Life isn't that serious. Let's live happier in 2025!
New Year
around the word!
Compiled by Siavash
ལོ་གསརཔ་ལུ་ བཀྲ་ཤིས་བདེ་ལེགས
Bhutan
by Pema Loday
Losar, Bhutan's New Year, is one of the most anticipated and vibrant festivals celebrated throughout the country. Rooted in Bhutan's unique blend of Buddhist traditions and cultural heritage, Losar marks the beginning of the lunar calendar year. The festival is a time of renewal, gratitude, and joy. It brings families and communities together to celebrate life, spirituality, and nature. The word Losar translates to "New Year" (Lo meaning "year" and Sar meaning "new"). Losar has profound spiritual importance since it is directly related to Bhutanese Buddhist beliefs and the agricultural cycle, unlike Western New Year's festivities. Chunipa Losar, also known as the Traditional Offering Day, falls on the first day of the 12th month of the Bhutanese lunar calendar, usually January or February in the Gregorian calendar. The exact date has varied over the years depending on the lunar cycle, with 2023 being celebrated on January 22, 2024, on January 12, and will be on January 30, 2025. Chunipa Losar or the Traditional Day of Offering is an occasion to honor cultural history, show gratitude, and engage in acts of generosity. It is celebrated as a national holiday in Bhutan, with a focus on spiritual devotion, societal harmony, and observance of customs. In remembrance of benefits and prosperity, communities would offer food and gifts to their local protectors, monks, and their deities on this day, which has its roots in ancient traditions. The origins of Chunipa Losar can be found in Bhutan's strong ties to Buddhism and the country's agricultural traditions. In the past, the celebration served as a time for farmers to express gratitude for the harvest and ask for favors for the upcoming growing season. As Bhutanese society honors spiritual and communal values, it has developed into a wider celebration of appreciation. It is a festival that is as much a social gathering as it is a spiritual one. If the weather permits, families will go outdoors for picnics. They gather to share meals, exchange gifts, and participate in traditional games. Bhutanese households prepare a variety of festive foods. These include khabzey (crispy fried pastries), red rice, ema datshi (chili and cheese stew), and desi (a sweet saffron rice dish). As a sign of hospitality, guests are served suja, or butter tea. Traditional Bhutanese attire, gho for men and kira for women, is worn during Losar, symbolizing pride in cultural identity. Singing, dancing, and playing archery—a national sport in Bhutan—are integral to the celebrations. As it stands up, Chunipa Losar is a powerful representation of Bhutan's spiritual and cultural legacy. It celebrates the country's Buddhist heritage and fortifies community ties by fusing thankfulness, giving, and joyful celebration. In addition to preserving Bhutanese identity, this event upholds principles like peace, interdependence, and respect for the natural world. As a crucial component of Bhutan's diverse cultural fabric, Chunipa Losar is a symbol of the country's dedication to promoting happiness and well-being on a personal and societal level.
feliz ano novo
Brazil
by Fabiana Dutra
Brazilian Réveillon In Brazil, we call the New Year's celebration Réveillon. It is a vibrant party marked by traditions and superstitions. Traditionally, people dress in white in the New Year to ensure a peaceful year. Some people wear other colors, believing each has a different meaning and that they have attracted something like money, love, or success. While Christmas is more of a family celebration, New Year is usually a celebration among friends, where people travel to celebrate. Since it is summer in the southern hemisphere at this time of year, Brazilians typically celebrate the New Year on one of the thousands of beaches spread throughout the country. On the beaches, offering flowers and candles to the sea is common in honor of Iemanjá, the goddess of the waters in Afro-Brazilian culture. Another tradition is to jump seven waves, one for each wish or desire for the coming year. The countdown to midnight is followed by fireworks, which symbolize the celebration and ward off bad energy. Music and dance, especially Brazilian rhythms such as samba, sertanejo, and axé, liven up the celebrations until dawn. As for New Year's Eve dinner, typical dishes include lentils, believed to bring prosperity, pork linked to abundance, fish associated with progress, and another widespread superstition is eating 12 grapes to bring good luck, among countless other traditions practiced on this date. But be aware that many other dishes guarantee the abundance of Brazilian tables on this special day, and this can vary a lot depending on which part of Brazil you are in since we are talking about a vast country. Brazil is a country where every date is celebrated with great joy, with food and drinks, and of course, there is lots of singing and dancing. Celebrating whatever it may be is the trademark of the Brazilian people.
