeople go to rest, walk and continue to have fun in bars and clubs.
As already mentioned above, most of them return to their usual business the next day.
In the next video, you can take a look at the New Year's fireworks in Sydney.
