Discover how the world rings in the New Year!
In the United States, the most popular New Year’s Eve event occurs under the bright, neon lights of Time Square. Millions of people gather in the streets of Manhattan (or tune in to the live show from home), to watch a glittery ball descend 141 feet down a flagpole, ending with confetti, kissing, and lots of music. But the U.S. isn’t the only country with its New Year’s traditions! Ring in 2019 with AESU, and discover four peculiar New Year’s Eve customs around the globe!
Eating 12 Grapes
If you find yourself in Madrid’s Puerta del Sol on New Year’s Eve, you may notice that the locals have their hands full! In Spain, it’s custom to enjoy 12 grapes, one for each stroke of Midnight, for health and prosperity. With 12 grapes in one hand and a glass of cava in the other, the people of Spain take to the streets to join the New Year’s Eve festivities!
Smashing Plates
What may be perceived as vandalism is a sign of love in respect in Denmark! Danish citizens collect chipped dishes and glasses throughout the year, and on New Year’s Eve, they take them to the streets! Friends and family smash dishes against the front doors of loved ones. A doorstep covered in broken dishes is an indication that the homeowner is well-liked!
Jumping Into the Ocean
New Year’s Eve is considered one of the biggest holidays in Brazil, so the evening features many wonderful traditions! One of the most popular celebratory traditions dictates that those who jump over seven waves will have good luck in the coming year. On New Year’s Eve, the beaches of Rio de Janiero come alive with wave-jumpers of all ages!
Enjoying 12 Meals
In Estonia, the locals indulge in a lucky number of meals on New Year’s Eve! Eating twelve meals is considered the luckiest, and is thought to give the diner the strength of a dozen men! Don’t worry; you don’t need to finish every morsel on your plate. It’s tradition to leave a few bites behind for the ancestral spirits.
Travel the World with AESU!
AESU offers unique, thrilling travel programs for college students and young professionals at affordable rates. Each trip is action-packed and informal—designed just for people your own age. We are also able to design custom tours just for your group.
Experience an exhilarating European adventure on the Cosmopolitan, Explorer, the Euro Focus tour, and more!
2019 tour dates and prices are now available! If you have any questions or want help booking your European adventure, please contact AESU by calling 800-638-7640, or fill out the contact form found on our website!