Although the exact day or hour (because of the time zone) may vary, there’s a special date that all cultures celebrate: New Year’s Eve. All over the world, we get ready to celebrate this day, but not everyone celebrates it in the same way. Join us to discover some of the most curious traditions.

Danish Traditions

For many people, the new year means a new beginning, but in Denmark, they do take this thought very seriously. One of their traditions consists of going outside and throwing plates on the ground for good luck during the year.

This tradition may cause a little chaos of pottery shards and glass everywhere, but no one will deny that the fortune will come along with a liberation feeling.

Brazilian Traditions

Reveillon! Have you heard of this word? It’s one of the most colourful and important celebrations in Brazil.

The New Year’s Eve is welcomed with a big party in Copacabana. Fireworks shot from the sea light up the beach where thousands of people dressed in white gather to celebrate. Some of them go into the water at midnight and jump three consecutive waves for good luck.

New York Traditions

Nothing generates more expectations than a big countdown. Waiting for something and watching it approach second by second is thrilling.

Now, imagine yourself in the crowd of a big party in the center of Times Square while watching a sphere of lights coming down to mark the start of a new year.

Lights, fireworks, confetti and music. This celebration is worth experiencing once as you will remember it for life. 

Romanian Traditions

For some strange reason, bears have always been present in many stories. For Goldilocks, they were dangerous and traumatic, but for Romanians, they’re the ones in charge of ensuring a prosperous future.

According to their tradition, the best way to welcome the new year is by dancing dressed as bears.

In many Romanian stories, bears ward off evil spirits, but they also can heal us and bring good luck.

Senegalese Traditions

Parties, celebrations and galas. Africa has many colourful cultures, such as the Senegalese.

During New Year’s Eve, the ceremony called “Le Fanal” takes place.

Lots of colourful lanterns are lit in the streets while people dressed in traditional costumes parade around singing and dancing.

In addition to traditional music and dances, they also wrestle.

Do they do all of these activities in one night? Of course not, this ceremony starts at the beginning of December and lasts until the end of January.

Spanish Traditions

Food is a key element in every celebration, isn’t it? After all, it adds flavor to the party.

In Spain and in many Latin American countries, it’s a tradition to start the new year by eating 12 grapes. More specifically, one for each chime that marks the beginning of the new year. This is done for good luck in the twelve months of the upcoming year.

No matter where you live or what culture you belong to. We are all different but many aspects unite us, such as the need to share and celebrate. A new year is always a cause for joy because of the possibilities it could bring.

12 months to create lots of projects (and what better than with our resources, right?)

How do you celebrate New Year? Tell us in the comments.