Croatian town welcomes New Year at noon with 26-year tradition

As the clock struck midday on Wednesday (December 31), the quaint Croatian town of Fuzine erupted into cheers, music, and icy splashes, marking its unique tradition of welcoming the New Year long before the stroke of midnight.

The celebration, rooted in a 26-year history, saw revellers dance to live music, count down to noon, and even plunge into the icy waters of Lake Bajer, where the temperature hovered at a brisk 1.5 degrees Celsius. 

"This started in 2000 for the millennium transition," said Silvija Sobol, director of the Fuzine Tourist Board, adding that inspiration came from an old photograph showing people greeting the new century at midday in 1900.

Among the boldest participants were members of "Opatijski Kukali," a group devoted to cold-water swimming, braving the freezing lake waters as the crowd cheered them on. 

What began as a local novelty has now spread across Croatia, with towns hosting their own midday festivities featuring music, fireworks, and communal gatherings. 

The daytime activities in Fuzine culminate in traditional midnight celebrations, offering revellers a chance to greet the New Year in both daylight and nighttime festivities.

-Antonio Bronic and Malgorzata Wojtunik