Edinburgh natives have much respect towards the privacy of other people, so you should not ask them about their work or family relationships. Such themes as sports and weather are much more suitable subjects for communication. You can also discuss contemporary literature. Some of local customs may seem strange to visitors. For example, if you visit someone’s house, its host can give presents to its guests. If you are offered a gift, you absolutely shouldn’t reject it or you will offend the house’s host. National holidays of Edinburgh have always attracted many visitors from other countries. The number and choice of celebrations is really high – there are over 10 colorful festivals during a year, plus other celebrations.
Hogmanay – the local New Year – remains the favorite holiday of locals and tourists. The celebration starts on December 29. During four days various celebrations and public festivals take place on the streets of Edinburgh. Colorful fairs, theatrical performances and activities for children – you will see many people on the streets of the city until late at night. This celebration is also notable for numerous ancient traditions. Before the New Year celebration begins, everyone should clean his/her house and visit houses of all relatives and friends. When New Year is already close, townspeople go out to the streets of the city in order to perform the main ritual of the celebration. They set fire to the barrels with resin and roll them on the streets of the city. This activity symbolizes the "burning" of the old year and cleaning the way for the new one.
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