feliz año nuevo
Colombia
by Juan David Luna Cruz
Musica de Navidad Colombiana : For Colombians, the music we play during the Christmas season is very important because it takes us back to the good old days and reminds us that this date is a time for togetherness and being with the family. From the great Rodolfo Aicardi, great exponent of tropical music and Colombian vallenato to the great Mexican classics sung by Luis Miguel. When you hear these specific songs in Colombia, it announces the arrival of Christmas, the festivities and the celebration of a new year. Pesebre Since I can remember my mother made me make the nativity scene, which is nothing more than the visual representation of the birth of Jesus Christ, but for any Colombian family it is a moment where the whole family gathers and with creativity as if it were a homework for school, we do not forget to make lakes with cardboard, bridges decorated with glitter and the main protagonists Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus, the shepherds, the Magi, the angels, and the animals present in the portal of Bethlehem. Dia de las velitas In Colombia on December 7 we celebrate the day of the candles, a festival that represents the beginning of the Christmas season in the country and originates from the honor we have to the Virgin Mary. The whole family buys wax candles that will be placed in a cardboard box and will be kept on the wall every night until they run out. Natilla and Buñuelo As in several countries there are specific foods for the Christmas season, in Colombia we make Natilla made with milk, sugar, cornstarch and cinnamon. It has a creamy texture and is served cold. And Bueñuelo is a fried dumpling made of cheese, flour and egg dough. It is crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. Año Viejo To say goodbye to the year, Colombians have a tradition that consists of making a doll that looks a lot like a person made of old clothes that will be burned on December 31 in honor of the year that is leaving and the new year that is coming.
feliz año nuevo
Ecuador
by Melany Cristhina Reyes Cañarte
The whole world is preparing for the end of the year, but in Ecuador there is a special way to celebrate New Year's Eve. Obviously, Ecuadorians like to dance and have dinner with their families.This tradition is typical throughout the country, but the most intense activity is found in Quito, Guayaquil and Manta, my city. In the streets there are many activities for all ages, live music, contests, dolls, etc. The main tradition of the country is to burn paper dolls at midnight on December 31st. All families and friends get together and burn dolls. They also use clothes that they no longer use to make dolls and stuff them with old newspapers. Normally we use dolls with faces of well-known people. For example, they burn dolls with the faces of politicians, such as mayors of cities or others. They also use dolls of famous television heroes, such as Spiderman, Princess Sofia or Homer Simpson. The idea is to represent in some way, the characters who did something good or something bad throughout the year. When the last seconds of the year arrive, they count down from ten and burn the dolls in the middle of the streets. This tradition has a very important meaning, burning all these things is a way of saying goodbye to the bad things of the past year. It is a great opportunity to leave behind prejudices, problems and sadness. Every new year is an opportunity to start over. Another common practice in the new year that comes hand in hand with the “old year”, and that men do, is to dress as widows and go out into the streets to ask for money from the drivers of vehicles that circulate through the streets and avenues, an activity that they do in the middle of dances. The activity consists of widows asking for money since their husband (the old year) has died and they are left in a situation of financial helplessness. Our last family tradition is to eat 12 grapes at midnight, which represent the 12 months of the year, and to make a different wish with each one. Wearing yellow underwear on December 31 is a very popular custom that seeks to attract good energy for the coming year.
ਨਵਾ ਸਾਲ ਮੁਬਾਰਕ
India
by Mehakpreet Kaur
India’s New Year celebrations are as diverse as its culture, reflecting a richness of traditions, festivals, and modern influences. With over 1.4 billion people and numerous languages, religions, and customs, the way Indians welcome the New Year varies widely across regions. For many, January 1st is celebrated with contemporary flair parties, music, fireworks, and resolutions dominated urban life, blending global traditions with local flavours. However, traditional New Year festivals based on regional calendars, such as Baisakhi in Punjab, Ugadi in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, and Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra, holds deep cultural significance. These celebrations often include rituals, family gatherings, elaborate feasts, and cultural performances that honour heritage and spiritual values. Together, these modern and traditional practices showcase Indian’s ability to celebrate unity in diversity, marking the New Year as both a festive and meaningful occasion. New Year celebrations in Punjab Punjabis celebrate their New Year on Baisakhi, which falls on April 13th or 14th, represents the harvest season and the beginning of solar year. This festival carries deep cultural and religious importance, particularly for Sikhs, as it marks the establishment of Khalsa Panth. People flock to Gurdwaras, take part in processions known as Nagar Kirtans, and enjoy community meals called Langer. Farmers give thanks for the harvest, while villagers organize fairs featuring traditional bhangra and gidda dances. Families come together to share festive meals and celebrate their unity, making Baisakhi a lively and joyful occasion. New Year celebrations in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh Ugadi, celebrated in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, marks the New Year according to the Hindu lunisoler calendar and usally falls in March or April. It represents new beginnings and the arrival of spring. On this day, people clean and adorn their homes with rangoli and mango leaves. They wear new cloths, visit temples to seek blessings, and prepare a special dish called Ugadi Pachadi, which symnolizes the six tastes of life- sweet, sour, salty, bitter, spicy, and tangy. The celebrations include cultural programs, family gatherings, and prayers for prosperity and happiness in the year to come. New Year celebrations in Maharashtra Gudi Padwa is the Marathi New Year, celebrated mainly in Maharashtra on Chaitra Shuddha Pratipada, which typically occurs in March or April. This festival signifies the start of the Hindu lunisolar calendar year and represents renewal and prosperity. On Gudi Padwa, families clean and decorate their homes, often displaying a gudi (a colourful flag or cloth attached to a bamboo stick) that symbolizes victory and good fortune. The gudi is embellished with a garland, a metal pot, and mango leaves. Special sweets like puran poli and shrikhand are prepared, and people wear new clothes, visit temples for blessings, and exchange warm greetings with family and friends. The celebration also features lively processions, music, and traditional dances, creating a vibrant atmosphere that honors cultural heritage and the hope for a prosperous year ahead.
