Maltese mark new year ...all around the world

For many Maltese, the new year means popping corks and sipping bubbly with friends until the crack of dawn or dancing the night away at one of the many parties being held around the island. As one of the world’s oldest shared traditions, new year’s celebrations take on many forms, but most cultures have one thing in common – letting one’s hair down as the year tails off. The Sunday Times caught up with five Maltese living abroad to find out how they will be heralding the new year from their respective locations around the world. Stefan Palmier, 30, will not be venturing outdoors. As a resident of Sparsor, Sweden, where temperatures plunge well below zero, he will be marking the new year indoors, nestled in the heat generated by the crackling fireplace and central heating system. “Otherwise, we celebrate New Year’s Eve in a similar way to Malta, toasting champagne over an evening meal together with friends and family.” Lino Mifsud, however, will be braving the slippery and snow-blanketed roads of Ontario, Canada, to head to the Hockley Valley Resort. “But despite living for the past 30 years in Canada, I won’t be skiing – I’m a pure Maltese!” the 64-year-old chuckled. He explained...