Hogmanay

New Year's in Edinburgh is quite an event. It is called Hogmanay here and is one of the biggest New Year's celebrations around. Events began on Tuesday and go all through today (Saturday). There are concerts and parades, exhibits and a carnival. There are also some really interesting events like the Loony Dook during which loads of costumed people go for a swim in the Firth of Forth and the Torchlight Procession where hundreds of people walk about town with fire torches before ascending a large hill and setting a massive bonfire. The week culminates on New Year's Eve with a huge street party and fireworks at midnight.

Joe and I spent New Year's Eve with friends who hosted a lovely evening of drinks and food for several international couples. We departed shortly before midnight to catch the fireworks, which are reportedly the best in Europe. We made it to the top of Calton Hill, which I had read had the best vantage point for 5 of the 7 fireworks displays launched from 7 different hills about Edinburgh at midnight. We were only able to see fireworks from the Castle and Calton Hill but they were amazing and covered the whole of the city center. I love fireworks and had such high expectations that I must admit I was disappointed that these magnificent fireworks lasted only 3 minutes.

here we are with some friends, in front of the crowds just outside the street party.

On Friday, Joe and I ventured back to the City Center for an evening street theater installation: Carabosse. The group is French and I've not been able to find information on the web about them (their website is in French and I'm afraid my French skills can only get me so far), but Joe and I were enthralled by their fire installation.


The Royal Mile was lined with these fire pieces. Some were just burning on their own while others had a Caraboose performer operating them.

Center of the exhibit

Up close to the "chandelier"

In the courtyard in front of City Hall, the exhibit continued. There was a one-man band, of sorts, playing music amidst the other pieces on display.

There were numerous fire cylindars with cut out symbols and words in various languages.

Joe beside a piece
My favorite were these large fire spheres

We did not get a picture but there were several other pieces scattered throughout that utilized an operator--a member of the Carabosse company who used a system of a wheel and flue to control the flame. It's sort of hard to describe the whole thing, but we were really taken in by it. I did find a number of youtube films of the installation (from other parts of the world). This one is the best quality and should give you an idea of the sights and sounds.

Anyway, after our Hogmanay experiences, Joe and I came home and made a traditional New Year's meal (traditional for my family as well as for many German, Dutch, and Swedish people): Sauerkraut, sausage, mashed potatoes, and homemade applesauce! It was delicious and a perfect way to start the New Year!