Oman Edition
Ano Viejo leads today's complete edition for Oman.
Daily Edition
Official observances, world days, local context, and everyday celebrations for people who need something worth reading, sharing, or talking about today.
Not an official holiday, but try finding someone at work. The country gathers at the coast to watch the Valparaiso fireworks, eats twelve grapes at midnight for twelve wishes, and toasts with champagne. The Valparaiso show is three kilometers of fireworks over the bay and it is spectacular. The grapes are mandatory.
The fireworks over Sydney Harbour are watched by a billion people worldwide and by a hundred thousand people standing in the Domain with warm champagne and sore feet. The countdown is shouted. The kiss at midnight is given. And someone has already set off illegal fireworks in the suburban backyard and the dog is under the bed.
Another midnight celebration with the whole family. The leftover pan dulce from Christmas reappears, the sidra is still flowing, and someone counts down from ten. Paper fireworks in the street, hugs all around, and the unshakeable feeling that next year, surely, things will be better. "El ano que viene si," the eternal Argentine hope.
The last day of the year is celebrated with fireworks over the Mutrah Corniche in Muscat, and the traditional meal of shuwa. The new year is greeted with the phrase "Sana saeeda!" (Happy New Year!), and the fireworks over the harbour : with the old Portuguese fort as a backdrop : are spectacular. The Mutrah Corniche fills with families and young people, and the restaurants along the waterfront do a brisk trade in karak tea and grilled fish.
A day for friendly disputes, season hopes, old victories, new lineups, and the bonding power of a harmless debate.
A useful nudge to move the chair, check the corner, wipe the forgotten shelf, and give the home a proper reset.
You observe green sea turtles, frigatebirds, and Antillean crested hummingbirds as the distinctive wildlife native to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. You find that dogs, cats, and colorful tropical fish are the most popular pets among residents of these Caribbean islands. ACADA celebrates the world's pets, and helps assure better care.
You know Becherovka herbal liqueur and Skoda automobiles as symbols of Czech craftsmanship and innovation. You understand that Becherovka has warmed Czech homes since 1807, while Skoda represents the nation's engineering legacy from the industrial era to modern electric vehicles.