New Year's Traditions And Customs From Around The World

2025 is almost here! Embracing the arrival of a new year often involves unique customs and celebrations worldwide.

The diverse ways of ringing in the New Year is a good reminder to think about hopes, beliefs and aspirations for the year ahead.

In Brazil, the New Year arrives with a vibrant white-clad crowd congregating on the beaches. Its a celebration steeped in tradition, honouring Iemanja, the ocean goddess of Afro-Brazilian faiths.

Along the shore, gifts are placed on boats and set adrift as offerings. Participants leap over seven waves, expressing gratitude for the years blessings. And as the ritual concludes, they walk away from the ocean only when their feet remain dry, avoiding the chance of unwelcome luck.

In Spain, welcoming the New Year involves a unique grape-related tradition. As the clock strikes midnight, Spaniards participate in a ritual of consuming 12 grapes, each grape in sync with the chimes, signifying hopes for good fortune in the upcoming year.