New Year's traditions around the world 🥂

Grapes, broken plates and molten lead: the New Year is celebrated in many different ways around the globe!

There are a thousand and one ways to wish each other good luck in the New Year. And in addition to various delicious delicacies, fireworks and late-night celebrations, there are many traditions specific to each country.

We have compiled 10 international New Year's Eve traditions for you!

Details

Spain

Grapes are in the spotlight in Spain. Eating 12 grapes to the rhythm of the bells ringing the 12 stroke of midnight is a way to ensure good luck and prosperity for the year to come. Often, it is a social event, and people gather in the city squares to share this moment.

Russia

If you want to celebrate the New Year in Russia, you have to be quick: to have a year full of luck, you will have to be able to open a bottle of champagne, write your wishes on a piece of paper, burn it, pour it into the glass of champagne and drink it all. And beware: this whole process should not exceed 12 seconds!

Argentina

In Argentina, it is common to eat a lentil dish for prosperity and good luck. They bode well for success, especially in the professional field. Beans can also be served.

Finland

In Finland, they try to predict the coming year. According to tradition, miniature horseshoes, made of lead, are melted. Once melted, they are thrown into cold water, where shapes are created immediately. Then, the shadow cast by these objects is interpreted and used to predict the future.

Japan

If luck is at the heart of many traditions, so too is food. In Japan, the celebration is not complete without a bowl of soba noodles. The length of these represents the longevity of life; they should therefore absolutely not be cut while tasting them.

Ecuador

In Ecuador, they try to exorcize the problems of the past year by setting fire to giant papier-mâché dolls representing the año viejo. These are in the effigy of various celebrities, animals or others, and must burn completely, otherwise the worries of the previous year will follow.

Greece

The Greek tradition is similar to that of the galette de rois in France: a coin or a bean is hidden in a brioche bread, known as the "vasilopita". This one is prepared in honour of Saint Basil, and whoever finds the coin will be particularly lucky in the coming year.

Brazil

In Brazil, locals like to go to the beaches to watch the fireworks. It is also an opportunity to honour a tradition: that of jumping over 7 waves by making 7 wishes for the coming year.

Denmark

In Denmark, their tradition consists of breaking plates (reserved during the year) on the front door of relatives and friends. The larger the pile of crockery debris, the more luck and prosperity the year will bring.

It is also customary to jump off a chair or table on the last stroke of midnight, to symbolize the idea of "jumping" into the new year.

Romania

Various performances take place in the streets in Romania. Romanians put on their traditional clothes, then mimic dances adorned with costumes and masks. These represent animals as well as the devil or even royalty. Finally, it is common to toss a coin in the river to bring good luck.

And how do you celebrate? Let us know what traditions you celebrate in the comments!