It’s always interesting to see how other countries and cultures approach and ring in the New Year. Because we’re always up for global inspiration, we took a look at how seven countries, from Australia to Thailand, celebrate their New Year’s Eve festivities.
Australia
No surprise here, Australians love big, splashy firework displays. In past years, people would gather in large crowds, often bringing along picnic baskets filled with BBQ foods to view fireworks set-off from beaches and bridges.
Brazil
Brazilians embrace the holiday by decking themselves out in all white, which signifies peace and good fortune. They also lean on lucky number seven to ring in a prosperous New Year by eating seven grapes and seven pomegranate seeds. Some even head to the beach to jump over seven waves while making wishes for the New Year.
Colombia
If you’re an avid traveler, you’ll love this tradition! Colombians run around their neighborhoods as quickly as possible with empty luggage, in order to assure a New Year chocked full of travel adventures.
Denmark
It seems most cultures are seeking good luck in the year ahead. In Denmark, people break dishes at the doorsteps of their family and friends in order to ensure good fortune. The more wrecked plates found in front of your door in the morning, the more luck you’ll have in the New Year.
Italy
It’s no secret Italians love fireworks, and obviously New Year’s Eve is no exception when you can find big, colorful displays in every town throughout the peninsula! To enhance their fortune in the New Year, Italians also eat lentils on the holiday because of their coin-shape that symbolizes wealth.
Spain
The Spanish are quite busy in the minutes leading up to the strike of midnight. To ensure wealth in the New Year, they drop gold items like coins and jewelry into their glass of cava. The key is to finish the glass and retrieve your items before the strike of twelve. For good luck, they must eat 12 green grapes before the stroke of midnight.
Thailand
Thai people often visit local temples on New Year’s Eve where they make donations and participate in ceremonies. It’s also common for them to exchange presents with their family and friends on the holiday. Thai citizens also love fireworks on New Year’s Eve, and even fire-up those beautiful, square lanterns they’re famous for.
Wishing you all a safe, happy and festive New Year’s Eve!