سال نو مبارک
Iran
by Siavash
Nowruz, meaning "New Day," is the Persian New Year and It marks the first day of spring. Nowruz has been celebrated for over 3,000 years and is recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. The celebration of Nowruz involves weeks of preparation, which includes the following: Spring Cleaning where Families clean their homes to welcome the new year with a fresh start. Haft-Sin Table: A symbolic table called Haft-Sin is set up with seven items starting with the Persian letter "S" (Sin). Each item represents renewal, health, prosperity, or other blessings: Other items like goldfish (symbolizing life), painted eggs (fertility), candles (enlightenment), and a mirror (self-reflection) often complement the table. Celebration and Rituals Chaharshanbe Suri (Fire Jumping Festival): On the eve of the last Wednesday before Nowruz, people light bonfires and jump over them. Visiting Relatives During Nowruz, families visit elders, exchange gifts, and share meals. These gatherings emphasize the value of family and community. Gift-Giving: Elders give money or gifts, called Eidi, to children and younger family members. Sizdah Bedar (Nature Day) On the 13th day of Nowruz, families spend the day outdoors in nature, symbolizing the rejection of bad luck.
नयाँ वर्षको शुभकामना
Nepal
by Ishwor Gaire
Nepali New Year, which is also called Nepalese New Year or Bikram Sambat New Year, is celebrated during mid-April with several customs and festivals across Nepal. The precise date differs each year because it is according to the Bikram Sambat calendar, which is roughly 56.7 years ahead of the Gregorian calendar. Individuals start their day with temple and shrine visitations, where they pray for good fortune and ask for blessings. This often takes place in significant locations such as Pashupatinath or Manakamana. Families clean and adorn their homes, cook traditional food like sel roti, and then sit together to enjoy mealtime. The day buzzes with the performance of culture & musical programs, traditional Music & dance among particularly the Newars community who develop unique rituals & and organize processions. Many families prefer going out for a picnic or a stroll at scenic and calming spots, whereas downtowns and shopping centers are the places where the fairs are taking place, making them full of food stalls, games, and entertainment. People exchange the greeting e.g. "Naya Barsha ko Subhakamana and community events such as chariot parade or sports competition. This multi-faceted and delightful event that is so filled with spiritual empowerment and cultural uniqueness often for villagers means a new beginning that brings them common happiness. It is a moment to borrow from the past, embrace the present, and dream of a brighter future, so the New Year becomes very meaningful and enjoyable to people, which engages them in community and celebration.
සුභ නව වසරක්
Sri Lanka
by Merennage Mishael Suresha Peiris
This is the most important festival in Sri Lanka. All the Sinhala and Tamil communities will celebrate this festival, known as “Aluth Aurudda” in Sinhala and “Puthandu” in Tamil. This vibrant festival is a blend of customs, rituals, and celebrations that reflect Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage. The Sinhala and Tamil New Year occurs during mid-April when the Sun changes from the Pisces zodiac sign to Aries. This marks the beginning of a new astrological year for both the Sinhala and Tamil calendars. It is a big deal in agriculture, showing the end of one crop season and the start of another one. In addition, it is also a moment for the people to thank the Sun and the harvest as it is the Sun that is the main cause of the success of farming activities. Although both communities celebrate the festival, their traditions and rituals may slightly differ from each other, nevertheless, gratitude, renewal, and unity remain the common themes among them. During the New Year, an interesting aspect of the celebrations is that the entire country follows a specific time frame for certain activities. A designated time, known as the "auspicious time," is the time when all over the country, all of them no matter where they are, will be in the same activities. Besides these, lighting lamps, cooking traditional foods, and engaging in rituals like offering prayers will be some of the rituals that will be done. The most interesting time when the whole nation is in unity (they are all the same) in doing the activities of these rituals is one of them. This synchrony creates a strong sense of community and collective identity. Before the New Year begins, there is a period of transition known as "Nonagathe" or the "Interim Period," which lasts a few hours. During this time, families refrain from work and spend time in quiet reflection. Once the auspicious time for the New Year arrives, families gather to participate in various customs and rituals. “Kiri ithirima” is the most important part of this festival which is a Sri Lankan tradition of boiling milk until it spills out of the pot as part of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebrations. It symbolizes wealth in South Asian countries. Where people light oil lamps, exchange blessings, and prepare special foods. The most notable dish served during the festival is "Kiri Bath" (milk rice), which is often served with sugar or honey, symbolizing prosperity and sweetness in the coming year. Other delicious