New Year’s Eve Celebrations Around the World!
As we approach the end of the year, people worldwide are getting ready to say goodbye to the old and welcome in the new. Across the globe, various unique and vibrant traditions mark the New Year’s Eve celebrations. From the iconic ball drop in New York City to the burning of effigies in Panama, these festivities offer a glimpse into local customs and plenty of merrymaking. Here are a few ways that people celebrate the New Year.
Eating Grapes in Spain
As the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, it is traditional in Spain to eat one grape per chime – so 12 grapes in all – and make a wish each time you eat a grape! Some say each of these grapes will grant you a wish that will come true in the next year; others say it is for good luck in each of the 12 months of the year. Either way, you are sure to have extra luck in the New Year!
Hogmanay in Scotland
In Scotland, New Year’s Eve is known as Hogmanay, a two-day celebration filled with ancient traditions. The festivities begin with the Torchlight Procession, where a parade of torchbearers march through the streets, culminating in the burning of a giant Viking effigy. At midnight, the bells of Edinburgh Castle toll to mark the start of the new year, and people gather to sing the song “Auld Lang Syne.
Throwing Old Plates in Denmark
A unique way to celebrate in Denmark involves throwing an old plate at your friend’s door. While the origins of the practice are not entirely clear, it is thought to have started as a way to show appreciation for the people in one’s life. Tradition says that the more broken plates you accumulate on your doorstep, the more luck you will have in the New Year.
Hatsumode in Japan
As a part of their New Year’s celebration, those in Japan visit a shrine or temple to pray for a prosperous, safe, and healthy year. This practice, known as ‘Hatsumode,’ usually takes place on either the first, second, or third day of the new year during Sanganichi. Throwing saisen, or monetary donations, into a saisen box and making a wish is a common custom during this visit.
Burning Effigies in Panama
In Panama, New Year’s Eve is marked by the burning of effigies, known as muñecos. Stuffed with sawdust and old clothes, these dummies are then lit on fire on New Year’s Eve to burn away the old year. The effigies are also often filled with firecrackers because the loud noises are said to scare away the ghosts.
Whether it’s through ancient traditions, lively festivities, or symbolic gestures, these celebrations embody the spirit of hope, renewal, and the belief in new beginnings. If you’re considering a genuinely new experience, connect with a travel advisor to help you take care of the planning and details that go along with it!
