Five Colombian Traditions to Welcome the New Year

Christmas and New Year’s Eve are among the most anticipated times of the year in Colombia. The traditions to welcome the New Year, known as agüeros, symbolize family unity and hope. These practices reflect Colombian popular beliefs and customs aimed at attracting good luck, prosperity, and positive energy for the year ahead.

Top 5 curious Colombian traditions for welcoming the New Year

In Colombia, there are several fascinating and meaningful traditions for ringing in the New Year. Here are some of the most popular ones:

Eating 12 grapes at midnight

Although this tradition originated in Spain, it has been widely adopted in Colombia and throughout Latin America. It involves eating 12 grapes just before the whistles or bells announce the arrival of the New Year. For each grape, a wish is made, with the hope that it will come true in the upcoming year. Grapes, a fruit historically associated with abundance and good fortune, play a central role in this ritual, symbolizing prosperity and positivity.

Burning the ‘Año Viejo’ Doll

The Año Viejo doll is one of Colombia’s most iconic year-end traditions. This doll, usually made of old clothes and stuffed with sawdust or paper, is burned shortly before or right at midnight on December 31. In some households, family members place letters inside the doll listing the negative experiences or problems they want to leave behind. This ritual symbolizes purification and renewal, marking the end of one cycle and the beginning of a new one.

In recent years, however, this practice has been restricted in certain areas due to its environmental impact. As an alternative, many people have embraced more eco-friendly versions, such as miniature dolls made from less polluting materials.

Wearing yellow or red underwear

In Colombia, the choice of underwear color for New Year’s Eve holds special meaning:

Yellow: Represents prosperity, abundance, and good fortune. It is believed that wearing yellow underwear will attract financial opportunities and success in the coming year. In some regions, it is customary to wear it inside out throughout December 31 and turn it right-side out as the New Year begins.

Red: Symbolizes love and passion. This color is ideal for those seeking romance, happiness in their relationships, or greater emotional intensity in the year ahead.

Carrying lentils in your pockets

Another popular tradition involves placing lentils in your pockets as a symbol of abundance and wealth. Some people even bathe with lentils or scatter them around the house to ensure prosperity for the New Year. This ritual is rooted in the belief that lentils, as a staple and nourishing food, represent well-being and financial stability.

Running around the block with a suitcase

For travel enthusiasts, this custom is a must. At midnight, people grab a suitcase and run around the block, believing that this symbolic act will bring opportunities to travel in the coming year. Many families turn this tradition into a group activity, joyfully walking or running through their neighborhood with suitcases in hand, filled with hope for new adventures and destinations.