A Happy New Year to you all from Berlin!
Just to note that these photographs were actually taken on the street outside a bar in Schoneberg, where the club next door was putting on the display. Firework safety laws are much more relaxed in Germany, and as most people in Berlin don’t have gardens on New Year’s Eve you can expect to see industrial strength fireworks (some with say 10 or 20 very large multiple-fire rockets) being set off right in the middle of street. It’s an absolutely mind-blowing sight for someone who is only used to timid little sparklers outside of municipal displays!
Another German quirk is good luck gifts. If you ever get an invitation to stay in Germany at this time of year don’t be surprised if you’re presented with a little toy pig or a flower arrangement with a chimney sweep (Schornsteinfeger) planted in the middle of it – they’re both popular charms for the year ahead.