26 Dic New Year Traditions Around the World

Want to add a special twist to your New Year’s rituals and attract good fortune, prosperity, and happiness in 2024? Beyond the countdown and fireworks (which are essential classics), we’ve compiled a list of traditions from different corners of the world that will help you do just that.

STARTING ON THE RIGHT FOOT: In Scotland and Greece, there’s the ancient tradition of “first-footing”: the first person to cross your threshold can bring either good or bad luck. It’s recommended that it be friends or family, always entering with the right foot, and, of course, not empty-handed.

JUMPING!: Following the Danish example, you can kick off the new year by leaping from a chair at midnight. In Brazil, they take the excitement a step further: on New Year’s Eve, they jump over seven waves at the beach, making seven wishes for the new year.

MOUTH FULL OF GRAPES: In Spain and other Spanish-speaking countries, they start the new year with a full mouth: eating twelve grapes at midnight is considered an omen of twelve months filled with happiness and prosperity. Just make sure to eat them with each stroke of the midnight bells.

ZA ZDOROVJIE: In Russia, wishes for the new year are a serious affair. They write their wishes, burn them, and mix the ashes into a glass of champagne before drinking. Cheers!

A YEAR OF TRAVELS: For travel enthusiasts in Colombia, carrying an empty suitcase around the block at midnight is a tradition that foretells a year full of adventures.

WORRY ABOUT YOUR COLORS: The choice of clothing color is crucial. In Brazil, white is worn to ward off evil spirits, while in China, red is the color of good luck. The choice of underwear is also essential, following specific color guides according to New Year traditions worldwide.

WATCH WHAT YOU EAT: The round shape of food is associated with prosperity. In Italy, the traditional midnight dish, cotechino and lenticchie (sausage with lentils), is believed to attract all kinds of good fortune in the new year, as lentils resemble coins.

MAKE IT ROUND: In the Philippines, everything is dressed and served in a round shape. From fruits to gifts and clothes with polka dots, this tradition seeks fullness and abundance for the coming year.