As I write this, it's minus 17 degrees Celsius in Toronto. Last New Year's was spent on the beach in Nicaragua. I can't tell you what the temperature was there, but I know we spent most of the day in or around the ocean.
That night, we had a festive dinner in the open-air restaurant, and headed down to the beach around 11:00 when the first set of fireworks went off. By then, the beach area was pitch black, and we made our way to the celebration tent with the help of lit torches that lined the path. We were given celebratory drinks and party masks, and spent the next hour listening to music, waving sparklers, and wading in the ocean. We were curious about a stuffed effigy that resembled an old man sitting in the middle of a circle of torches, but were told we'd find out more at midnight.
The evening went on, and staff counted down the seconds until midnight, when a second set of fireworks were set off. At the same time, one of the employees set fire to the effigy, also known as Ano Viejo. It represents all the sorrows and disappointments of the last year. As it burned, we were invited to let go of any negative feelings associated with the previous year, and welcome hope and change for the coming year.
Happy New Year!
23 comments:
Letting go of the negatives - love it! What a beautiful way to celebrate! (And we're at -32 this morning Brrrr! Stay warm!)
Wow, that seems like an amazingly New Year's! Our New Year's Eve was very mellow this year - putting Baby to bed, a quiet homemade dinner with a bit of champagne, watching a couple favorite tv shows, then in bed by 10 PM. We'll have to go a bit more wild and crazy next year! =P Happy 2014, friend!
Letting go of last year's sorrows and disappointments...what a great way to approach 2014.
Happy New Year, Beth! (I'm shivering right along with you.) :D
That sounds like so much fun! You know how to party. ;-) Happy New Year!
Minus 17 degrees Celsius!!! Gosh..that's COLD!
Happy New Year, Beth and stay warm!
Angie
Wow, Toronto is cold. Here, on a Baltic beach, is just above zero. Nicaragua looks ...warmer. Happy New Year! :) ela
Wow! What a wonderful way to celebrate the New Year last year. I bet that was just amazing! The first picture in this post is gorgeous, too!
Dear Beth, That sounds like an exciting and adventurous New Year celebration!!
I hope you have a very blessed New Year ahead.
Catherine
p.s. It is very cold here and are expecting a blizzard starting this evening!
As soon as I saw the picture I remembered the trip from last year! I actually like the cold and snow in December, though by February/March I am ready to get out! Best wishes for a wonderful 2014.
Love pictures! Happy New Year Beth!!
Way to bring in the new year. Wishing you a super 2014!
I wish to you and your family a Very Happy and Prosperous 2014 Beth! I can see you had a great time there last year!
Wow! That New Years was way more exciting than falling asleep watching the movie Beaches, which is what my hubby and I did this year :)
What a great new year's!
Wow! We live near the beach. I should totally take up a new tradition--burning something at midnight. And BBQing for Christmas Day. We spent the night crowded around the TV to watch the ball drop, and as soon as it had my daughter turned to me and begged to go to bed. =)
This current weather is awful! I think a trip to Nicaragua is in order...let's call it a blog conference! You game? Keep warm and safe.
Ha! I'm in, Liz! Meet you there!
This is amazing!! What an awesome way to ring in the new year!!
Happy New Year. I can't imagine such cold weather. Thanks for sharing your holiday pics with us.
That sounds like such a fabulous New Year's Eve! The effigy ritual is a great idea - I may need to do a version of that in the fireplace.
Sounds like a great idea to get rid of negative thoughts for the new year. Wishing you all the best this year and hopefully this cold winter will pass by quickly.
happy new year fun memories and what a great sunset
What a great idea to burn the negative part of the year, at the beach! Yes, the holidays during the summer have a charm of their own. It's like summer vacation and a party at the same time. Have a great 2014 Beth!
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