âNew Yearâs Eve Around the World: 20 Fascinating Facts About December 31stâ
New Zealand is among the first countries to celebrate New Yearâs Eve due to its time zone. In Spain, people eat 12 grapes at midnight for good luck. It's like If you can finish all 12 grapes within the first minute, you'll have a lucky new year. Sydney, Australia, hosts one of the worldâs largest New Yearâs Eve fireworks displays. In Japan, Buddhist temples ring their bells 108 times on New Yearâs Eve. Brazilâs beaches turn into celebrations with millions dressed in white for peace. Scotlandâs Hogmanay festival involves fire ceremonies and a torch-lit procession. In Italy, wearing red underwear on December 31st is believed to bring love and luck. The famous New Yearâs Eve ball drop in New Yorkâs Times Square started in 1907. Denmark celebrates by smashing plates on friendsâ doorsteps for good fortune. In the Philippines, people wear polka dots for prosperity. South Koreans gather at the Bosingak Belfry in Seoul for a ceremonial bell-ringing. The ancient Romans celebrated Decem...