This South American nation with friendly people and colorful culture and beautiful sceneries has some of the most interesting and colorful ways to welcome the New Year’s eve. As many people around the globe celebrate the New Year, Colombians do it with lots of happiness, family reunion, and such cultural practices as described above. Columbians have a flair of enjoying the end of the year in various cities ranging from the booming cities of Bogotá and Medellín to the beautiful coastal city of Cartagena and therefore, Colombians make wonderful memories as they embrace traditional and contemporary customs.
So if you are intending to attend the New Year celebrations of Colombia then do not forget to get Colombia Visa or Colombia Tourist Visa from Dubai to enjoy the local culture. Whether it is having a family dinner, dancing to salsa tunes or participating in one of Colombia’s cultural practices, the country provides the international traveler with an opportunity to engage in the culture. As such, New Year’s Eve in Colombia goes beyond simply celebrating the end of the year but an opportunity to be involved in traditions that have been inherited from our ancestors.
In this blog, I will share the five most thrilling and unforgettable New Year ’s Eve traditions in Colombia. These traditions are not mere customs; they are the embodiment of good things in the world like hope and prosperity as well as happiness that comes with new beginnings. Therefore, no matter if you are organizing your journey from Dubai or from other parts of the world, prepare for the warm and colorful atmosphere of Colombia during the festive season.
Here is the Top 5 Exciting New Year’s Eve Traditions from Colombia
1. El Año Viejo (The Old Year) – The Burning of the Doll
Undoubtedly one of the most eagerly awaited traditions in Colombia is the burning of the effigy of the old year, called El Año Viejo. People create these dolls using scraps of used clothes, newspapers, and firecrackers and can resemble a person who has epitomized the year’s difficulties. On New Year’s Eve, the statues are burnt at mid night to do away with the bad fortunes, evils, evils, and other vices of the preceding year. This act is performed in order to welcome the New Year and expect only positive outcomes in the coming year.
For those having Colombia Visa or Colombia Tourist Visa from Dubai, you can visit places like Bogotá, Medellín or Cali and get the opportunity to see the enormous bonfires and fabulous fire works that are part of this tradition. It is an astonishing view which will be an amazing way to kick-off your Colombian New Year’s experience.
2. Twelve Grapes for a Good Luck
Colombians have a special way of celebrating the New Year, by taking 12 grapes at midnight. Every grape is associated with one of the 12 months of the year and when you are eating them, you make a wish for each month. It is considered to be lucky and auspicious to bring happiness the entire year through. This tradition is observed all over Colombia and people are often seen consuming grapes at the stroke of midnight.
As a traveler in Colombia, it is a pleasant thing to take part in this tradition. This practice is as sweet and as meaningful as the first time I saw people do it while enjoying the colourful and vibrant life of Cartagena or during a family gathering in the coffee region. Don’t forget to have twelve grapes on the hand when the counting is going on.
3. Wearing Yellow for Prosperity
Yellow is the most important color of the New Year’s Day in Colombia and this color is used intensively during the evening. Some people think that wearing yellow underwear, clothes or accessories on New Year’s Eve will bring prosperity, happiness and luck in the coming year. Some individuals also use yellow things in their homes to bring luck and prosperity in their lives.
If you are going to spend the New Year in Colombia, do not forget to take something yellow with you. It does not matter if it is a yellow dress, shirt, or any accessory; people will tell you to wear the color to bring you good luck in the year. For tourists who have Colombia Visa from Dubai, this is among the best ways to interact with the local people.
4. Taking a Walk around the Block with a Suitcase for Travel Fortune
For those who like to travel, this funny tradition is for you! At midnight, Colombians take an open suitcase and walk around the block with it. It is believed to make the year full of travel expeditions and discovery. Whether you are a first time visitor to Colombia or you’re thinking about your next trips around the globe, this fun custom is a great way to wish for more great adventures.
Picture yourself walking with your suitcase in the streets of Bogotá or Medellín together with the people of the country, while watching the fireworks. This tradition is not only beneficial in terms of luck in travels but also spices up the holiday season.
5. They Used Music and Dance to Celebrate
The Colombian people love music and particularly dance, and this is not left out during the New Year celebrations. The night is all about dancing salsa, cumbia, vallenato, and reggaeton that creates an environment for a great party. It is a tradition that Colombians go outdoors, whether on the streets, their homes, or any public place where they can gather with friends and family to dance and sing.
In case you are in Colombia during New Year celebrations, do not hesitate to dance! From the Caribbean coast city of Cartagena to the cultural heart of Medellin you will be encouraged to dance with the locals and to celebrate the happiness of the nation. The celebration is contagious, if you know how to dance or not, the warm reception of Colombians will make you feel like you are part of the group.
6. The Midniaght Toast and Fireworks Display
However, the final event of New Year’s Eve in Colombia is the toasting at midnight. The Columbian people toast their champagne or aguardiente which is a local brand of spirit to usher in the New Year. In addition to the toast, you are presented with a spectacular firework show where all major cities are illuminated by fireworks.
In the larger cities such as Bogotá, Medellin and Cali the fireworks display is fantastic. These shows are always associated with music and street celebrations, so celebrating the New Year in Colombia is simply amazing. People with Colombia Tourist Visa from Dubai will be able to witness the colors, sounds and thrill of the Colombian cities during this festive night.
Conclusion
These are some of the New Year’s Eve traditions that are very thrilling, all these are just a tip of the iceberg as far as celebration in Colombia is concerned. In case you are considering spending this holiday season in Colombia, and then making sure that you obtain your Colombia Visa or Colombia Tourist Visa from Dubai. This way you will be prepared to embrace Colombian hospitality and enjoy the spirit that makes Colombian New Year’s Eve unique.
From burning effigies to eating grapes and dancing the night away, Colombia delivers a New Year’s holiday that is truly unforgettable and one to remember.