NEW YEAR IN NEUSS

It should come as no surprise, that the new year in Germany begins on January 1, since their country is firmly nestled in the Gregorian calendar and has been for centuries.

Regardless of what day of the week it falls on, that day is a bank holiday with virtually everything closed. Sundays are particularly disappointing for most due to the loss of that extra day off work.

Fireworks

It follows the extended previous Christmastime period, with office parties, gatherings with friends and family, heavy eating and, for most, a return to serious work.

Yet in spite of all that Germany hits the streets in a big way on New Year’s Eve. Many restaurants offer special menus. At the stroke of midnight people head to their balconies and gardens to light their fireworks. Others dash to gather in public spaces in their hundreds and thousands to create a mass display. Many of those among the crowds often stay out well into the early hours.

New Year’s Day

New Year’s Day tends to be a more quiet affair with many bars, bistros and restaurants discovering various ideas to cure a hangover. Streets are quiet and evenings are tranquil as people prepare for the rude awakening the next day.

For Germans, making and breaking New Year’s revolutions is high on the list of things to do. The most popular concerns are losing weight and abstaining from drinking alcohol!

By Vincent Green, Jan 3 2022