Hogmanay’s origins aren’t clear, but it was
likely influenced by a combination of Gaelic, Viking, Norse, and even Roman
traditions. Many Scots consider Hogmanay even more important than Christmas, as
the traditional celebration of Jesus’ birth was officially banned in 1640,
allowing the New Year celebrations to become the main winter solstice event in
Scottish culture. Indeed, Christmas Day only became an official public holiday
again in 1958.
Today, Hogmanay is a key part of the larger
year-end celebrations that begin in mid-November and go right through to the
first week of January, but Edinburgh’s main Hogmanay celebrations this year last
from December 30 to January 1.
Kicking off with the Torchlight Procession at
7pm, over 7,500 torchbearers and 20,000 participants will march from George IV
Bridge through the city center, accompanied by massed bagpipes and drums,
capped by a spectacular finale of fireworks and music. The following night –
New Year’s Eve – will see the world famous Street Party, offering three stages
of entertainment, including Django Django, Chvrches, The Rezillos, King
Creosote, Treacherous Orchestra and Fiddlers’ Bid. If techno music sounds more
interesting, head to Rewinder to catch performances from DJ Swiss and VJs
Buttercup & Pixel, and if traditional Scottish music sounds like a better
fit, visit The Keilidh at Mound Precinct on Princes Street for an outdoor
performance that will go until the wee hours.
And if the energy is still there on New Year’s
Day, join the Queensferry Loony Dook, an annual event that starts with a parade
and finishes at the River Forth as thousands plunge into the freezing water to
help raise funds for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, which has saved
140,000 lives at sea since 1824.
If ringing in the New Year as the Scots do sounds
appealing, there’s no better place to do it than in Edinburgh, and no better
way to make it a memorable trip than with Agoda.com’s fantastic hotel deals.
For more information, visit the official site of
the Hogmanay here: http://www.edinburghshogmanay.org
Special Agoda.com price of $219 - 33% off the
regular price. Book after December 16, 2013. Expires January 6, 2014.
The Scotsman 5*
Late check-in special! Book 2 days or less before
the check-in date and save 10%! Expires January 31, 2014.
Stay for a minimum of 3 nights and enjoy 15% off.
Expires March 31, 2014.
Stay for a minimum of 3 nights and enjoy 10% off.
Expires March 31, 2014.
Stay for a minimum of 2 nights and enjoy 20% off.
Expires April 20, 2014.
Stay for at least 3 nights and enjoy 15% off.
Expires February 28, 2014.
Stay for at least 3 nights and enjoy 25% off.
Expires February 28, 2014.
Stay for a minimum of 5 nights and enjoy a 5%
discount. Expires February 28, 2014.
Stay a minimum of 3 nights and enjoy 10% off.
Expires January 31, 2014.
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