As we dwell in the limbo between Christmas and New Year’s, it can be hard to come to terms with the fact that the year is just about over. While many of us are still sorting through piles of leftovers and unopened gifts, it’s time to start preparing for 2023.
New Year’s Eve is probably one of the most enjoyable holidays, as it comes full of celebration and tradition, especially in the Latino community.
These traditions are mainly centered around having good luck and fortune in the upcoming year, and the strike of midnight is coupled with warm embraces with your loved ones and fulfilling all these rituals.
From eating 12 grapes to what color underwear you wear, here are some common New Year’s Eve traditions.
Eating 12 grapes
One step into any Latino party, and you will surely find many Ziploc bags filled with 12 grapes. The rule stipulates that you must eat 12 grapes at the stroke of midnight, with each grape being a wish. As you eat each grape, silently make a wish that you want to come true during the new year.
Wearing colored underwear
In Colombia, you can’t go to the mall in December without seeing displays full of yellow lingerie and boxers. Wearing brand new, yellow underwear on New Year’s Eve is an amulet for good luck. Some countries like Venezuela and Bolivia wear red underwear to attract more love and passion in the new year.
Walking around the block with luggage
Want to travel a lot during 2023? This tradition calls for walking around the block with luggage, which will bring you the good fortune to make all your travel dreams come true.
Money in your pocket
Want to avoid financial distress and misfortune in the new year? Then make sure you have cash in your pocket by midnight. If you start the year without money in your pocket, that is how your year will be – sin dinero.
A clean house is a must
Besides cooking empanadas and making ponche, you will always find Latinos deep-cleaning their home. It is believed that starting the new year with a dirty house will bring the negative energy from the previous year into the new one. Therefore, you are essentially “sweeping out” the bad energy by cleaning your house.
And you? Do you believe in New Year’s Eve traditions?