The new year is almost here, and we’ve been curious about the different ways people celebrate worldwide. If you’re traveling abroad this season, here’s a glimpse at what you can expect!
France
Fittingly, champagne consumption is a big part of France’s New Year’s Eve (Réveillon du Nouvel An aka Réveillon de la Saint-Sylvestre) tradition. It is also common for the French to enjoy a multi-course holiday feast with mussels, caviar, foie gras, and more. Much like in the United States, as midnight approaches, people put on paper hats, count down, and kiss at midnight, wishing each other a Bonne Année.
Philippines
Bisperas ng Bagong Taon (New Year’s Eve) is one of the most important holidays in the Philippines and is celebrated with incredible enthusiasm. Ubas, or purple grapes, are a traditional New Year’s Eve food, believed to bring good luck and prosperity in the coming year. A fun part of preparing for New Year’s Eve is gathering 12 round fruits, one for each month. Other traditions include leaving all doors open until midnight, dressing in polka dots to promote prosperity, filling pockets with coins to attract wealth, and children jumping as high as they can to become taller.
Greece
At midnight on New Year’s Eve in Greece, you can expect to hear kalanta (carols) at galas, concerts, and family dinners. Greeks will also not go without vasilopita, a traditional New Year’s cake. A coin is hidden inside the cake before baking, and whoever finds it is said to have good luck for the rest of the year. The ancient Greek custom of smashing a pomegranate on New Year’s Day is still practiced today, as the red-colored fruit is thought to bring good luck and prosperity. As the clock strikes midnight, families gather outside and roll a pomegranate toward the front door of their houses. They then throw the pomegranate at the door, shattering it into pieces.
Haiti
In Haiti, January 1 doesn’t only symbolize the beginning of a new year; it also marks Independence Day. To celebrate both occasions, Haitians make joumou, a Haitian soup traditionally made with calabaza squash, marinated beef, peppers, herbs, pasta, and other vegetables like carrots and potatoes. Joumou is a symbol of Haitian freedom and resilience.
Chile
In Chile, a New Year’s tradition is to wear only new clothes, which is meant to bring big changes. Chileans looking for extra luck drop a gold ring into their champagne glass. Another popular tradition is to eat 12 grapes at midnight for good luck, to make wishes, and to learn if it will be a sweet or sour year. The city of Valapraíso is known for having South America’s largest fireworks display and fiesta.