As the clock strikes midnight on December 31st, the world unites in bidding farewell to the old year and embracing the new. However, New Year’s Eve celebration varies significantly from country to country, with each nation infusing its unique traditions and customs into the festivities. In this guide, we’ll take you on a cultural journey, exploring New Year’s traditions across the globe.
Maybe reading about the interesting New Year celebrations worldwide included below will inspire you to create your own New Year’s tradition.
For example, I created one for my family. It is not something spectacular, but it is special to us. It includes spending time together (obviously), a dinner with a few favorite dishes (including cheese, saltines made by me, fruits, and traditional Romanian food), making a wish at midnight, and lighting (legal) fireworks 🙂
But let’s return to the international New Year’s traditions across the globe! I will say this: you saw in the article about Christmas traditions around the world that there are many interesting ways to celebrate a holiday. It is the same with the New Year! There are many unique New Year’s celebrations to be discovered!
Spain: The Twelve Grapes Tradition
In Spain, you can immerse yourself in the delightful Twelve Grapes tradition.
As the clock counts down, Spaniards eat twelve grapes—one for each stroke before midnight—to bring prosperity for each month of the upcoming year.
Originating in the early 20th century as a way to get protection for the 12 months of the new year, this tradition is still widely observed today.
To experience this lively custom, head to Madrid’s Puerta del Sol square, where the main New Year’s celebration takes place. [1]
Here I have to add that I know many Romanians who keep this tradition too. Some eat them right at midnight – perhaps they do not know the roots of the tradition – but I have friends keeping this tradition. And yes, one year we didn’t find grapes for our New Year’s Eve dinner (we need them for the cheese plate).
I also know that this is a popular New Year tradition in Mexico – and various other countries observe it too.
Japan: Joya no Kane – Ringing of the Bells
In Japan, you can participate in the Joya no Kane ceremony, where Buddhist temples ring their bells 108 times, symbolizing the 108 earthly desires that lead to human suffering.
This tradition aims to purify the soul for the coming year. Join locals at iconic temples like…