Unusual South American New Year’s Traditions: Ringing in the Year with Style and Spirit

As the clock strikes midnight on December 31st, South America comes alive with vibrant and deeply rooted traditions that promise good fortune, love, prosperity, and adventure for the year ahead. These customs, passed down through generations, reflect the region's rich cultural heritage and its peoples’ unshakable belief in the power of rituals. Let’s explore some of the most fascinating and unusual New Year’s traditions celebrated across South America.

1. The Twelve Grapes of Luck

In countries like Peru, Mexico, and Chile, the countdown to the New Year is marked by the tradition of eating 12 grapes at the stroke of midnight. Each grape represents a wish for the coming year, one for every chime of the clock. People carefully align their desires for health, wealth, love, and happiness with each bite. But there’s a catch—you must eat all 12 grapes before the last chime for the magic to work. This ritual not only ensures wishes come true but also protects against misfortune and evil spirits in the year ahead.

2. Suitcases for Adventure

For those with wanderlust, New Year’s Eve offers a chance to manifest exciting travel opportunities. In Ecuador, Colombia, and parts of Peru, people pack their suitcases and run around the block at midnight. The belief? This spirited dash will open doors to new travel adventures in the coming year. The contents of the suitcase can also influence the destination—packing a swimsuit suggests a beach vacation, while a warm sweater hints at a trip to the mountains. A simpler variation of the ritual involves stepping in and out of the house with a suitcase as many times as the number of trips you hope to take.

3. Lucky Underwear

When it comes to welcoming the New Year, fashion takes on a symbolic role. In Peru, Chile, and Mexico, wearing yellow underwear is believed to bring prosperity and good fortune. However, there’s a key rule: the underwear must be new and gifted to you by someone else. The colour symbolism varies across regions. In Peru, yellow is for wealth, while red signifies love. Meanwhile, in Uruguay, Brazil, and Argentina, pink underwear is worn to attract romance and harmony.

South America’s New Year’s traditions are as diverse and colourful as its landscapes. Whether it’s eating grapes, running with suitcases, or donning lucky underwear, these rituals reflect the region’s deep connection to community, spirituality, and the promise of new beginnings. As we look to the coming year, perhaps there’s a little magic to be found in adopting one of these customs. Which one will you try to make 2025 your best year yet?