Strange New Year’s traditions to enjoy across Europe

If you plan to spend New Year’s vacation in Spain, prepare your dancing shoes as this is one of the biggest party nights of the year. Whether you are enjoying some winter sun in the Canary Islands or heading to Madrid, the Spanish capital for a cultural city break, one thing will remain the same: the 12 grapes tradition. One of the strange New Year’s traditions in Spain, when the clock strikes midnight Spaniards hurriedly attempt to eat 12 grapes- one for each chime of the bell. This has nothing to do with their wine-making tradition but it is said to bring good luck for the coming year. Known by locals as Las Uvas de la Suerte (the grapes of luck), this tradition is said to have originated from a 19th-century marketing strategy by grape farmers. Most people congregate in main squares like Plaza de España before heading off to a bar to dance until daylight. 

We all know the expression to start something on the right foot, but in Portugal, this is taken rather literally. Starting the year off on the right foot isn’t just a metaphor—it’s a literal tradition. If you are staying in Portugal for New Year’s don’t be surprised if, at midnight, your New Year’s dinner gets interrupted by Portuguese citizens stepping off a chair or jumping into the New Year with their right foot. Just like the Spanish grapes, this bizarre tradition is seen to symbolize good fortune and positivity. Celebratory toasts and fireworks displays often follow this, setting a positive and light-hearted tone for the year to come. Why not book an island getaway to Madeira to experience this tradition and then welcome the new year with a spot of sightseeing? 

Italy is famous for its delicious cuisine, football, and enthralling culture. Yet, those who have been lucky enough to visit Italy during the festive season will know that the Italians take their traditions and celebrations seriously. In fact, at New Year’s, they take the concept of out with the old to dramatic heights. In Naples and other southern cities, one of the weird New Year’s traditions is to throw old household items, including furniture, out of windows to symbolize a fresh start. With the passing of time, this tradition has become less literal and more focused on decluttering and deep cleaning. Now, Italians everywhere start the year with a clean slate. Other popular traditions across Italy include eating lentils for prosperity and wearing red underwear to be lucky in love.

When you think that strange New Year’s traditions cannot get stranger. Think again! When it comes to weird New Year’s traditions around the world, Germany has one of the most peculiar. If you are planning to visit Germany during the end-of-year celebrations, keep your eyes open for Bleigießen, or lead pouring. 

Back in the day, people would melt small pieces of lead and pour the liquid into cold water, where it solidifies into random shapes. The shapes that form are interpreted as omens for the coming year. Today, health and safety has prohibited lead from being used and in its place a wax is now used. While you may not get the chance to witness that, another quirky German custom is watching the British comedy sketch Dinner for One, which has become an unlikely New Year’s Eve staple across the country, from Hamburg to Berlin.

If you have been on vacation In Bulgaria, you will already be familiar with the country’s diverse landscapes and captivating culture. Yet, it is no stranger to strange New Year’s traditions. In Bulgaria, they celebrate the ritual of Survakane. This is when children craft survachka sticks from dogwood branches which they then decorate with popcorn, dried fruits, and wool. Once elaborately decorated, they gently tap family members on the back while reciting wishes and blessings for health and prosperity. 

Visiting Prague during the festive period promises heaps of magic and seasonal spirit. Yet, the New Year offers a unique opportunity to experience one of the fun and slightly strange New Year’s traditions from the Czech Republic. This ritual involves apples which are sliced in half so that the core can be examined. 

A star-shaped core is considered a sign of good fortune, while a cross-shaped core is thought to bring bad luck. This simple act of divination is a popular activity at New Year’s gatherings and is something that can be adopted and enjoyed year after year as a reminder of your Czech holidays.

Just like elsewhere in Europe, Poland has its fair share of strange New Year’s Eve traditions. If you are on vacation in Poland during New Year’s, particularly in cities like Gdańsk and Kraków, you may be tempted to join the many brave souls celebrating New Year’s Day with a winter swim. Known as Morsowanie, or “winter bathing,” this icy plunge is practiced by the Polish as a yearly ritual. It is believed to strengthen the immune system and invigorate the spirit. It’s not for the faint of heart but is certainly memorable.

Don’t want to go hungry on New Year’s? Head on vacation to Hungary! Cities like Budapest come alive with revelers eager to ring in the New Year with fun and festive cheer. Yet, there is one tradition that is a staple for all Hungarians: a beef dinner. In Hungary, it is believed that pigs symbolize progress and prosperity, so pork dishes are a must-have at New Year’s feasts. If you are dining at one of the local restaurants you can expect to be eating foods like roast beef and hurka (a type of sausage). Yet, there are some gastronomic no-go meals for NYE. Poultry is avoided in Hungary on New Year’s because chickens are thought to “scratch away” good fortune. This culinary superstition ensures a table full of tasty, lucky dishes.

Starting afresh with a clean slate is taken very seriously in Malta. If you are planning a Maltese getaway, ring in the new year like a local and leave your doors and windows open at midnight to let out the old and welcome in the New Year. Locals love this ritual and firmly believe that fresh air brings opportunities and removes negativity, creating a positive start to the year. Who can argue with that? Once you have enjoyed experiencing the strange New Year’s traditions that Malta has to offer, spend the rest of your time exploring the quaint corners of the island from charming city squares to ornate, emblematic buildings. One thing is for sure, this is a very Instagrammable destination so be sure to get gram glam and enjoy your holiday in style.