A Kaleidoscope of Eccentricity: Unveiling Strange and Unusual January 1st Celebrations Worldwide

What Better Way to Celebrate New Year’s Than Throw Oranges At Each Other? (Image: Dall-E)

As the world collectively counts down to the stroke of midnight on December 31st, ushering in a new year, many cultures embrace unique and peculiar traditions to welcome January 1st.

Beyond the familiar fireworks and champagne toasts, a kaleidoscope of eccentricity unfolds in various corners of the globe. Let’s embark on a journey to explore some of the strangest and most unusual January 1st celebrations around the world.

Burning of the “Old Year” in Colombia
In the small town of Quema de Judas in Colombia, locals bid farewell to the old year by creating effigies known as “Años Viejos” (Old Years). These effigies, representing the past year, are paraded through the streets before being set ablaze at midnight. The burning symbolizes the cleansing of the old and the welcoming of the new.

First-Footing in Scotland
In Scotland, the first person to enter a home after the stroke of midnight is known as the “first-footer.” Tradition holds that the first-footer brings good luck for the coming year. This person is often expected to bring symbolic gifts such as coins, bread, salt, and whisky, each carrying its own auspicious meaning.