Edinburgh Hogmanay
Join the 4 day long New Year celebrations in Edinburgh
Edinburgh's Hogmanay -- or Edinburgh Hogmany as some misspell it -- is the most extravagant and bold New Year's Eve celebrations in Europe. The climax is the Hogmanay Street Party in Princes Street but events last four days altogether and include street theatre, music, dancing and fireworks.
Hogmanay history and traditions
The origin of the word Hogmanay is quite controversial. Some say that it comes from either from Old Gaelic, Anglo-Saxon, Old French or Flemish so no one really knows.
The funniest explanation of the word's origins comes from John McTaggart's 1824 writings "I think Hog-ma-nay means hug-me-now" which reflects uncannily accurate how Hogmanay is celebrated in modern times: at the stroke of midnight, all revelers at Edinburgh's Hogmanay Street Party start hugging and kissing each other.
"Hug-me-now" also helps you remember how to spell the word describing Edinburgh's New Year's revels: Edinburgh Hogmanay, not Edinburgh Hogmany, nay meaning now in Scots language.
There are many traditions connected to Hogmanay but the most revered one, going back to Viking times, is the First Footing, meaning the first to arrive. The first to set foot in a house after midnight should be a tall, dark stranger, and not fair like the Vikings were, who could bring good luck by bringing a lump of coal, whisky and traditional fruit cake known as black bun.
All Edinburgh Hogmanay articles:
Hogmanay Street Party Visitor's guide to Edinburgh's New Year party in Princes Street.
Torchlight Procession Info and pictures on the fiery procession that finishes with the burning of a Viking longboat on top of Calton Hill.
Night Afore International Information about the live theatre, music and dancing taking place in Edinburgh's George Street the night before New Year.
Other Hogmanay events Information on other events taking place before New Year's Eve and after.
Tips for spending Hogmanay in Edinburgh Tips on public transport and more for New Year's Eve.
Photos of Hogmanay in Edinburgh Picture gallery with photos from Hogmanay celebrations.
Event Details - Edinburgh's Hogmanay Tourist information regarding tickets, dates and times.
Edinburgh Hogmanay Web links Links to other web pages related to Hogmanay.
Also see:
Edinburgh Military Tattoo Information on Edinburgh's most popular summer event, part of the Capital's International festival taking place each August.
Christmas in Edinburgh Information on Edinburgh's Christmas celebrations, part of the Capital's winter festival.
Accommodation in Edinburgh Tourist information on quality accommodation schemes, hotels and how to choose accommodation in Edinburgh.
Hotels in Edinburgh Visitor information on choosing hotel accommodation in Edinburgh.
