Hogmanay is the Scottish New Year’s Eve festival known for torchlight processions and fire celebrations.
The word refers to Scottish New Year customs and celebrations, which can continue from December 31 into the first days of January. Modern Hogmanay events may include street parties, concerts, torchlight processions, fireworks and the tradition of first-footing.
First-footing involves the first person to enter a household after midnight, traditionally bringing symbolic gifts such as coal, shortbread or whisky. The custom reflects hopes for warmth, food and prosperity in the coming year.
Hogmanay is not the name of one city’s party; it describes a national Scottish tradition and many local events. Its exact linguistic origin is uncertain, with several proposed connections to Scots, French and Gaelic words.