We definitely didn't have fireworks. When I first came to Germany as an au pair, in 1973, and the parents of the children I was looking after went out for a New Year's Eve party, the father said, just as he was going - "don't forget to look out of the window at midnight". I thought they might have put a bottle of champagne on the balcony for me, or something.
So I was very surprised to see that fireworks were going off all over town. I hadn't expected that at all.
The Germans thought that New Year's Eve in France was boring because they didn't have fireworks at New Year either. The French have them on 14th July, but there is no other day when fireworks are let off in Germany. The sales regulations for fireworks are very strict - they are only allowed to be sold on 29th - 31st December. However, people do import them from elsewhere, or save them, because there are always a few go off when Germany scores a goal in an international football match.
It wasn't until the Millennium celebrations, ringing in the year 2000, that fireworks were let off all over the world, and since then it has caught on in other countries (such as the UK and France)
31st of December is St Silvester's night - so anything to do with New Year's Eve is called Silvester.... in Germany. Silvesterparty, Silvesternacht, etc.
Sorry - that was all a bit boring. I hope everyone has a lovely evening and a great start to the New Year, whatever you call it!
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