Top Ten New Year's Parades Around the World

Want a preview of New Year's Day parades around the world? You've found the right article. Here are ten extraordinary parades:

Britain: New Year's Day Parade-London

The New Year's Day Parade-London is expected to bring out more than 500,000 spectators for its 2009 New Year's Day celebration. At noun, the parade will begin at Parliament Square and continue for two miles till Piccadilly and Berkeley Street. Not only do spectators get to enjoy the sights of over 10,000 performers from all over the world, the route itself showcases the most famous sights in London such as Big Ben, Trafalgar Square, and Westminster Abbey. With its international fame and huge numbers, the New Year's Day Parade-London deserves to be recognized as one of the best parades for New Year's.

Fun fact: The parade played host to an attempt at breaking the world record for largest marching band in 1996.

Link: http://www.londonparade.co.uk/

United States: Rose Parade at Pasadena, California

Even larger than London's parade, however, is Pasadena's Rose Parade with an estimated number of around a million people attending the parade each year. This year's theme is "Hats Off to Entertainment" and will include floats, marching bands, and equestrian teams. At 8 a.m. on New Year's Day, the parade starts at Ellis Street and Orange Grove and will spend two hours making its way along the 5.5 mile route that ends at Sierra Madre and Villa Street. Its sheer size alone makes the Rose Parade a must-have on any New Year's parade list.

Fun fact: This year, the Rose Parade celebrates its 120th anniversary.

Link: http://www.tournamentofroses.com/roseparade/index.asp

Japan: Tokyo Disneyland/DisneySea New Year's Eve Celebration

Fireworks, special shows, parades-those are just a few of the spectacles that visitors at Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea can enjoy. On New Year's Eve, the event starts at 8 p.m., and on New Year's Day, it will begin at 2 p.m. However, to enjoy the shows, you'll need to have a ticket, and due to the events' popularity, tickets are hard to find. Combining the magic of Disney and New Year's makes this celebration all the more fun.

Fun fact: Tokyo Disneyland celebrates its 25th anniversary this year.

Link: http://www.tokyodisneyresort.co.jp/tdr/english/calendar/index.html#bt4

France: The Paris Parade Festival

Since its celebration of New Year's Day in 1993, the Paris Parade Festival has become a popular event in mainland Europe. The Paris Parade Festival typically consists of three events that features performers from Poland, Great Britain, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Britain, and America. The international element of this Parisian parade makes it worthy of mention.

Fun fact: Parade organizers were at first cautious at reproducing an "American-style" New Year's festival, but this parade has since become a favorite event among the French.

Link: http://www.parisparade.com

South Africa: Cape Town Minstrel Carnival

Song and dance highlights this New Year's extravaganza. Participants dress in bright colors and their teams compete for awards like best dressed and most comical song. The parade started as a way for South Africans with mixed backgrounds to celebrate their heritage. To mock the minstrel shows of the past, participants often paint their faces white. While this carnival struggles with funding, no other New Year's parade is quite like this one, which is why it makes the list.

Fun fact: After the end of apartheid, Nelson Mandela oversaw this celebration in 1996.

Link: http://capetownminstrels.co.za/index.html

Ireland: Lord Mayor's Parade on New Year's Day

Another parade focused on musical acts is the Lord Mayor's Parade in Dublin, Ireland. Troupes march along the parade route (which starts at Parnell Street North and ends at Saint Stephen's Green), but stop at the Lord Mayor's box to give a special performance before continuing on. Unique fun makes this parade a vital part of this list.

Fun fact: Last year, troupes had to give an Abba-inspired performance in front of the Lord.

Link: http://www.goireland.com/BLOG/article/The-Lord-Mayors-New-Years-Day-Parade.html

Italy: Rome New Year's Parade

Over 10,000 devout Catholics flock to Rome New Year's Parade every year. Bands march along a route beginning at Castel Sant'Angelo and ending at St. Peter's Square where the Pope blesses the crowds. This parade offers spectators a fine historical and religious experience, which is why it made the list.

Fun fact: People watching the parade often whistle, wave, and follow the procession to St. Peter's Square.

Link: http://musicfestivals.com/tours_destination_rome.cfm

Denmark: Parade at the Royal Palace

In Denmark and need something to do? Check out the festivities in Copenhagen! This spontaneous-like parade occurs at midnight. Join Copenhagen residents and other tourists as they all march to the square of Amalienborg, in front of the Royal Palace. This participatory parade certainly deserves its spot on this list.

Fun fact: When people arrive at the square, they all wish each other a Happy New Year's.

Link: http://goscandinavia.about.com/od/annualeventsindenmark/qt/newyearevecopen.htm

Saint Kitts: The Grand New Year's Day Parade

What better way to ring in the new year than in the sunny and warm Caribbean islands? The island of Saint Kitts throws a festival every year to celebrate New Year's Day that includes a parade with music competitions, African beats, and native folklore. The festive atmosphere earns Saint Kitts a place on this list.

Fun fact: "Mocko Jumbies," people on stilts, entertain the crowds.

Link: http://www.iexplore.com/dmap/St.+Kitts+and+Nevis/Event/15701

Australia: Sydney New Year Eve's Harbor Parade

Watching a procession of people and floats strike you as too ordinary? Check out Australia's New Year's Eve Harbor of Light parade. Starting after the 9 p.m. fireworks show, over fifty boats of every size travel around the harbor for the entertainment of spectators. Lights adorn the boats to create a beautiful sight, making this parade more than worthy of mention.

Fun fact: Because of its time zone, Australia is one of the first countries to celebrate New Year's.

Link: http://www.newyearsevesydney.net.au/new_years_eve_harbour_of_light_parade.html