New Year’s Day, a global celebration

Brazil knows how to throw a party, and when it comes to New Year, they make no exception. Everyone heads to the beach! Brazil’s unmatched devotion to the beach and the ocean is a fascinating display of color, music, and spirituality, as almost 3 million party-goers flood Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, showing the world the true meaning of Ano Novo, Vida nova! Which in Portuguese means, New Year, new life! Before heading to the beach, it is important to dress all in white. However, underneath, you are expected to wear colorful underwear to symbolize peace and equality! As the fireworks light up the night sky, it is a tradition to turn towards the sea to throw white flowers into the ocean, a spiritual offering to Lemenjá, and then jump seven waves for good luck!

To celebrate New Year the Spanish way, you first need to be as prepared as you can, by wearing your lucky red underwear! That’s right! The Spanish are very superstitious about their particular rituals, that will bring about the best start to the next year. In addition, they will participate in the nation’s biggest lottery draw, shrouded in myths and legendary ticket rubbing that will see a prosperous start to the New Year! Once the various preparations are in place and the house cleansed of all the bad energies gathered from the previous year, the countdown to midnight may begin! Gold objects dropped into Champagne will flow, and lentils will be passed amongst close friends and family. As the clock strikes midnight, 12 grapes are eaten, while standing on their right leg!

Italians are famous for their big family feasts, so you can imagine the magnitude of a New Years dining experience, where you will see traditional New Year’s food such as pigs trotters and lentils, symbolizing prosperity and wealth to all. Wearing the correct attire is also important to the Italians. However, you might fail to see the red underwear, to be worn and thrown the following day for good luck! On the subject of throwing things out, in preparation for the New Year, they will literally throw old belongings out the window! This is to cleanse the house and get rid of bad energies! As count-down approaches, it is essential to have a glass of prosecco and money in your pocket for prosperity as you look on at the spectacular firework displays happening outside!

The Danish New Year is a joyous occasion with the gathering of family and friends alike. The host will decorate the entire house in colorful decorations, lining the tables with crackers and providing funny-looking hats for guests to wear. All the guests will be eager to eat their traditional New Year’s food which tends to be boiled cod. However, anything delicious will do! The Danes will then look to the TV as the Queen delivers her annual New Year’s speech, seen as the true beginning of the celebrations! As the champagne starts flowing, the guests bear anticipation for the countdown to midnight, singing the two Danish national anthems, followed by the nation commencing countdown to midnight. This leads to a tradition of leaping from one’s chair, launching themselves into the New Year!

Canadians like to adapt to their environment, and when it comes to New Years celebrations, nature somewhat takes the helm! Of course, in the metropolis cities like Toronto, you will find yourself overwhelmed with fireworks, live music, and perhaps even an ice rink! However, the Canadian way points to a more outdoors, natural experience, and why wouldn’t they! The mountains, iced-over lakes and the abundance of wildlife. Families are attracted to traditional New Years activities such as ice fishing and ice-skating on their local lake. Others would go in search of the aurora borealis, nature’s answer to firework displays. Common for the time of year, they provide a mesmerizing experience. Or if you’re feeling like a challenge then why not take part in the national polar bear plunge!

Mexicans focus on traditional superstitions and rituals that bring the family together in preparation for the New Year cycle. Activities include eating a bowl of cooked lentils, symbolizing wealth. Lighting candles on a white plate surrounded by lentils, food and spices. Melted wax covers the food and spices, which are then buried for good luck and prosperity! Throwing water out of the window, and cleaning the house for rejuvenation, some will even sweep money back into the house for even more fortune! One fascinating New Year’s ritual is taking an empty suitcase for a walk around the block. This gesture will be sure to promise safe travel for the New Year. When the countdown to midnight begins, it is customary to eat 12 grapes while looking towards an impressive firework display!

In Colombia, the New Year is a big family occasion, an opportunity to celebrate progress and prosperity for the coming year. Preparation for the year to come is of great significance. This all begins in the wardrobe, assuring you have your newly purchased yellow underwear on! The family host will prepare the house by giving it a thorough clean to warn of bad spirits and set the table with the addition of 12 shafts of wheat that symbolize good harvest and food for everybody. As the sun goes down, the party starts to gain momentum, helped by a tradition of burning a doll called ´New Year´ stuffed with fireworks! As the countdown to midnight begins, attendees will eat 12 grapes and make a wish for each one. Additionally they will push their right leg forward for a steady year to come!