The New Year is a significant time for many cultures around the world, and Latino communities are no exception. The festivities often blend age-old customs with modern celebrations, resulting in rich and vibrant traditions that reflect the diversity of the Latino experience.
Here are some popular Latino New Year traditions that are celebrated across various countries and regions:
Las Doce Uvas de la Suerte
One of the most widespread traditions involves eating twelve grapes at midnight—one for each stroke of the clock. Each grape is meant to symbolize good luck for each month of the coming year. People often make wishes as they eat each grape, hoping for a prosperous and happy year ahead. This tradition began in Spain but other South American countries and Mexico also do this.
Cleaning and Decorating the Home
In many Latino cultures, the New Year is seen as a time for renewal. Families often engage in a thorough cleaning of their homes before the new year begins. This act symbolizes the removal of the old and the welcoming of the new. Additionally, decorations that represent prosperity, happiness, and good fortune are often displayed, such as flowers, candles, and special ornaments. In Peru and Argentina, people clean their homes to get rid of bad energy from the old year.
Eating Lentils
On New Year’s Eve, Mexicans tend to eat lentils. These are related to coins, so they are understood as a symbol that attracts economic abundance. There is another variation that also includes throwing them around like confetti.
Throwing Water Out The Window
In some regions of Puerto Rico, the New Year is welcomed by the unconventional practice of throwing a bucket of water out of the window. This symbolic act is believed to cleanse the living space of negative energy, creating a fresh and positive environment for the beginning of the year. It’s a unique tradition that adds an element of surprise to the celebrations.
Wearing Special Underwear
In certain countries, such as Colombia, wearing specific colors of underwear on New Year’s Eve is believed to influence the year ahead. For example, red underwear is thought to attract love, while yellow is associated with prosperity and wealth. People often make sure to don these garments during the festivities.
Rituals for Travel
In some countries like Ecuador and Panama it is customary to run around the block with a suitcase at midnight to ensure that the new year brings travel opportunities. This playful tradition reflects a desire for adventure and exploration in the coming year.
Holding Money
Some people like in Venezuela want to have money or coins (some insist on silver) in hand, as midnight strikes. This is also supposed to be good luck for a prosperous new year.