Whether it’s smashing plates, burning effigies, or decoding molten tin, these traditions remind us that New Year’s Eve is more than just a countdown.
As the clock inches towards midnight on 31 December, the world readies itself to bid adieu to the old year and usher in the new. For some, the occasion is marked with sequinned soirées and champagne-fuelled revelry. But for those with a penchant for the unique, New Year’s Eve becomes an opportunity to immerse oneself in the fascinating traditions of cultures across the globe. And what better way to do so than in unparalleled luxury?
Here, we present an insider’s guide to indulging in the world’s most unconventional New Year’s customs, paired with retreats that redefine what bringing the New Year on in style means. Whether it’s smashing plates in Denmark or burning effigies in Ecuador, these experiences promise to be as memorable as they are extraordinary.
The Danish Smash
Breaking Plates for Fortune In Denmark, New Year’s Eve comes with a cacophony that could rival a rock concert. The tradition? Smashing plates against the doors of friends and family to symbolise affection and bestow good luck. For those eager to partake, Denmark offers retreats where tranquillity is the prelude to midnight chaos. Consider the serene coastal town of Skagen, where boutique hotels such as Ruths Hotel exude understated elegance. Their New Year’s packages include Nordic-inspired feasts, ensuring you’re well-fed before picking up a plate. While Ruths doesn’t officially endorse the smashing, locals are more than happy to guide you through this quirky ritual.
A Palette of Luck in South America
Wearing Colourful Underwear in South America In countries like Brazil and Mexico, New Year’s Eve isn’t just about what you do—it’s about what you wear underneath. Red underwear promises love, yellow ushers in wealth, and white ensures peace. Celebrate this intimate tradition in the lap of luxury at São Paulo’s Fasano Hotel or Mexico City’s Four Seasons. Both establishments offer extravagant New Year’s Eve celebrations that blend tradition with modernity. For the full experience, indulge in curated shopping trips to pick out your auspicious undergarments, and prepare for evenings of glamour and gastronomic indulgence. After all, fortune favours the bold—and the well-dressed.
Alternatively, for those looking for a slightly different approach to NYE, why not look into one of the many NYE festivals on offer? Reveillon Carneiros, with its exceptional setting and DJs, is certainly one of our favourites.
Grapes for Grace in Spain
A Spanish Tradition Spain’s peculiar custom of eating twelve grapes at midnight, one for each chime of the clock, promises luck for every month of the coming year. But don’t let the simplicity of the task fool you—keeping pace with the chimes requires both precision and poise. For the perfect backdrop, consider Madrid’s iconic Ritz by Mandarin Oriental or Barcelona’s seaside Hotel Arts. These luxury stalwarts host glittering New Year’s Eve galas, where the grape ritual is seamlessly incorporated. Guests can count down to midnight while sipping cava and enjoying live performances. It’s indulgence with a touch of adrenaline, as you attempt to synchronise your bites with the pealing of the clock.
Burning the Past in Ecuador
Few traditions are as cathartic as Ecuador’s “Año Viejo.” On New Year’s Eve, effigies representing the year’s misfortunes—often caricatures of politicians or pop culture icons—are ceremoniously set ablaze. For a front-row seat to this fiery tradition, head to Quito or Guayaquil, where five-star establishments like the Casa Gangotena offer bespoke experiences. Overlook the burning effigies from their rooftop terraces, sipping handcrafted cocktails and savouring local delicacies. The crackling flames and festive atmosphere below provide a visceral connection to this ancient custom, all from the comfort of your luxurious perch.
Seven Feasts of Abundance in Estonia
In Estonia, New Year’s Day revolves around indulgence, as locals partake in seven, nine, or twelve meals—a culinary marathon believed to ensure abundance for the year ahead. Each meal, however, leaves a portion untouched to feed ancestral spirits. The medieval charm of Tallinn provides the perfect setting for this gastronomic adventure. Stay at the enchanting Schlössle Hotel, where Michelin-starred chefs craft menus that honour this age-old tradition. Guests can indulge in curated tasting menus that stretch into the evening, allowing them to toast the New Year while embracing Estonia’s distinctive heritage.
Future Cast in Metal
Finland’s Molten Tin Tradition In Finland, the future is forged—quite literally—on New Year’s Eve. A centuries-old custom involves pouring molten tin into cold water, with the resulting shapes interpreted as omens for the year ahead. For an ethereal take on this ritual, book a stay at the Arctic TreeHouse Hotel in Rovaniemi. Nestled in the snowy Lapland wilderness, this luxurious retreat organises private molten-tin sessions where expert guides help decipher your liquid prophecy. Pair this with a traditional Finnish sauna and a Northern Lights spectacle for a night that promises both insight and magic.
Silence for Harmony in the Philippines
While most cultures ring in the New Year with noise and celebration, Filipinos in some regions opt for the opposite: silence. It’s believed that avoiding arguments or loud commotions ensures a harmonious and prosperous year. The Farm at San Benito, a world-renowned wellness retreat in Batangas, offers the perfect sanctuary to honour this tradition. Guests can participate in meditation sessions and silent dinners designed to cultivate inner peace. As fireworks light up the skies above, you’ll find serenity below, ringing in the New Year with a calm that’s deeply restorative.
Beating Out Bad Spirits in Ireland
In Ireland, the turn of the year involves a rather peculiar exorcism: banging loaves of bread against the walls to chase away evil spirits. This ancient practice is less common today but remains a charming nod to the island’s folklore. Indulge in Irish hospitality at The Merrion in Dublin, a five-star gem steeped in Georgian elegance. While bread-banging isn’t officially on the agenda, the hotel’s curated walking tours through historic neighbourhoods offer a glimpse into Ireland’s cultural past. Afterward, retreat to The Merrion’s lavish dining room, where modern interpretations of Irish classics await.
A New Year’s Odyssey
Whether it’s smashing plates, burning effigies, or decoding molten tin, these traditions remind us that New Year’s Eve is more than just a countdown—it’s a cultural tapestry of hopes, dreams, and renewal. And while the customs may be humble, the settings in which you experience them don’t have to be. Luxury travel isn’t just about the destination; it’s about connecting with the essence of a place and its people. By stepping into these traditions, you embrace not just a different way to welcome the year, but a richer understanding of the world. This New Year, let indulgence and authenticity guide your journey—and toast to a year of adventures yet to come.