Best Fireworks Shows to Watch for on New Year’s Eve

One of the most exciting things to watch for on New Year’s eve are the fireworks shows.

All around the world every country prepare grand festivities to ring the new year in. These fantastic and amazing shows have people flying in to experience them firsthand.

Here are some of the best fireworks shows during last year’s eve. Where are you spending your New Year’s eve?

Burj Khalifa, Dubai

Sydney, Australia

London, England

Taipei 101, Tapei

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

New York City, New York

Christmas Traditions Around the World

You’d be surprised at the different ways Christmas is celebrated around the world. From the usual Santa Claus to festival of lights to monsters and ice skating, we’re sharing a few ways this celebrated holiday is done around the world.

Krampus, Austria

Krampus represents a half goat/half demon horned figure who punishes children during the Christmas season when they’re misbehaved. Krampus Night is celebrated on December 5, considered the eve of St. Nicholas Day in Austria and other parts of Europe.

krampus-1086083_640

You could say the Krampus is the exact opposite of Santa Claus who gives gifts and spreads goodwill to behaved kids.

Giant Lantern Festival and Simbang Gabi, Philippines 

The parol or star lantern is a Christmas symbol found in almost all Filipino households. In the town of San Fernando, Pampanga you can witness a Giant Lantern Festival featuring many colorful and bright lantern designs. San Fernando has earned the title of “Christmas Capital of the Philippines” as people come to see the majestic show of lights.

Giant Lantern Festival 2016

Watch out for the Giant Lantern Festival 2016, coming your way starting December 17, 2016! Watch it live through www.cityofsanfernando.gov.ph or www.cltv36.tv anywhere in the world!Like our page, share this video and use #GiantLantern2016 for a chance to win guest passes. 10 winners of 4 passes each will be chosen randomly.Special thanks to Smartworks Creatives.

Giant Lantern 發佈於 2016年12月12日星期一

Another Filipino tradition is Simbang Gabi, a series of masses leading up to Christmas eve commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ and thanking him for the blessings bestowed upon them. Many attend the midnight mass and afterwards enjoy traditional delicacies such as bibingka, puto (rice cakes), puto bumbong, and suman.

patpat-nava
Photo by Patpat Nava

Three Kings Parade, Barcelona Spain 

The legend of the Three Kings of the Orient, Balthasar, Gaspar and Melchior  is that after the Kings came to Bethlehem on 5th January after following a heavenly star. While other countries have started to wind down their Christmas holidays during the first week of January, people in Spain are preparing to buy gifts, prepare feasts and enjoy the twinkling Christmas lights. Families come together to exchange presents, indulge in sweet treats and celebrate in the streets as they eagerly await January 5th and 6th when the Kings appear and give gifts to the children. Children and adults line the streets of Barcelona on January 5th to see the much anticipated parade.

Photo by Paul Asman and Jill Lenoble Flickr
Photo by Paul Asman and Jill Lenoble Flickr

Rockefeller Center, New York

New York is one of the best places to celebrate Christmas. Here you can witness the lighting of the 78-foot, 10-ton Norway Spruce tree with over 45,000 LED lights. This yearly event is free and everyone is welcome to watch.

Photo by Angelo Amboldi (Flickr)
Photo by Angelo Amboldi (Flickr)

Cameron Highlands in Malaysia

The beautiful landscape of Cameron Highlands in Malaysia is indeed breathtaking. Famous for its winding trails and tranquil surroundings, the extensive hill station was first developed by the British in the 1920’s.

Not only do they have these lush hills but they also have a strawberry farm, butterfly farm and rose garden to explore. Cameron Highlands is a popular tourist destination and is well preserved.

Photo credit: Fabian Greiler- Flickr
Photo credit: Fabian Greiler- Flickr

Tea Plantation

Tourists often book the guided “tea” tours to see the vast tea plantations. The tea industry is a thriving one in Malaysia particularly in Cameron Highlands.

tea-plantation-261517_640

Strawberry Farm

Photo credit: amrufm- Flickr
Photo credit: amrufm- Flickr

Butterfly Park

Photo credit: Will Ellis- Flickr
Photo credit: Will Ellis- Flickr

Rose Garden

Photo credit: I'm "[Yi.En.Shawn]- Flickr
Photo credit: I’m “[Yi.En.Shawn]- Flickr

Spanish Traditions and Festivals

Spain has many traditions to behold and witness. They are a culture full of Flamenco music and dance, Spanish guitars, bullfighting and bakalao. They are known for siestas and have a more relaxed approach when it comes to work and studies.

If you’re planning a trip to Spain make sure you go during one of these festivals to enjoy the local culture and festivities.

Las Fallas, Valencia

March- In the Mediterranean city of Valencia there is  a week long fiesta paying tribute to Saint Joseph, Valencia’s patron saint. The days are filled with papier-mâché effigies, fireworks, city plaza happenings and plenty of noise.

Photo credit: AnimaNaturalis- Flickr
Photo credit: AnimaNaturalis- Flickr

Semana Santa, Seville

Easter- Semanata Santa is a major celebration during Holy Week where parades and floats of Roman Catholic figures are lined up and toured throughout the city. It’s a somber event but one of great importance to the Spanish culture.

Photo credit: Sandra Vallaure- Flickr
Photo credit: Sandra Vallaure- Flickr

La Fiesta de San Fermin, Pamplona

July- One of the most famous worldwide events, the La Fiesta de San Fermin or more known for its Running of the Bulls gathers thousands to Pamplona to witness and be part of the huge spectale. There have been incidents of harm and even death as locals and tourists try to sprint alongside the bulls.

Photo credit: Tammy Friesen-Flickr
Photo credit: Tammy Friesen-Flickr

La Tomatina, Buñol

August- A one of a kind celebration that stars a tomato! The La Tomatina or “tomato war” is held in the town of Buñol outside Valencia. It’s a week long festival to honor Buñol’s patron saint. There are street parties, parades and a final tomato war food fight that lasts hours.

Photo credit: Graham McLellan-Flickr
Photo credit: Graham McLellan-Flickr

Fiesta de San Isidro, Madrid

May- The Fiesta de San Isidro is in honour of Madrid’s patron. Plenty of concerts and performances can be expected during this fiesta.

Photo credit: Cristina Cifuentes- Flickr
Photo credit: Cristina Cifuentes- Flickr

Seville Tapas Fair, Seville

February- Spain is known for its delicious tapas so it’s no surprise they would have festival showcasing this delicacy. Being the Tapas capital of the world, Seville hosts a celebration centered on the favorite local dish.

Photo credit: Edmund Gall- Flickr
Photo credit: Edmund Gall- Flickr

San Sebastian Jazz Festival, Basque

July- The Jazz scene is quite big in the city of Basque even celebrating it with a jazz festival. The best performances can be seen and new talents are always discovered.

Photo credit: Urko Dorronsoro- Flickr
Photo credit: Urko Dorronsoro- Flickr

Festes de la Merce, Barcelona

September- It’s considered the biggest fiesta in Barcelona complete with parades, giants and fireworks. Include a trip to the museum to see Picasso’s works or a stroll on one of their lovely beaches.

Photo credit: Somewhere in the world today- Flickr
Photo credit: Somewhere in the world today- Flickr