With Christmas and New Year on our doorstep, there is no doubt you are making plans on how to spend the festive period with your loved ones. In the UK we tend to have a party, a drink and a little boogie while we wait for the chimes of Big Ben, but in this article, we are going to take a look at some of the ways that countries around the world ring in the New Year.

Eating Grapes in Spain

The Spanish tradition of eating 12 grapes at Midnight is meant to give you a year of prosperity. While a little different, the practice is a somewhat healthier start to the year than many other traditions. Want to try it? Of course you could do it at home, but Puerta del Sol in Madrid is the place to visit for an authentic experience. Here you can join thousands of revellers who have their grapes in one hand a glass of fizz in the other to ring in the New Year in the Spanish capital.

Jumping Seven Waves in Brazil

Another option, should you be in the area, is the practice of jumping seven waves in Brazil. The practice is meant to bring a year of goodluck to those who do it. If you want to make a real party out of it, head to Brazil’s world famous Copacabana Beach – each year there’s an amazing New Year’s Eve party there and you can jump waves to your heart’s content!

Ringing Bells 108 Times in Japan

If you are looking to get rid of negative emotions and mentality then Japan is the place to head to for New Year’s Eve. Japan, like most countries, has its own take on New Year’s Eve traditions. The symbolic ringing of a bell in a Buddhist temple 108 times (the number of human desires),is thought to dispel negativity and promote happiness, do this in the fabulous city of Tokyo for the full effect and join one of the cities parties afterwards.

Junkanoo in The Bahamas

For something a little less sedate, there’s Junkanoo in the Bahamas. The tradition comes from slaves being allowed to leave their plantations to celebrate the festive period and the party, that starts at 2am on New Year’s Day (I know not technically a New Year’s Eve tradition!), goes on through the night. Featuring musicians, dancers and cow whistles, it’s an extremely vibrant (and noisy!) way to kick off 2019.

Plate Smashing in Denmark

Want to know how popular you are in Denmark? Well check out your doorstep on New Year’s Day and you will find out. The practice of plate smashing in Denmark on New Year’s Eve is a little different – but essentially,people hold on to their chipped plates and glasses all year only to smash them against the front doors of their friends and family. So at least if you have a lot of cleaning up to do on New Year’s Day in Denmark, you can console yourself that it’s only because you are well thought of!

Whatever you choose to do with your Christmas and New Year, we wish you a merry Christmas and Happy New Year from us all at Spaceway and look forward to helping you again in 2019.