New Year’s celebrations around the world are diverse and rich with tradition. In Ecuador, people burn scarecrows resembling politicians and cultural icons at midnight to purge the old year of negativity.
In Brazil, offerings of white flowers and candles are made to Yemoja, the Queen of the Ocean, as part of a ritual for good fortune. This blog explores some of the most unique New Year’s Eve traditions globally, showcasing how different cultures ring in the new year.
“Greece: Hanging an Onion for Prosperity in the New Year”
In Greece, onions are more than just a kitchen staple—they’re also a symbol of good luck for the coming year.
As part of New Year’s Day traditions, an onion is hung outside the door after church service. The onion represents fertility and growth, thanks to its natural ability to sprout on its own, and is believed to bring blessings for the year ahead.
“Festive Aswan: Egypt’s Cultural Holiday Charm“
Although January 1st is not an official holiday in Egypt, the entire country embraces the festive spirit, especially as it leads up to January 7th, when Egyptian Copts (an ethno-religious group) celebrate Christmas. During this time, travelers from around the world flock to Aswan, located in southern Egypt.
Aswan is one of Egypt’s most important tourist destinations, known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes. The region is home to ancient temples of Egyptian civilization and the picturesque islands of the Nile. The province actively prepares for the holidays, aiming to create unforgettable experiences for its visitors.
“Philippines: Welcoming the Year with 12 Round Fruits”
In the Philippines, New Year’s Eve is celebrated with a tradition of serving 12 round fruits, such as apples, grapes, and plums. Their circular shape symbolizes prosperity, resembling coins. Each fruit is associated with a different month of the upcoming year, with the lucky number 12 representing the months ahead, ensuring abundance and good fortune for each one.
“Seven Waves, Seven Wishes: Brazil’s Beach Tradition”
On New Year’s Eve in Brazil, the beach becomes the heart of celebration. As midnight arrives, people gather at the shore to leap over seven waves, each jump accompanied by a wish.
This custom is a tribute to Yemanja, the goddess of water, and is thought to bring blessings for the upcoming year. Participants also wear white attire, symbolizing purity, before immersing themselves in the ocean’s waves. It’s a refreshing and significant way to welcome the new year beneath the Brazilian summer sky!
“French Style: Feasting with Champagne”
In France, ringing in the new year means indulging in the luxury of Champagne rather than just wine. While dancing and party-hopping are traditional, this year, celebrations will likely be virtual (thanks to the holiday edition of Zoom). The food remains a grand affair, with sparkling wines perfectly paired with oysters, turkey, goose, or Cornish hen, ensuring an exquisite feast to welcome the year ahead.
“Denmark: A New Year’s Tradition of Good Luck with Broken Plates”
In Denmark, New Year’s Eve is marked by the tradition of throwing plates at loved ones, a practice believed to bring good fortune. The more kitchenware you break and leave on your doorstep, the luckier and more prosperous the upcoming year will be. While tossing plates may seem like a sign of a bad conversation elsewhere, in Denmark, it’s a joyful and hopeful ritual to celebrate the start of a new year.
“Haiti: A Tradition of Unity with Soup Joumo
“January 1st marks Haitian Independence Day,” explains Olivier Joseph, a graduate student at the Pritzker School of Medicine in Chicago. “On this day, we share soup joumou, a pumpkin soup that was once denied to enslaved Black people. It symbolizes freedom and resilience. People often visit each other’s homes, exchanging their homemade versions of the soup, as each family adds its own unique twist to the recipe.”
12 Grapes, 12 Strikes: Spain’s New Year’s Tradition“
In Spain, New Year’s Eve isn’t just about celebrating—it’s about racing against the clock… with grapes! At midnight, locals eat 12 grapes, one for each chime of the clock, with each bite meant to bring good fortune for the coming year. This quirky custom, which began in the late 1800s, is believed to ward off bad luck and bring prosperity. The catch? You’ve got to finish all 12 grapes before the final bell rings. It’s a challenge, but who wouldn’t want to start the year with a burst of luck?
“Soba for a Fresh Start: Japan’s New Year Tradition”
As the Japanese proverb goes, “A year’s start is like the first bite of soba.” In Japan, the new year kicks off with the time-honored tradition of eating soba noodles. Dating back to the Kamakura period, this custom originally began with Buddhist temples distributing noodles to the poor. The long, thin noodles are believed to symbolize a break from the old year and a fresh beginning. So, by slurping down a bowl of soba, the Japanese celebrate a clean break and a prosperous new year ahead!
“Tamales & Traditions: Mexico’s New Year Feast!”
In Mexico, New Year’s Eve is all about good vibes and great food! Instead of just fireworks, families get together to make tamales—corn dough stuffed with meats, cheese, and veggies, wrapped up in husks and shared with everyone. And when the clock strikes midnight, it’s not just about the celebration, but also the delicious food. On New Year’s Day, it’s menudo time— a warm, flavorful soup made with tripe to cure all your post-party cravings. What better way to start the new year than with a full belly and some seriously tasty traditions?
Canada-Fishing for Fun in the Frozen Tundra\
When the temperature drops to sub-zero, Canadians don’t just sit inside sipping hot cocoa—they head out onto the ice for some good ol’ ice fishing! Even in the coldest weather, they’re not letting a little frost stop them from having a blast. Families brave the chilly temps, renting heated huts and cooking gear to enjoy a fresh catch of fish, right in the heart of winter wonderland. Now that’s what we call making the best of a frozen situation!
“The Iconic Ball Drop: A New Year’s Eve Tradition Since 1907“
“Millions of Americans gather around their TVs or brave the freezing cold in Times Square every New Year’s Eve to witness the iconic ‘ball drop.’ This tradition, which started in 1907, was created by New York Times owner Adolph Ochs to celebrate the newspaper’s new headquarters. Since then, it has become one of the most beloved New Year’s Eve celebrations, marking the countdown to midnight and welcoming the new year!”