Happy New Year! Ringing in 2014 with Unusual Traditions from Latin America Danielle Restuccia - VOXXI
go to original December 27, 2013

We all have our own little traditions for New Years in the U.S.: Some of us make resolutions, others kiss a partner or loved one at midnight, and many make a point to count down the ball dropping in Times Square.

You might also have your own particular celebrations with friends or family, since we all ring in the New Year a little bit differently. But have you ever burned the past year’s photographs? Donned bright yellow underwear? How about thrown a bucket of water out the window?

If you’re curious about how other countries make a fresh start, or are searching for a new tradition, take a look at some of the more unusual methods of welcoming the New Year in Latin America.

Burning Away the Last Year

In Ecuador and Panama especially, but in numerous countries around the world, folks look toward a new year by burning photos or muñecos (effigies) of people who figured prominently into the last year. The idea is that burning those pictures or props will do away with any bad luck from the previous year, clearing the way for good luck in the coming months.

Lentils and Raisins

Brasileños know how to ring in New Years in style: Réveillon parties in every major city keep residents up well past midnight. Several of the country’s traditions on December 31st revolve around food, according to NBC. For instance, if you want good luck in the upcoming year, you should eat lentils.

On the other hand, if you’re looking to make a lot of money, popular wisdom dictates that you eat seven raisins, extract the seeds, and stash those in your wallet. Doing that ensures that you’ll never lack for cash.

Choosing the Right Undies

In Latin America and around the world, New Years often requires dressing up a little bit: you want to look your best for the celebration, whether that involves a major party or simply family and friends. But pay attention to what you’re wearing underneath your dress or button-down, too.

Yellow underwear brings good luck and happiness, while red brings love and passion. Black should be avoided at all costs, as it brings bad luck.

Though Mexico and Bolivia are known for this tradition, people across Latin America make a point of outfitting themselves accordingly.

Hot Potato

If you’re in Peru over the New Year, you may get a glimpse of what the upcoming twelve months will bring.

Many Peruvians uphold the tradition of using three potatoes to predict their fortune: one potato is fully peeled, one is partially peeled, and a last one retains its full skin. After placing them under a chair or otherwise out of sight, a person must pick one of the potatoes.

If he or she grabs the one with skin, the year will be filled with plenty; no skin, and it may be a tough year.

Tossing Water Out the Window

December 31st often involves doing away with the previous year’s luck; we all want a fresh start. In Cuba, as well as numerous other countries, revelers accomplish this by filling a bucket with water and tossing it out the window, signifying renewal.

Just don’t let your start to the New Year be walking underneath one of those windows!

Take a Quick Trip

Finally, if you love traveling, you’ll want to make sure you add this tradition to your list of ways to celebrate New Years.

Across multiple Latin American countries, people will pack suitcases with representative objects – such as those related to the places they’d like to visit – and then take a quick lap around the block, according to the Huffington Post. After that, it’s time to start planning a real trip!

No matter how you say goodbye to the old and hello to the new, have a Happy New Year!

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