traditional foods, such as "Kokis" (a crunchy sweet), "Kevum" (oil cakes), and "Mung Kavum," are also prepared during the festivities. The Sinhala and Tamil New Year is a family celebration as well as a community event. People come together to play and have fun in different games. Usual sports such as "Kotta Pora" (pillow fighting), "Kana Mutti" (pot breaking), and "Kavi Rasak" (poetry recitation) are often enjoyed. These games unite the participants and, thus, make each of them happy. In rural areas, the celebration often involves the community gathering at temples or community centers, where prayers and offerings are made to seek blessings for prosperity. People also visit relatives and friends to share the joy of the New Year and enjoy meals together. One of the most beautiful things about the Sinhala and Tamil New Year is that it brings about unity in diversity. But even though the Sinhala and Tamil communities possess different ways of life, customs, and languages, the festival is a manifestation of the family, community, and cultural pride that they all share. In Sri Lanka, this day is celebrated by people of all castes, faiths, and creeds, thereby transcending religious and cultural barriers. The New Year is an occasion to remind people of the importance of preserving the traditional customs and living them on to future generations. Even though modernity and globalization have destroyed many cultures, Sinhala and Tamil New Year are still a strong link to the past of Sri Lanka, which in turn helps the people feel closer to their roots.
This is not the end of our list!
If you don’t see your country here, contact us, and we’ll be delighted to publish your country’s New Year tradition under your own name and with your own photos.
New Year in Canada
by Jennifer Spiegel
Since most people are familiar with Christmas traditions, we will look at how the new year is celebrated here. Even though each culture has their own way of bringing in the new year, many Canadian customs are similar to those in the USA. New Years marks the end of the Christmas season which is celebrated with lights, decorated pine trees, parties and gift exchanges throughout the month of December. Since most people have time off from school or work between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day (December 25 – January 1), they often use this week to travel to their hometown to reunite with their families, neighbours and childhood friends, while others may travel together to a warm and sunny destination. Since travelling at this time is considered as peak season, it is also the most expensive! So, many of us stay in town and enjoy the time off to indulge in our favorite activities: skating, skiing, snowboarding, visiting, dining at restaurants and shopping. The shops will have Boxing Day sales with items not sold before Christmas at reduced prices. Many people who receive a cash bonus from their employer or gift cards as presents would take advantage of this. The week ends with New Years Eve. Unlike Christmas Day which is celebrated at home and church with family, on NYE Canadians like to party with their friends. The most expensive option is to buy tickets to a formal dinner at a restaurant or hotel which includes a fancy meal, dancing, entertainment and champaign at midnight. Some others may host or attend house parties where they can order in food or have a “potluck” with each person providing a dish they prepared or purchased themselves. They often watch Christmas-themed movies or special TV programs such as one that’s broadcast live from New York’s Times Square featuring popular musicians and performers. Since Vancouver’s weather is usually milder than most of Canada, some like to go out and celebrate on Granville Street or Canada Place in downtown or at a boat party on the water. Some cities have fireworks, however this has been discontinued in Vancouver since the Pandemic. Wherever we are, there’s always one thing we all do together – the count down. Ten seconds before midnight, everybody counts together: “ten, nine, eight, seven…. happy new year!!” We clink our glasses together (usually with champagne) and embrace each other. The following day, January 1st is always much quieter because people are recovering from the night before! Some go for brunch or lunch at the home of a relative and say goodbye to those who are leaving. I enjoy watching a TV program highlighting news stories and listening to the top songs from the previous year. It is also a common habit to make “New Years resolutions”, goals to start the year off after a month of indulging; for example, to go on a diet, do more exercise, quit smoking, save money, etc. However, this has become a bit of a joke because we know that most of us are likely to break them soon afterwards. Some people also partake or watch the Polar Bear Plunge where swimmers run into the freezing water for at least one minute wearing only their swimsuits. It is usually intended to raise money for charity. In Vancouver, this annual tradition takes place around noon at Kitsilano Beach and English Bay. If you would like to learn more about New Years in Canada, read this - https://www.comflex.ca/In-Canada-why-do-we-celebrate-New-Years https://vancouversbestplaces.com/events-calendar/vancouver-new-years-eve/.
Santa spots
in your neighborhood
Christmas in Coquitlam
Video footage by Siavash
The CP Holiday Train
Lights at Lafarge
Port Coquitlam’s Christmas Lights