Did you know about these traditions from countries around the world that celebrate their New Year’s Eve differently way than the rest? If not, read below!
December marks an end to the year when people wash up their deeds and get ready to start the new year with a bang. But, did you know that several countries do not end their year in December? Every country has its own tradition of celebration the end of an ear. These traditions have been passed down from generations to generations in order to keep up the spark of festivities and the joy of celebrations. Below are some interesting facts from different countries that celebrate their New Year’s Eve a bit differently than others. Have a look!
1. Estonia
People eat around 7, 9 to 12 meals a day with the aim of having abundance in the next 365 days as these numbers are considered lucky. So, cheat on your diet a little this New Year’s Eve.
2. Spain
It is tradition to eat 12 grapes, one at a time, at midnight. It is said that these grapes represent your wishes and if you manage to stuff all the grapes in your mouth, your wishes will come true.
3. Ethiopia
This is the only country in the world that recognizes a 13thmonth. Ethiopian people celebrate their new year on 11th September. This is a huge festival called Enkutatash which translates to “gift of jewels”.
4. Zimbabwe
Unlike the rest of the world, Zimbabwe hosts a 3-day extravaganza at the Jameson Vic Falls Carnival where people gather together to celebrate among fire dancers, stilt walkers and the continent’s biggest waterfall.
5. Ecuador
People of Ecuador celebrate Anos Viejos, with regard to a tradition from 1895. At midnight, they burn scarecrows that are filled with paper and sawdust and modelled after public figures who were accounted for wrong doings in the previous year.
6. Japan
To mark the end of a year and the starting of a new one, Japan rings all the bells in the country 108 times on New Year’s Eve? Oshogatsu. This represents the buddhist believe of bringing cleanliness next year. Along with this, the festival is celebrated 3 days in Japan as well.
7. Chile
When the clock strikes 12 at midnight, people in Chile enjoy some mesmerising fireworks while they spent the rest of the night in the company of their deceased loved ones by sleeping at the cemetery.
