Silvester is the name commonly given to New Year’s Eve in Germany and several other European countries.
The name comes from Saint Silvester, or Pope Sylvester I, whose feast day is December 31. Because his feast coincides with the final day of the calendar year, his name became associated with the evening and its celebrations in German-speaking regions.
In Germany, Silvester customs include fireworks, parties, sparkling wine, and lucky symbols such as chimney sweeps, horseshoes, and four-leaf clovers. The name is also used in countries including Austria and parts of Switzerland, Poland, and the Netherlands, although local traditions vary.
Silvester should not be confused with Germany’s New Year’s Day, which is called Neujahr. The English word “New Year’s Eve” describes the date, while Silvester is the traditional regional name for the celebration.