Unusual New Year’s Rituals: 12 Global Traditions That Might Surprise You

7. Italy: Tossing Out Old Things

In Italy, New Year’s Eve is a time to literally throw out the old. In some regions, especially Naples, people toss unwanted items out their windows to make room for good fortune.

While this tradition has toned down in modern times, its symbolic value of leaving negativity behind remains strong. It’s the perfect excuse for some decluttering!

8. Colombia: Walking with Empty Suitcases

If you dream of traveling more in the new year, try this Colombian tradition. At midnight, people grab an empty suitcase and walk around the block, hoping it’ll ensure adventure-filled journeys in the year to come.

Even if your passport doesn’t get much use, this ritual is a fun way to keep your wanderlust alive.

9. Philippines: Celebrating with Circles

In the Philippines, round shapes are believed to attract wealth and prosperity. People wear polka dots, fill their tables with round fruits, and even use circular decorations to welcome the new year.

This vibrant tradition ties deeply into the culture’s emphasis on abundance and optimism for the future.

10. Ecuador: Burning Effigies

In Ecuador, New Year’s Eve wouldn’t be complete without the burning of años viejos, figures made to represent the old year. These often take the form of famous figures or personal symbols, and the act of burning them at midnight is a cathartic release of the past.

Families sometimes stuff their effigies with notes detailing regrets or struggles they want to leave behind, making the ritual deeply personal.

11. Russia: Burning Wishes and Drinking Champagne

In Russia, making a wish for the new year involves writing it down, burning the paper, and dropping the ashes into your champagne. You then drink the concoction before midnight strikes.

This bold tradition embodies a belief in taking decisive action to make dreams come true.

12. Mexico: Wearing Colorful Underwear

In Mexico, the color of your underwear on New Year’s Eve can influence your year. Red promises love, yellow brings wealth, and white represents peace.

This playful tradition adds a personal twist to the holiday, with many people embracing the symbolism wholeheartedly.

14 Top Global NYE Destinations

New Year’s Eve is more than just a night, it’s a global celebration where cities compete to outdo each other with unforgettable parties, stunning fireworks, and unique traditions. For those bitten by the travel bug, it’s the perfect excuse to explore a novel place while ringing in the new year. But with so many destinations claiming to offer the “ultimate” NYE experience, where should you go?

Here, we’ve rounded up 14 of the top destinations around the world to spend New Year’s Eve. Some are classics you’ve seen on postcards, while others may surprise you with their festive charm. Either way, they’re all guaranteed to start your year with a bang.

14 Top Global NYE Destinations

12 of the Most Fun American NYE Traditions

New Year’s Eve in America is anything but ordinary. Sure, Times Square has its famous ball drop, but there’s a whole world of quirky, offbeat celebrations scattered across the country. It could be a glowing MoonPie in Alabama or a giant sardine in Maine, these traditions prove that creativity knows no bounds when it comes to welcoming a new year.

Check out these 12 fun and lesser-known American traditions that deserve a spot on your calendar.

12 of the Most Fun American NYE Traditions

15 Perfect Gifts for Every Travel Geek on Your List

Looking for a gift for the travel geek in your life? For those who love to explore and try new things, finding a unique gift they’ll truly love can be a challenge. But fear not, we’ve got you covered with these 15 perfect gifts that any travel enthusiast will love!

As a global traveler myself, I can assure you that these gifts will not only bring a smile to their face but also enhance their travel experiences.

15 Perfect Gifts for Every Travel Geek on Your List

With an honors degree in financial engineering, Omega Ukama deeply understands finance. Before pursuing journalism, he honed his skills at a private equity firm, giving him invaluable real-world experience. This combination of financial literacy and journalistic flair allows him to translate complex financial matters into clear and concise insights for his readers.

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