If you want to bring in a unique method of welcoming the new year, why not take inspiration from these weird and spectacular New Year's Eve celebrations worldwide?
If you love the customs and cultures of the world, you absolutely have to know about these weird new year traditions that are practised all around the world.
While in Spain, shove twelve grapes into your mouth
Don't get sidetracked by food – this ritual is anything but uninvolved! In Spain, it is usual to eat 12 grapes in time with the bell ringing (one for each bell ring) during the first minute of the year. It is, in fact, harder than it appears! It's well worth the effort because the reward for accomplishment is good fortune in the future year.
Create a winter paradise out of Argentine paper scraps
Because it is the hot, sunny summer in the southern hemisphere on New Year's Day, folks in Argentina are a little more creative when creating snowy sceneries. It is customary to cut documents and papers on December 31st to symbolize the end of the previous year and then toss the confetti out their windows to create a weird winter wonderland.
Discover red pants in Italy
Are you looking for some good fortune in the upcoming year? Wearing red pants in Italy is an option. The colour red is supposed to bring good fortune and success. After Christmas, the stores are brimming with red underclothes and wearing red is thought to bring good fortune in both your life and your relationships.
Pay attention to the chimes in Japan
Buddhist temples in Japan ring their bells 107 times before and after midnight to usher in the new year purely. It is also believed to bring good luck. Start the year with a smile, unless the constantly ringing bells give you an earache!
In Ecuador, burn, darling, burn!
Ecuadorians are known to light effigies of famous political figures or celebrities, as well as other individuals associated with the previous twelve months (can be feared or simply known individuals) at midnight because they believe that this will bring luck to the coming year, as well as help to forget the mistakes of the previous year.
Gather with the dead in Chile
In contrast to other New Year's celebrations that focus on bringing luck to the next season, this one focuses on reconnecting with the spirit of those who have passed away. Families go to the cemetery where their loved ones are buried to make candles while listening to vintage music in the hopes of feeling close to the deceased relatives and incorporating them into the celebrations.
