3. United States
New
Year's Eve, which is on December
31, is the last day of the year in the United
States. It is a major social observance and
many parties are held, particularly in the
evening.
4. Many Americans attend special New Year's
Eve celebrations where food and drinks, such
as wine, are served.
5. What do people do?
New
Year's Eve is a major social holiday
for many people in the United States.
Many people hold parties at home or
attend special celebrations, where
alcohol, such as wine and
champagne, may be consumed to
celebrate the upcoming New Year. In
many cities, large scale public events are
held. These often attract thousands of
people.
6. Ball Drop in Time Square
A
particularly striking aspect of the New
Year's Eve festivities is the ball drop in
Times Square in Manhattan, New York
City. The ball is made of crystal and
electric lights and is placed on top of a
pole, which is 77 feet, or 23 meters, high.
At one minute before midnight on
December 31, the ball is lowered slowly
down the pole.
8. El Salvador
The celebration of New Year’s Eve, or Noche
Vieja (old night), is big in El Salvador.
Families welcome the New Year with
food, cumbia, merengue or salsa music, fire
crackers and fireworks, as well as unique
midnight ceremonies.
Before midnight, hundreds of families buy
what is locally called “Estreno,” or brand-new
clothing.
9.
10. What do people do
We have a tradition of buying brand-new
outfits to be worn at night to welcome the
New Year, to attract new and positive things
all year long.
Streets are full of people at night; neighbors
visit neighbors, share food and dance a little.
Children and teenagers usually spend most of
the night popping firecrackers or fireworks
12. At
midnight, everybody is outside. Family
members hug one another; there are
tears and laughs; the phone rings with
calls from relatives in other countries to
wish the family a Happy New Year; and
neighbors embrace, offering peace and
best wishes.