New Year's Eve in Berlin: Tradition and Diversity on New Year's Night!

On December 31, 2024, the Evangelical Church Berlin-Brandenburg-Silesian Oberlausitz (EKBO) and the Catholic Archdiocese of Berlin celebrate an interreligious celebration, which reflects the multicultural reality of Berlin. At this celebration, traditional dishes and sounds are presented and the participants pray together for blessing and peace for the coming year. The recording of the event "Dinner for All" took place in the St. Elisabeth Church in Berlin-Mitte, which is broadcast on New Year's Eve from 12 noon to 12.45 p.m. Interestingly, the New Year's celebrations in Berlin differ according to traditions: the Jewish year began in October, while the Islamic New Year is oriented towards the lunar calendar and was celebrated in summer. The Chinese New Year starts on January 29 and lasts 16 days. December 31, where the celebrations take place, is known as New Year's Eve; He commemorates the death of Pope New Year's Eve I., who died in 335. He was the first sacred pope to suffer martyrdom and whose more than 20 years of pontificate is historically not secured, which makes his day of death all the more remarkable.

traditional New Year's customs worldwide

At the midnight lesson, the new year 2024 is initiated worldwide, with culinary customs vary depending on the region. In the roof region, people often celebrate New Year's Eve with raclette, which is made from real Valais cheese, and various fondue variants, such as the classic cheese fondue and fondue chinoise. A goulash soup is often served as a midnight snack.

In southern Europe, champagne and foie grass cuts are on the table in France, while in Italy lenses are traditionally important in courts such as "Cotechino con lenticchie". In Spain, a white grape is eaten for every bell.

In North and Eastern Europe you can enjoy oysters and fish in Scandinavia for New Year's Eve. In Sweden, the sweet rice pudding "Riskrynsgröt" is a popular tradition. Estonians celebrate with up to twelve gears and serve marzipan as dessert. In Finland, the evening often begins with a sauna session, followed by potato salad and sausages, while in Denmark "Kranenkage" (wreath cake) is offered.

In the USA and Mexico, the culinary customs are influenced by the countries of origin of immigrants. Green vegetables symbolize wealth and success, and the "Hoppin 'John" court with rice and peas prededizes happiness. Mexicans enjoy “Buñuelos” with sweet fruit sauces for New Year's Eve and grapes and lentil dishes are also popular.

in China there are dumplings at New Year's dinner and other “lucky dishes” such as fish. The New Year's period lasts 16 days and begins between January 21 and February 21st. On December 31, "Toshikoshi Soba Soup" is served in Japan, which symbolizes peace and strength.