A traditional American New Years celebration is an extravagant party on New Years Eve, staying up till midnight, counting down, drinking champagne out of flutes.
But it might surprise you from how different other cultures bring in the New Years.
Just like the States, New Years in Mexico is celebrated on January 1. In Mexico, they still wait up till midnight, enjoying the evenings with food like tacos and enchiladas, and dancing the night away with mariachi music.
When the clock hits twelve, not only do thousands of fireworks burst but a very special tradition goes on. The second the new year comes, they eat twelve grapes, symbolizing twelve months of good luck. If you don’t finish the grapes, you might not be granted good fortunes for the upcoming year.
In Japan, New Years is a big deal. It is celebrated from January 1 to 3. However, it’s not the big party you would think of.
Typically, there’s a big family gathering and everyone spends time with each other. New Years in Japan is about being grateful for your loved ones and making resolutions.
New Years in France is similar, yet it is celebrated on December 31, as it is the feast day of their saint, le Réveillon de Saint-Sylvestre.
A big feast is held with family and friends, but in the early hours of the morning. January 1 is often a day to recover and rest after the raging festivities previously.
In Paris on December 31, there is a huge firework show lasting over two hours. Millions of people gather to watch the dazzling spectacle over the iconic Arc de Triomphe.
People will even dress up in faux fur, crazy sweaters, carnival masks, really anything out of the ordinary that brings joy to celebrating the new year.
Germany’s January 1 traditions are very similar to the U.S., but with a twist of their own. New Year’s Eve night is spent with festivals all throughout the streets. Private, more elegant parties are held in clubs and mansions.
A special tradition in Germany is to give small gifts that bring luck for the new year, like marzipan pigs or four leaf clovers.
Another tradition is to melt lead figurines and cast them into the water to read your fortune for the upcoming year.
A Brazilian New Year is made up of spectacular firework displays, lively street parties, enormous gatherings, music and dancing, and much more in between.
There is even a special tradition where everyone heads out to the ocean at midnight wearing all white, and jump over exactly seven waves to open the new year. Never turn your back to the ocean as you leave- walk backwards to show your respect.
It’s so cool that there is a different and unique way filled with love and traditions that people all around the world do to celebrate the new year.