Unique Customs Usher in New Year in Latin America

Note: This post was originally published in December 2006 though the link has been updated.

With New Year's just hours away, most of us have our party plans set. Part of those plans include partaking in traditions with roots in our native countries.

Many of us partake of the ritual stemming from madre Spain, eating 12 grapes at the 12 strokes of midnight, making a wish with each uva and ensuring 12 months of good luck. Many South American countries including Ecuador and Colombia burn an effigy of the old year. Others insist in wearing, sometimes inside out, yellow or red underwear. Regardless of how you celebrate the New Year, may all of you have a healthy and happy one.

Today’s Video: “Rio’s Roots”

Recently, the associate editor of the Utne Reader magazine’s website informed us of an article written on Brazil’s oral folkloric culture. You can read the article on Brazil’s jongo music by clicking here or check out the video featuring songs and photos:

Sources- Utne.com, YouTube