New Year's party

Turkey welcomed 2021 under strict restrictions designed to slow the spread of the coronavirus, with security forces cracking down on violators on New Year's Eve.

The curbs included an 80-hour nationwide lockdown, which began on 9 p.m. on Dec. 31, and a ban on large gatherings for the New Year celebrations at hotels and other accommodation facilities.

Christmas and New Year are coming far too early in the Serbian capital - at least as far as decorations are concerned - locals are compaining.

Many have reacted with mockery after the authorities in Belgrade decided to decorate the city centre on September 29 - a whole three months before the year runs out.

Mövenpick Hotel Istanbul is offering New Year's programs featuring New Year's Eve dinner with live music, an exciting party on the top of Istanbul and exclusive accommodation packages for those who want to ring in the new year in style. 

Under the name "Belgrade Winter" or Beogradska Zima, a month-long New Year's party officially kicks off on December 15 and ends on January 15, with some events extending well into February, the Tourist Organisation of Belgrade, TOB, recently announced.