Philippines Edition
Ano Viejo leads today's complete edition for Philippines.
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, the media noche feast, and the tradition of jumping at midnight (to grow taller), wearing polka dots (for money), and making as much noise as possible (to drive away evil spirits). Families toss coins at the door, fill containers with rice and water (for abundance), and open all windows and doors (to let good fortune enter). The streets are a cacophony of firecrackers, horns, and pots and pans. The Filipino new year is loud, festive, and full of hope for the year ahead.
