…3, 2, 1, Happy New Year! In the Spanish-speaking world, the New Year is a festival of customs, rituals and superstitions that reveal the region’s cultural diversity. From Spanish grapes to suitcase rides in Latin America, the transition to January 1 is full of joy and touches of ingenuity. Each unique and charming tradition shows that the festive spirit knows no borders.
Spanish grapes: a classic that unites everyone
Seeing off the year without the famous twelve grapes is unthinkable in Spain. When the clock strikes midnight, millions of Spaniards gather grapes in hand at the Puerta del Sol in Madrid or in front of the television, ready to accompany each chime with a bite. This ritual, born at the end of the 19th century, symbolises good luck for each month of the coming year.
But beware, it is not as simple as it seems: you have to keep up with the clock, and between the nerves and the laughter, some end up with stuck or incomplete grapes. It is part of the charm! Added to this is the toast with cava and sometimes with a gold ring in the glass to ensure prosperity and fortune.
Many New Year’s traditions in Latin America are linked to desires for adventure and exploration. In Venezuela, Colombia and other countries, those who dream of travelling next year take a suitcase and go for a walk around the block at midnight. Some, like in Chile, even run to secure an international itinerary. This cute ritual is fun and reinforces the idea that dreams can come true if you push them. That’s why it’s not unusual to be with a family hugging each other and see someone running with an empty suitcase in the middle of the night.
The lucky colour
Red or yellow underwear? The answer varies by country, but in the region, it is believed that the colour of your underwear influences what you will attract in the new year. In Spain and Mexico, red is for love; in Argentina, Chile, and Colombia, yellow symbolises prosperity. Some people even wear new underwear as a sign of renewal, ensuring that everything they wear that night is an omen of positive things.
The Old Year: Fire to Close Cycles
In Ecuador and Colombia, one of the most symbolic traditions is the burning of the “Old Year.” This doll, made with old clothes and stuffed with paper or sawdust, represents the problematic or harmful moments of the year that are ending. The doll is set on fire at midnight, leaving the bad behind and making room for new opportunities.
In some cases, the “Old Year” includes masks representing public figures or controversial characters during the year. It is a mix of humour, catharsis, and ritual, perfect for starting over.
Flavours of a New Beginning
There is no party without food, and New Year is no exception. In Mexico, romeritos and cod are the stars; in Venezuela, ham and hallacas mark the festive table; and in Argentina and southern Chile, barbecue is the absolute king.
In Peru, in addition to the traditional turkey, panettone and hot chocolate are a must, while in Puerto Rico, roasting suckling pig and coquito (a delicious coconut liqueur) gives the final touch to the celebration. Food is a delight and a way to share and strengthen family and friendship ties.
A colourful sky
Nothing is more representative of a massive celebration than fireworks, and in countries like Guatemala and El Salvador, the sky is filled with lights and explosions of colour at midnight. In Chile and Argentina, families often gather in gardens or patios to enjoy the fireworks and the warm summer air. It’s a spectacular way to mark the beginning of a new chapter.
Superstitions and small magical gestures
Throughout the region, superstitions and rituals seek to attract good luck, health and love. In Mexico, some sweep the house outwards to eliminate bad energies. Meanwhile, baking bread in the shape of stairs in Bolivia promises promotions and prosperity.
No matter how small, every gesture is loaded with hope and faith that the new year will be better.
A mosaic of shared hopes
From grapes in Spain to suitcases in America, the New Year in the Hispanic world is a unique and diverse celebration with a common denominator: the desire to start over with joy, hope and unity.
Whether you burn a doll in Colombia or run with a suitcase in Chile, the important thing is to remember that every tradition, no matter how simple or extravagant it may seem, is a way of expressing confidence in a bright future. So, happy New Year! May 2025 be full of adventures, love and lots of toasts.
Keep learning curiosities about the language and the Spanish language, visiting and reading the articles we publish weekly on the iScribo blog. If you want to improve your Spanish writing and correct a specific variant of this language, subscribe to our superb grammar checker. We are waiting for you!
