Happy New Year!

Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish new year, begins Wednesday evening, Sept. 4.

Costa Ricans and people around the world will usher in the new year with the lighting of candles 18 minutes before sunset. (That works out to 5:26 p.m., San José time.)

The holiday begins a 10-day period of reflection known as the Days of Awe, which concludes with Yom Kippur, the day of atonement, on Sept. 14.

The Tico Times extends its wishes for a happy and peaceful year 5774.