Source: Canva
Celebrating New Year's Eve abroad can be a fascinating experience, especially when you're in a new cultural environment. Whether you're on a study exchange, volunteering, or working abroad, welcoming the new year in a foreign country offers an opportunity to experience local traditions and create lasting memories.
Each country has its own unique way of celebrating this festive time. In Slovakia, for example, many people gather with family and friends for a meal, followed by fireworks at midnight, and it’s common to wish everyone "Šťastný Nový Rok!" with a toast of sparkling wine.
As you spend New Year's abroad, it’s a blend of excitement and discovering new traditions. Maybe you've embraced customs like eating 12 grapes at midnight in Spain or watching large firework displays in your host country.
At the same time, you might be sharing Slovak traditions, like explaining the significance of “kapustnica” or why you shouldn’t do laundry on New Year’s Day for good luck. Wherever you are, it's a moment to reflect on past experiences and look forward to new ones.
What new tradition from your host country’s New Year celebration would you like to carry forward into your own future New Year's celebrations? Let me and others know in the discussion below!