Cultural Traditions of New Year's Eve

Various cultures around the world celebrate New Year's Eve with unique traditions. In Spain, it is customary to eat 12 grapes at the stroke of midnight, symbolizing prosperity for each month of the coming year. Brazilians head to the beach to release candles and flowers in honor of the ocean deity Yemoja, while Italians wear red underwear as a charm for luck and success. Other traditions include Chileans gathering in cemeteries to honor their ancestors, and Turks sprinkling salt on their doorsteps to attract peace and prosperity for the upcoming year.