New Year’s Eve Traditions Around the World

South Africa – In South Africa, they’re all about out with the old and in with the new. During New Year’s Eve, it’s customary to throw old furniture out the window and into the street. This isn’t as heavily in practice today, instead being replaced with great firework displays and all-night parties. Cape Town in particular holds a special carnival with singing, dancing, bright clothes, and face paint.

Image Source: Rasta Ites

Ethiopia – Ethiopia is one of the only countries in the world to recognize a 13^th month. Interestingly enough, they celebrate the new year on September 11^th with huge festivities. The event is called Enkutatash, which translates to “gift of jewels,” and harks back to the days when the Queen of Sheba went on a trip and was gifted with jewels upon her return. Today, children receive small gifts and adults gather with friends and family.

Nigeria – Celebrations of New Year’s Eve in Nigeria involve elaborate parties where friends and family exchange wishes and offer prayers. Lagos holds many masquerades such as the Calabar Carnival and Lagos Countdown where citizens dress in animal masks and perform high energy dances on the streets. This tradition symbolizes good luck and cheerfulness and wards away evil energy and negativity. The best part is their celebration lasts for 20 days and begins on December 7^th or 8^th.

Zimbabwe –Why celebrate New Year’s Eve for only one night? That’s the thought in Zimbabwe where they host a 3-day extravaganza with big crowds at Jameson Vic Falls Carnival. Entertainment includes fire dancers, stilt walkers, and the continent’s biggest waterfall. There are also many live performances by local deejays and other up-and-coming musicians.

Senegal – New Year’s Eve is a joyous occasion, marked by the colorful Le Fanal Festival in Senegal. Lanterns are lit and paraded down the street with drumming and singing. People dress up in elaborate costumes and embrace the music. There is also the annual Abéné Festivalo, a 10-day drumming festival that begins at the end of December and extends all the way to January. Aside from the music, there is also traditional Senegalese wrestling matches.

NORTH AMERICA

Image source: K. Gardiner, Sherman’s Travel

Mexico – The Año Neuvo is a time of embracing renewal. This is marked by throwing buckets of water out the window and opening the front door to symbolically sweep out the old year. Families toss coins onto the ground and sweep them back into the house to encourage a prosperous future. Meanwhile, they attend decorative parties, parades, and festivals, complete with eye-catching fireworks and the traditional Latin American custom of burning scarecrows.