New Year’s traditions in the Hispanic world

New Year’s Day is an important celebration in all Spanish-speaking countries. Each country has unique traditions, although many share common elements. For example, in Spain, the most famous custom is to eat twelve grapes to the rhythm of the midnight chimes . This tradition began in the 20th century as a strategy for farmers to sell surplus grapes and has become a symbol of good luck. Each grape represents a month of the year and brings good luck if you eat them all on time.

In Mexico, in addition to the grapes, some people write their wishes on a piece of paper and burn it to make them come true. This tradition is linked to the belief that fire purifies and helps transform wishes into reality. In Colombia, it is common to walk around the block with a suitcase to attract travel in the new year. In addition, perhaps the most popular tradition in the country is to wear yellow underwear to welcome the New Year. This tradition symbolizes the attraction of economic prosperity, as it is said to act as a magnet for money and financial success . Meanwhile, in Peru and Ecuador, people burn a rag doll called “año viejo” (old year), which symbolizes leaving the bad behind. These dolls are usually represented as humorous figures or public figures, and their burning symbolizes the closing of a cycle and renewal for the year ahead.

These traditions show us how the New Year is an opportunity to reflect and start anew with positive energy. This same energy leads us to make personal resolutions for the new year, such as improving our skills or achieving important goals.

New Year’s resolutions: intention or plan?

When the year begins, many people make resolutions: to learn something new, to exercise, to travel or to improve their lives in some way. But what is the difference between a resolution and a plan?

A resolution is an intention. For example: “I want to learn Spanish this year”. However, to make that intention a reality, you need a plan. A plan includes concrete steps, such as dedicating a specific time each week, using appropriate materials, or practicing with native speakers.

A good example is learning a language. If you decide to improve your Spanish, you can make a plan like this:

  1. Study vocabulary 15 minutes a day.
  2. Practice conversation once a week.
  3. Read or listen to something in Spanish every day.

For this plan to work, it is helpful to have a guide or someone to help you. This is where Spanish classes can be of great help. With a teacher you can have structure, motivation and personalized support.

Get to know the culture while you learn

Also, learning Spanish is not just about studying words or grammar. It is also about discovering traditions such as New Year’s in Hispanic countries. Understanding the culture helps you enjoy the language more and communicate better with people.

So, if one of your resolutions is to learn Spanish this year, remember: an intention needs a plan to become a reality! Are you ready to start?

Vocabulary

  • Campanada (fem.): The sound a bell makes, especially at midnight on New Year’s Eve.
  • Surplus (masc.): Amount left over after needs have been met.
  • Éxito (masc.): Victory, triumph, achievement of an objective.
  • Intention (fem.): Desire or idea of doing something.
  • Plan (mascul.): Organization of steps to achieve an objective.
  • Purpose (masc.): Objective or goal you want to achieve.
  • Reflect: To think carefully about something.
  • Tradition (fem.): Custom or practice that is repeated in a culture.

Expressions

  • To become something: verb of change. To become something else or to become something.
  • To walk around the block: To walk around a block or group of houses.
  • To leave behind: to abandon, overcome, forget, set aside.
  • Start over: To begin something again, from the beginning.
  • This brings us to: expression that introduces a logical consequence or a connection between ideas.
  • To make a wish, dream or intentioncome true: to make something you desire come true.