New year's traditions in Switzerland, Croatia, and Malta

When in Rome, do as the Romans do! 

This saying is especially true for New Year´s celebrations, which are often very different even within the same country! But the common thread that unites different countries is the so-called New Year's bangs, where a lot of “noise-making" happens to ward off the evil. According to tradition, evil spirits are said to have been released into the human world between 25 December and 6 January, generating fear and terror. So, to scare the evil spirits, New Year´s Eve is celebrated with “a lot of noise” and “firecrackers”! 

If you are thinking of celebrating New Year abroad, continue reading our blog to discover the local traditions of 3 incredible countries and start planning an unforgettable  celebration!   

Celebrate the New Year twice in Switzerland

Switzerland is one of the European countries with the most diverse and suggestive traditions. However, all Swiss people celebrate New Year’s Eve twice, between December 31 to January 1 and January 13 and 14! In fact, the Julian calendar is also followed in Switzerland.    

The magic of Lugano’s New Year’s celebrations 

On the night of the 31st, it is customary to drop ice cream on the floor several times as a wish for a lucky year. On January 13th, the Swiss usually dine with their loved ones and exchange gifts. New Year’s Eve is celebrated with fireworks, live music and DJs. The most popular and atmospheric destinations are Interlaken, Geneva, Saint Moritz, Zurich, Zermatt, Lucerne and Lugano. In Lugano, people meet at Piazza della Riforma to bid farewell to the past year and welcome the new one.   

You can also book your holiday home in Lugano if you want to experience a unique Swiss-Italian vibe, or if you love snow and mountains check out our holiday homes in La Tzoumaz.   

Other noteworthy traditions include the Römpelfeuer bonfire in St Gallen to chase away the evil spirit of the Rappenstein Knight; the Achetringeler in Laupen, masked men with brooms and bells whose task is to chase away evil; and the Silvesterklausen in Appenzell Ausserrhoden, a group of men who go from house to house ringing bells and wishing the New Year well.   

If you feel like extending your stay? Read our guide for Digital nomads in Switzerland.   

New Year in Croatia amidst curious customs and celebrations 

In Croatia, New Year's Eve or Silvestrovo is celebrated with fireworks and toasts. To welcome the New Year, Croatians clean their homes, wear elegant clothes, and prepare delicacies to share with family and friends. It is believed that the upcoming year will go according to how one spent New Year´s Eve.   

For example, if one spends the night celebrating with loved ones and eating good food, it means that one will be in the company of loved ones and eat good food in the upcoming year as well.   

Fireworks lighting the sky over Zagreb’s cathedral  

However, it is also very common to celebrate in clubs or restaurants, so remember to make a reservation if you want to find a place. But, if you plan to spend the night on the streets, almost every city organises something to entertain the crowds that fill the streets. The best events are organised in the main squares of the larger cities where concerts with famous singers are often held.   

In Split, the more daring can play 'picigin' in the ice-cold waters of Bačvice beach. Picigin is played with a rubber ball that must be exchanged between players by hand. There are no points or teams, but all players help to keep the ball in play for as long as possible.   

Other curious Croatian traditions include washing one's face in water in which an apple with a coin inside it has been dipped. It is supposed to bring good luck for the new year; also, you should make sure that the first person to wish you well is a man as it is supposed to be a good omen! 

Are you ready to celebrate the New Year’s Eve in Croatia? Book any of our versatile holiday homes!   

If Croatia has captivated you and you are planning to spend some time there, also read our blog for Digital Nomads in Croatia!   

New Year's traditions in Malta amid fireworks and clubbing   

Fireworks are one of Malta's oldest traditions, the most spectacular of one can be seen in Valletta on New Year's Eve, accompanied by small street concerts. However, every town organises street parties and events, with the city of Floriana being another popular point for the Maltese to meet and celebrate. 

Atmospheric New Year’s celebrations on Valletta waterfront 

For the countdown, people usually meet in St George's Square, on the Valletta waterfront and on St Anne's Street in Floriana. Many celebrate in clubs and discos; St Julian's and Paceville have the best nightclubs, where entertainment is guaranteed all night long. However, on the night of New Year's Eve it is expected to be a full house, so it is best to make a reservation to avoid being left out of the party scene!   

New Year is celebrated in Malta with a big family lunch. If you're on holiday here, you're sure to find several restaurants offering menus for the occasion but remember to book one well in advance! If the weather is nice, take trips outdoors, for example to Buskett, Dingli, Mellieħa, or Mdina like the Maltese do and then head back to the bars and clubs of Paceville to continue the celebrations.   

Love the warm winter sun? Book your holiday home in Malta and get ready to enjoy a cosier holiday than anywhere else in Europe.   

Thinking of extending your stay by a few months? Read our tips for Digital Nomads.  

Curious about other countries’ New Year’s Eve traditions? Read our other blog about Spain, Italy, Greece and Belgium! 

Happy New Year!