New years traditions around the world
- Iván Sánchez Hernandez
- 9 minutes ago
- 5 min read
The arrival of the New Year is one of the few truly global celebrations. Regardless of time zones, religions, or languages, people everywhere pause to say goodbye to the past and open their arms to the future. But how we do that varies wildly—and that’s the beautiful part.
Some countries welcome the New Year with ancient rituals steeped in spiritual meaning, while others have embraced modern, energetic celebrations that reflect the vibrant spirit of our times. Whether you're a fan of fireworks, waves, running, or quiet introspection, there’s a New Year's tradition out there that might just speak to your soul.
Here are five fascinating and widely-practiced modern traditions from across the world—each offering a unique way to celebrate the changing of the calendar.
Discover with us:
The San Silvestre Run – Madrid, Spain
What better way to end the year than by running through the heart of a historic European city surrounded by music, laughter, and thousands of other joyful people?
Each December 31st, Madrid hosts the San Silvestre Vallecana, a 10-kilometer race that has become one of the most iconic New Year’s Eve events in Europe. Started in 1964 and named after Saint Sylvester, whose feast day falls on December 31st, the race has two versions: one for elite athletes and another open to the public, where runners often dress in wild costumes ranging from superheroes to fruit salads.
It’s not just about fitness—it’s about fun, community, and ending the year in motion. Streets are lined with cheering spectators, DJs, and confetti. The event has inspired similar races in cities around the world, especially in Latin America. For many Spaniards, this run has become as symbolic of New Year’s Eve as fireworks or cava.
Jumping Seven Waves at Midnight – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Imagine welcoming the New Year standing barefoot on the warm sands of Copacabana Beach, the night sky ablaze with fireworks, and the sound of drums and waves filling the air. At the stroke of midnight, millions of people in Rio de Janeiro—and along much of Brazil’s coastline—rush into the sea to jump over seven waves, making a wish with each one.
This deeply spiritual and joyful ritual is rooted in Afro-Brazilian traditions, particularly Candomblé and Umbanda, and pays homage to Yemanjá, the orixá (deity) of the sea and motherhood. Devotees offer flowers, candles, and even perfume in small boats to gain her blessing for the year ahead.
While the ritual has spiritual origins, it’s embraced by all—locals, tourists, religious, secular—who come together in a massive display of gratitude, hope, and renewal. Dressed in white, people blend joy with reverence in a uniquely Brazilian celebration of life.
108 Bell Chimes – Buddhist Temples, Japan
Japan’s approach to New Year’s is more serene than spectacular. Known as Ōmisoka, New Year's Eve in Japan is a time for reflection, cleansing, and quiet renewal. Instead of parties, many people head to Buddhist temples for Joya no Kane, a ritual where temple bells are struck exactly 108 times at midnight.
Why 108? In Buddhist belief, humans are afflicted by 108 earthly desires or defilements—emotions such as envy, greed, and anger. Each toll of the bell symbolically purifies one of these, allowing people to start the new year with a clean, peaceful mind.
Families often gather around the TV to watch the bell ringing at famous temples like Chion-in in Kyoto or Zojo-ji in Tokyo, followed by a warm bowl of toshikoshi soba (year-crossing noodles), which symbolize long life and resilience.
It’s a gentle, meaningful tradition that reminds us that the New Year isn’t just about noise and champagne—it can also be about letting go of what weighs us down.
Twelve Grapes at Midnight – Spain & Latin America
At the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve, millions of people in Spain, Mexico, Argentina, and other Spanish-speaking countries prepare for a quirky and slightly chaotic challenge: eat 12 grapes in 12 seconds, one for each chime of the clock.
This tradition began in Spain in the early 20th century, possibly as a marketing tactic by grape growers in Alicante. Today, it’s an essential part of the celebration. Each grape symbolizes a wish or hope for each month of the coming year—so people chew quickly while trying not to laugh or choke.
In Madrid’s Puerta del Sol, massive crowds gather to eat their grapes in sync with the giant clock tower, often broadcast live on national TV. The tradition has since become a fun, family-friendly game in many Latin American households.
Quick tip: if you ever try this, go for seedless grapes, and maybe practice your timing beforehand!
Sydney Harbour Fireworks – Australia
If there’s one city that symbolizes the global kickoff of the New Year, it’s Sydney. Thanks to its time zone, Australia is among the first major countries to celebrate, and Sydney marks the moment with one of the most dazzling fireworks displays on Earth.
At precisely midnight, the skies over Sydney Harbour explode in color. Fireworks launch from the Harbour Bridge, surrounding barges, and even the sails of the Sydney Opera House. Over a million people gather in the city to witness the spectacle in person, and hundreds of millions watch it live around the world.
More than just a show, the Sydney fireworks have become a symbol of global celebration. The themes often reflect national values or global causes—past years have honored Indigenous culture, environmental awareness, and global unity.
It’s a modern tradition, yes, but one that captures the wonder and scale of our connected world. A reminder that even in our differences, we share the same sky—and the same wish for a better year ahead.
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