New Year's Day, known as 'Naujieji Metai', is a national holiday in Lithuania, much like in many other countries around the world. It is a time when Lithuanians bid farewell to the concluding year and welcome the New Year with joy and hope. Many traditions and rituals are associated with this holiday, reflecting the country's rich cultural heritage and its unique blend of Christian and pagan customs.
On New Year's Eve, the streets of Lithuania are filled with celebrations. Downtown Vilnius, the capital city, usually hosts a grand open-air concert, followed by fireworks at midnight to mark the beginning of the New Year. The entire city takes part in the festivities, with music, dances and laughter filling the air. Lithuanians also have an age-old tradition of making predictions for the New Year, which involves melting a small piece of lead or wax and then interpreting the shape it forms after being dipped into cold water.
The New Year's Day itself is typically a time for relaxation and family gatherings in Lithuania. Most people take the day off to recover from the previous night's celebration, spending time with next of kin rather than engaging in communal festivities. A large feast is a common practice, with traditional Lithuanian dishes such as beet soup, stuffed cabbage and various meat dishes being served. It is customary to start the New Year with a clean house, clean clothes, and zero debts, symbolizing a fresh start and positive outlook for the year ahead.