10 Terrific New Year Traditions

Happy New Year! We thought you would like to see how people across the globe welcome in the new year. Here are 10 of the best:

Eating 12 Grapes (Spain)

In Spain, the New Year’s tradition for good luck revolves around grapes. If you can manage to stuff 12 grapes in your mouth at midnight you’ve achieved good luck for the next year. Would a couple of glasses of wine be the same thing?

Coloured Underwear (South America)

In some South American countries wearing coloured underwear will determine your fate for the new year. Red underwear means you’ll find love. Gold means wealth, and white signifies peace.

Takanakuy Festival (Peru)

Every year at the end of December people in this small Peruvian village fist fight to settle their differences. They then start the year off on a clean slate.

Dropping Icecream (Switzerland)

In Switzerland they celebrate the New Year by dropping ice cream on the floor. What a waste!

Don’t Forget The Cows (Belgium)

In Belgium they take their livestock seriously. At least seriously enough that the farmers wish their cows a happy new year! What a moo-ving gesture!

High Jump (Denmark)

In Denmark people climb on top of chairs and literally “jump” into the New Year to bring good luck.

Cemetery Sleepover (Chile)

In Chile families spend the night in the company of their deceased loved ones by sleeping at the cemetery. What Spooktacular way to bring in a new year!

Bread Power (Ireland)

In Ireland they hit the walls with bread to get rid of evil spirits. I wonder if it helps brings in the dough?

Frozen Trunks (Siberia)

Just as you might expect, in Siberia they jump into frozen lakes carrying tree trunks.

Eating For Abundance (Estonia)

In Estonia is all about eating the New Year’s traditions food. People eat seven times on new years day to ensure abundance in the new year.