New Year in Canada

The second largest country in the world, Canada, which is placed in the North American continent, follows the Gregorian calendar; thus, like majority of the world, it celebrates January 1 as the first day of the New Year. New Year is an official public holiday in the country, which, in itself, is a testament to the importance of this occasion. One can witness numerous grand-scale celebrations across Canada to mark this occasion, especially in the urban centers like Toronto and Montreal, where huge musical events and spectacular firework shows are organized to celebrate New Year's Eve. These programs are not just attended by locals, but by numerous tourists from around the world as well. Go though this article to find more such interesting details about celebrations and traditions related to New Year, in Canada.

New Year Celebrations and Traditions
The Canadians sure know how to throw extravagant New Year parties, which are considered one of the best in the world. New Year's Eve sees several of such stunning social gatherings taking place around Canada, which often go on till the early morning hours of New Year Day. Besides these private parties, various chic clubs, bars, and discotheques are also organized on New Year's Eve, where people sway to the lively tunes of the latest chartbusters played by a live DJ or a band. In these parties, be it mouthwatering dishes or sparkling drinks, all flow freely throughout the night and make the atmosphere absolutely charged with excitement as well as festive revelry.

Although hip and happening parties are more prevalent in the urban centers of Canada, this certainly does not mean rural areas lack in enthusiasm to celebrate this occasion. The Canadian countryside celebrates New Year in a traditional manner and in this context, a special mention of the rural province of Quebec, is absolutely necessary. This is one of the coldest regions of Canada that faces quite harsh winters in December; lakes and ponds freeze during this time, but people make the most of this situation. Therefore, giving a glimpse of their indomitable soul to celebrate New Year's Eve, people go out to the near-by frozen river or pond and enjoy ice fishing in the company of their loved ones and community members. The entire 31st night is spent doing this. However, lighting fireworks is a common practice throughout Canada, be it rural or urban region.

Firework shows are grand affairs in Canada, especially in its bigger cities. The country's capital, Toronto witnesses one of the most magnificent technologically choreographed shows that paint the skyline of the city with bedazzling lights and colors as soon as the clock strikes twelve on New Year's Eve. The anticipation and keenness related to these types of shows is so high that people from not just Canada, but other parts of the world also come to catch a glimpse and be a part of these ostentatious New Year celebrations. Besides fireworks, these public celebrations also include musical events, which are made lively by various well-known DJs, musicians, singers, and different bands from Canada and abroad. Other than these musical events, many people during this time take time off to indulge in various winter adventure sports, like snowboarding and skiing. This is an ever-increasing trend in New Year's revelry in Canada.

Considering the fact that Canada is spread over a vast geographical expanse, it is but understood that its various regions would have different customs and traditions related to New Year celebrations. For instance, in many parts of Canada, the natives go for polar bear swim on New Year's Eve, irrespective of their age and the cold prevailing, and welcome the approaching year in a grand style. In various places, loud claps and noises are made at midnight, to ward off the evil spirits that might be lurking around. Another significant custom observed on New Year's Eve is to kiss near and dear ones, as it is believed that this promotes harmony and peace among the close relations. First footing is yet another important custom observed on this day; this is not a native Canadian tradition and was brought here by the European immigrants. In the bygone era, people used to collect coal from their hearth and visit their friends, right after the New Year's Eve. Many Canadians follow this tradition even today; however, coal has been replaced by various choicest of gifts that people present to their loved ones on this occasion.