During New Year’s Eve, many Colombians participate in some unique traditional end-of-year rituals. They call them agüeros, which translates to “omens.” People believe these agüeros will ensure a prosperous new year for themselves and their families. Here are the most unique Colombian New Year’s Eve traditions.
Wheat on the Table
Colombia has a strong agricultural industry, so this tradition is an ode to the nation’s farmers. On New Year’s Eve, families will fill the main Christmas table with shafts of wheat, 12 to be exact. This is one of Colombia’s oldest traditions and is carried out to ensure a fruitful and profitable New Year. This ritual is less common in big cities. It’s popular in smaller towns, especially those with big agricultural economies.
Filling your Pockets with Lentils
Originating in Europe, this tradition is now a fixture in many Colombian households. On December 31st, people will put dried lentils in their pockets or coin purses and can carry them around all year. Colombians believe that this will guarantee a bountiful and successful year and bring money to the household.
Have Cash in your Hand
Always having some cash at hand is quite practical. Most Colombians would happen to agree, as it’s their end-of-year tradition to be holding some hard cash as the clock strikes midnight. It usually isn’t a large amount, just a few pesos to usher in a financially successful year.
Colombian believes you should be surrounded by all the things you desire or want to take into your future. Money is, of course, at the top of the list for many.
Eating 12 Grapes at Midnight
This tradition isn’t unique to Colombia; in Spain, they also participate in this New Year’s Eve custom. Well, it’s more of a fun game than a cultural tradition. The idea is to wait until the 12-second countdown to midnight and try to fit as many grapes in your mouth during that time.
It’s surprisingly harder than it sounds, making for a fun competition between friends. Each grape was originally supposed to symbolize a wish, but most people forget about the initial meaning when they’re racing to stuff grapes in their mouths!
Burn the Año Nuevo doll
Similar to the British tradition of burning Guy Fawkes on Bonfire Night, setting alight the Año Nuevo doll is an old and cherished tradition. In Colombia, the effigy represents the past year, and the burning symbolizes everything you wish to leave behind.
The doll is usually life-size and filled with cardboard, straw, and sawdust. It’s stuffed with fireworks, then set alight at midnight, causing a big beautiful explosion.
Cleaning the House on the December 31st
For Colombians, the New Year’s Eve clean is an important ritual. Everything in the house is dusted, scrubbed, and washed. The objective is to purge the house of bad energy, negative memories, pessimism, and unpleasant thoughts, meaning you enter the new year with, quite literally, a clean slate and fresh start. Like the burning of the doll, there is more of a focus on the year gone.
Step into the New Year with your right foot
Colombians believe that in order to step into the New Year with positivity and good vibes, you need to put your best foot forward. In this case, it’s the right foot. So when the clock strikes midnight, Colombians ensure that the first step they take in the new year is with their right foot. Naturally, with a room full of tipsy family and friends, the task of making your first step with your right foot becomes increasingly more challenging and turns into a hilarious competition.
Going for a Midnight Stroll with your Suitcase
To guarantee the new year is filled with travel and adventure, Colombians grab their suitcase and take a midnight walk around the block. The suitcase can be empty or filled. The most important aspect is the walk around the neighborhood. Satisfy your wanderlust and ensure 12 months of exploration with this Colombian tradition.
Yellow Underwear on New Year's Eve
To guarantee a New Year filled with happiness and love, Colombians believe in wearing bright yellow underwear on December 31st. However, the undergarment must be brand new. If not, you won’t receive the blessings. Some believe that to maximize effect, they should be worn reversed and then turned to the front after midnight.
Spending New Year’s Eve at Home
While NYE is the biggest nightclub and partying event of the year in many places in the world, Colombians traditionally spend the evening at home. It would be pretty hard to carry out all these traditional customs at the club! The evening is usually spent drinking and eating with family, then younger people may go to a nightclub, but it will be after midnight.
