It’s the day that marks the beginning of a new year and the limitless possibilities that come with the 365-day cycle of our calendar, so naturally, we humans celebrate it to varying degrees and forms! Here are some of the most interesting ways New Year’s is celebrated around the world.
Starting in Spain, when the clock strikes twelve on December 31st, many eat twelve grapes, or as the tradition is called, “Las Doce Uvas”. The goal is to bring good luck for the coming year. The tradition originated around 1895, but became extremely popular in 1909 as an overproduction of grapes caused vineyards to push this tradition to minimize losses.
In Romania, people dress up as bears for New Year’s. No, that isn’t a typo! Additionally, these suits are often genuine bear skins and family heirlooms. The tradition is officially named Festivalul de Datini și Obiceiuri Strămoșești, which entails the participants dancing in the streets and a “Bear Tamer” using a knife to cut out any “demons” within the bear. It is thought the tradition dates back to Roman times, when real bears were brought to the town on leashes to scare away evil spirits. Some variations of the tradition see the bear tamer and the bear walking through the streets and going up to each household as the bear dances (almost like Halloween).
Brazilians celebrate a similar tradition to “Las Doce Uvas”, but instead it involves jumping over 7 waves at midnight, also for good luck. This tradition often takes place at beaches like the Copacabana. It’s also intended to honor Iemanjá, the goddess of the sea and protector of fishermen in Afro-Brazilian religions (more specifically, Candomblé), who is often depicted as a mermaid. The symbolism of this tradition runs deep throughout it, with a focus on the fact that waves are unavoidable and that life is about learning to go with the flow.
In Colombia, there’s a tradition that symbolizes travel, adventure, and good fortune, and it’s about suitcases! It’s called “Darle la vuelta a la manzana”, in which people grab their suitcases, whether packed or empty, and at midnight, run around the block while toting the suitcase behind them. It’s believed to guarantee a year of new destinations, travels, and, as most New Year’s traditions do, good luck. Some add money, or even beans, to the pockets of the suitcase in the hopes of granting a boon to the luck of the tradition.
With 2025 in the rearview mirror and the start of a new year, I can’t help but wonder what’s to come, and with all these traditions, you’re sure to have no shortage of luck, adventure, and travel-even if you have to eat a few grapes, jump over some waves, or even dress up as a bear!
By Kallen Cooyar, SRVHS Student