New Year is the oldest of all holidays. First observed 4000 years ago in ancient Babylon, the Babylonians honoured the upcoming year on the first New Moon after the first day of spring (Vernal Equinox). However, this ancient celebration lacked the vibrancy of today’s traditions as the highlight of their event was returning borrowed farm equipment to its original owner.

The celebrations have evolved into a more festive experience although some of the traditions that are practiced can seem a little quirky to outsiders. In Paraguay for example, families take an image of a person or a dummy and dress it like a scarecrow. The scarecrow is filled with newspapers and firecrackers. At midnight, the poor scarecrow is set ablaze to great cheers. The scarecrow represents the negative events of the past year and by burning it, the people bid adieu to the old year and embrace the new one.

Another slightly eccentric way to bring in the New Year is the fun Spanish tradition of eating grapes…really. At midnight in Mexico, each person has twelve grapes. When the clock begins to chime, they put one grape in their mouth. By the time the clock has finished chiming, everybody is supposed to have finished all 12 grapes - which, of course, they cannot. This is all good fun and soon after, the real party begins.

Hindus throughout India begin their New Year with a clean start--literally. Indians get up early on New Year’s Eve, bathe and put on new clothes. Only then can they begin to offer prayers to their deities. As evening approaches, India heats up and the night clubs and discotheques quickly become jam-packed with people of all ages, all wearing their new clothes.

Another interesting tradition that involves clothing is observed in the Philippines. On New Year’s Eve, Filipinos wear clothing that is filled with patterns, such as polka dots. The circular pattern signifies the belief that circles attract money and fortune. In addition, family members jump high into the air which is said to increase one’s physical height. They also make loud noises and use fireworks to drive the bad spirits away.

A very sweet New Year's tradition that is practiced in Greece, and with Greek families all over the world, is cutting the Vassilopita (Greek New Year's cake). The cake honours St. Basil, the Greek Santa Claus. The day is met with gift exchange and fun-filled celebrations. The Greek people know how to throw a party - and this is no exception.

Although Brazil is renowned for its explosive celebrations on New Year’s Eve or Véspera de Ano Novoor, Brazil does have a few eccentric ways of bringing in the New Year. One of these traditions has locals opening every door and window at the stroke of midnight. Many locals believe that this practice will clean out any bad luck from the previous year. Participants also bang on pots and light firecrackers in order to drive the bad spirits away.

New Year's Eve is the most important day for the people of Brazil. The best celebration in the country can be seen in Rio de Janeiro. Rio is renowned as a year-round party city, so imagine the revelry that ignites at this time of the year! Copacabana Beach is the fiery locale for the celebrations as exuberant locals sway and dance the night away to sexy samba music.

In virtually every city in the world New Year's Eve parties are held, but those that have achieved cult status are Hogmanay in Edinburgh, and the New Year's Eve festivities in Times Square, Trafalgar Square and Sydney. Hogmanay is Scotland's biggest and wildest event and is celebrated with full fervour in Edinburgh. The event begins on 29 December and doesn’t end until 1 January. The four-day extravaganza includes a massive street party, a carnival, live shows and a torchlight parade with burning effigies. Discos and bars are chock-full of energetic party-goers and, of course, one of the main highlights is the explosive fireworks display that spectacularly lights up the Edinburgh sky.

The legendary New Year's Eve celebration of Times Square, New York city is one of the most popular celebrations in the world. The famous crystal ball drop from atop One Times Square marks the beginning of the coming year and the start of some serious partying. New Year's Eve at Trafalgar Square in London is another popular New Year's Eve celebration as thousands of revellers each year swarm the Square to welcome the New Year to the sound of Big Ben's famous chimes.

Sydney is arguably, one of the most preferred destinations for New Year's Eve celebrations in the world. Thousands of visitors from all ends of the globe are drawn to Sydney to see the magnificent fireworks displays. Another important highlight in Sydney is the Harbour of Lights Parade. Visitors are treated to a visual feast as boats covered in fairy lights cruise the centre of the harbour throughout the night.

Other great party places are New Orleans, Hawaii, Hong Kong, Bangkok and Paris. But, wherever you are and whatever traditions that you and your family members observe, when the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve, gather everyone together at your party or celebration to sing the New Years Song and remember the good memories of family and friends.