Celebrating the New Year From Around the World

Dec 22

Reading Time: 2 mins

children throwing confetti and celebrating the new year

New Year celebrations are happening worldwide as we ring in 2023. Almost every culture has its unique traditions to celebrate the new year. Learning about how other cultures celebrate holidays is a great way to embrace cultural diversity and explore different traditions. Here are five different New Year’s celebrations from around the world — why not try to incorporate some of these into your own?

Spain: 12 grapes

The Spanish start their new year by eating 12 grapes, which symbolize each clock strike. The tradition of las doce uvas de la suerte started in the late 19th century and is believed to ward off evil while boosting your chances of a prosperous and lucky new year.

child learning how to ice fish in the new year

Canada: Ice fishing

Freezing temps don’t keep Canadians from starting the new year with a favorite winter sport—ice fishing. According to Global News, families rent heated huts and cooking equipment to enjoy their feast with loved ones on the spot.

Philippines: 12 round fruits

On New Year’s Eve, families in the Philippines serve 12 round fruits, one representing each month of the year. Fruits like apples, grapes, and plums are believed to represent prosperity due to their shape, similar to coins.

Greece: Hang an onion outside the door

In Greece, hanging an onion outside your door symbolizes fertility and growth (thanks to its ability to sprout on its own). The onion is traditionally hung outside after church service on New Year’s Day.

ring tower cake in celebration of new years in norway

Norway and Denmark: Celebrating with a towering cake

Kransekake, a traditional ringed cake made with at least 18 layers, is eaten in Denmark and Norway on New Year’s Eve. The sugary layers look like cookies and are held together with tasty royal icing. Make one of your own!

However you choose to celebrate, tying in cultural diversity is a great way to introduce new perspectives and instill a sense of acceptance in children. This new year, consider making a trip to your local library to find books on cultural traditions. You can read about them together, create drawings, and write interesting facts. This is a fun way to ensure that reading is part of your holiday break plans while celebrating cultural diversity.