The New Year is one of the most anticipated and celebrated festivities in the world, and Chile is no exception. With a rich mix of cultural traditions and festive rituals, the arrival of the New Year in Chile is an event full of joy, hope and unity.
Preparation and New Year's Eve Dinner
The celebration of the New Year in Chile begins with the preparation and planning of the New Year's Eve dinner, an occasion that brings families and friends together around a table full of traditional and festive dishes. New Year's Eve dinner is usually a long event that includes a variety of dishes, such as cordero al palo, fresh seafood, salads, and Chilean empanadas. In addition to the delicious food, it is common to toast with champagne or sparkling wine at midnight to welcome the new year.
Regional Traditions
In Chile, geographic and cultural diversity is reflected in the different regional traditions for celebrating the New Year. In the Valparaíso Region, the city of Valparaíso is famous for its spectacular fireworks show that lights up the sky over the bay. Thousands of people gather on the hills and beaches to enjoy this amazing spectacle, accompanied by live music and street parties.
In the Araucanía Region, the "Nguillatún" is carried out, an ancient Mapuche ceremony that marks the beginning of the new cycle. During this celebration, indigenous communities come together to pay homage to nature, give thanks for the crops, and ask for protection and well-being for the coming year.
The Lucky Grapes and the Twelve Chimes
A tradition that unites Chile with other Spanish-speaking countries is the custom of eating twelve grapes in the seconds before midnight. Each grape is consumed with each chime of the clock, and is believed to bring good luck and fulfilled wishes for each month of the coming year. This practice is shared by families and friends in their homes, as well as in public celebrations in squares and public spaces.
Festivities in the City of Santiago
The capital of Chile, Santiago, is the epicenter of numerous celebrations and parties to receive the New Year. The famous party in the Plaza de la Ciudadanía, located in front of the Palacio de La Moneda, attracts thousands of people who gather to enjoy live music, artistic shows and a spectacular fireworks display that lights up the night sky. In addition, many restaurants, nightclubs and hotels in Santiago organize exclusive parties to ring in the New Year with style and elegance.
Superstitions and Popular Beliefs
As in many cultures, in Chile there are various superstitions and popular beliefs related to the New Year. One of them is the custom of wearing yellow underwear to attract prosperity and good luck in the new year. Another tradition is to go for a short walk with a suitcase in hand at midnight, which is believed to bring opportunities for travel and adventure in the months to come.
Hug and New Year Wishes
One of the most moving customs in Chile is the hug and New Year wishes between friends and family. At the time of midnight, people hug each other and wish each other the best for the coming year. This gesture symbolizes unity, love and hope shared between close people.
Through traditions such as the New Year's Eve dinner, lucky grapes, and celebrations in different regions, Chileans come together to celebrate life and welcome the new cycle with joy and enthusiasm. Whether on the beaches of Valparaíso, in the Mapuche communities or on the vibrant streets of Santiago, the New Year in Chile is an unforgettable experience that reflects the diversity and very essence of the Chilean nation.