How New Year is Celebrated Around the World
Zora Wang
20 Dec 2023
Different countries all around the world have their own traditions when it comes to celebrating the New Year. It's like a global party with different start times and involves different unique traditions. And guess what? No matter how different we all celebrate, there are some things we all just love doing.
Like cooking up delicious food to share with friends and family. Lighting up the sky with fireworks to shoo away the bad luck. Or embracing lucky numbers for a sprinkle of good fortune. Each country adds its special traditions, turning New Year's into a colourful and diverse global celebration.
Oh, and here's the best part – wherever you are right now, we've got something special. Whether you're from Mexico, the Philippines, or Jamaica, we've compiled a fantastic list of events just for you.
These are perfect whether you're partying it up in the US, celebrating in the UK, or making memories in Canada or Australia. So, get ready to count down to the New Year in your way. Let's make it unforgettable.
Filipino New Year traditions
First stop: the Philippines. Did you know Filipinos have a thing for round foods during New Year's? Eating 12 round fruits is believed to bring prosperity for each month of the year. So, make sure your fruit bowl is full.
And if you love fashion, wear polka dots – they mean wealth. Also, let’s not forget about sticky rice dishes. They're not just tasty but also symbolize family unity and good fortune. Yummy and meaningful.
Fun things to do for Filipinos abroad
Date: December 31, 2023
Time: 6pm-1am
Location: Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel, 1919 Upper Water St,Halifax, NS, Canada
Date: December 31, 2023
Time: 6pm
Location: 1021 Koger Center Drive North Chesterfield, VA 23235 United States
Jamaican New Year traditions
Next, we head to Jamaica. It's all about blessings and vibrant celebrations here. People go to Watch Night Services to pray and thank for the New Year. Then, there's exciting Junkanoo dancing with bright costumes and lively moves. The Jamaica Pantomime is also fun, showing the island's history and culture in plays.
Fun things to do for Jamaicans abroad
Date: December 31, 2023
Time: 9pm – 1am
Location: Barract street jetty Perth, WA 6000 Australia
Date: December 31, 2023
Time: 10pm – 4am
Location: 4-6 Inverness St, London NW1 7HG, United Kingdom
Date: December 30, 2023
Time: 7pm
Location: Dominion Centre, 9 High Road, London, United Kingdom
Mexican New Year traditions
Now, let's move to Mexico. Mexican New Year's combines fun and tradition. Get ready to eat 12 grapes at midnight – one for each bell ring, for the months ahead. If you enjoy fruity drinks, you'll love Ponche, a fruit punch often added with rum, perfect for New Year's. For those who love a good party game, breaking open a piñata is a festive activity. It's a way to say adios to bad luck and hola to good fortune.
Fun things to do for Mexicans abroad
Date: December 31, 2023
Time: 6pm - 1am
Location: 2, Flinders Walk, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Date: December 31, 2023
Time: 8:30pm - Midnight
Location: 1101 Uptown Park Blvd Suite 12, Houston, TX 77056, United States
Date: December 31, 2023
Time: 5:30pm – 1am
Location: Santo Remedio, London Bridge, London.
No matter where we are in the world, New Year's is a time to feel connected, especially if we're away from home. Many people keep their cultural traditions alive, no matter how far they roam. It's all about feeling closer to loved ones and continuing traditions. Plus, using Ding makes it so much easier to stay connected with our families back home.
Whether you're eating round fruits in Toronto, dancing to reggae in London, or smashing a piñata in New York. Embracing these global traditions adds joy to your New Year's celebrations. So, here's to a year of joy, prosperity, and amazing new adventures. Happy New Year, everyone.
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