Most popular New Year's traditions in Colombia

Discover the vibrant and unique New Year's Eve traditions in Colombia, known as 'agüeros'. From eating twelve grapes at midnight for good luck to wearing specific colored underwear to attract love or prosperity, these Colombian customs are rich in meaning. Explore how Colombians celebrate the New Year with rituals designed to ensure a prosperous future, filled with travel and happiness. Immerse yourself in the festive culture and the rituals that make the year-end in Colombia so special and memorable for its citizens.

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  1. 1

    Wearing yellow underwear

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    • Believed to bring fortune for the upcoming year

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    This tradition is deeply ingrained in Colombian culture, believed to attract prosperity, good luck, money, love, and happiness for the upcoming year. Yellow is associated with gold, the sun, eternal life, and vital energy, making it a powerful symbol for new beginnings.

  2. 2

    Eating twelve grapes at midnight

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    • Represents a wish for each month of the coming year

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    This ritual is a widespread practice across Colombia, symbolizing good fortune and ensuring wishes for the new year are granted. Each grape represents a month, and a wish is made with each one, making it a hopeful start to the year.

  3. 3

    Running Around the Block with a Suitcase

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    • Symbolizes a desire to travel in the new year

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    This vibrant tradition is a fun and active way for Colombians to express their desire for travel and new adventures in the upcoming year. It's a common sight to see people with suitcases on the streets at midnight, symbolizing wanderlust.

  4. 4

    Burning the "Año Viejo" Doll

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    • Symbolizes leaving behind stress and negativity

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    This purifying ritual is a powerful way to symbolize casting away negativity, bad memories, and past mistakes, making way for new beginnings and good fortune. It's a deeply symbolic tradition that allows people to literally burn away the old.

  5. 5

    Having Money in Pockets or Hands

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    • Brings financial security

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    This tradition is a direct appeal for financial security and abundance, reflecting a common desire for economic stability in the new year. It's a simple yet powerful gesture to attract wealth.

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  7. 6

    Placing Lentils in Pockets or Eating Them

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    • Believed to bring good luck when consumed or carried in pockets

    This custom is widely practiced to bring good luck, abundance, and ensure there is always food on the table. Lentils are seen as a symbol of prosperity and sustenance, making this a meaningful tradition.

  8. 7

    Symbolic home cleaning (New Year's Eve)

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    • Brings positivity to the new year

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    This practice is believed to remove bad energies, negative thoughts, and clutter from the old year, bringing positivity and a fresh start for the new year. It's a practical and symbolic way to prepare for new beginnings.

  9. 8

    Putting the Right Foot Forward After Midnight

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    • Symbolizes starting the year on the 'right foot'

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    This tradition symbolizes starting the new year on the 'right foot,' filling it with positive vibes and good decisions. It's a simple yet intentional act to set a positive tone for the entire year.

  10. 9

    Playing "Faltan Cinco Pa' Las Doce"

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    • Hugely popular Latin American classic

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    This song is an iconic and essential part of the Colombian New Year's Eve countdown, setting the festive and emotional mood for the transition into the new year. It evokes strong feelings of nostalgia and anticipation.

  11. 10

    Spending New Year's Eve with Family

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    • Family and friends come together for festivities

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    Family is central to Colombian culture, and New Year's Eve is a cherished occasion for bonding, similar to a second Christmas. This tradition highlights the importance of togetherness and shared celebration.