The MTT team is back in the office after the festive break. And as we roll up our sleeves and prepare for another year of technical translations, we thought we’d pass on a few New Year traditions from around the world, as shared with us by our translators:
Spain - a widespread tradition on New Year's Eve in Spain is the Twelve Grapes for Luck (doce uvas de la suerte). At midnight, people eat one grape with each of the twelve bell strikes of the clock to wish and usher luck for the following twelve months of the new year.
Colombia – after the midnight toast, the streets of Colombia fill with sprinting neighbours because of the popular tradition of grabbing a suitcase and running around the block, to ensure you travel a lot during the new year. The faster you run, the farther your travels will take you. It is also essential to wear yellow underwear to have luck and attract happiness in the year ahead.
Italy - there is a similar tradition in Italy (although a different colour) where wearing red underwear for the New Year is considered lucky.
Denmark – a widespread tradition in Denmark is literally jumping into the new year. People often count down to midnight while standing on a chair and then jump right into midnight. After that activity, they might refuel by eating a midnight dessert called ‘kransekage’, a traditional tower of marzipan wreath cakes.
Howsoever and wherever you celebrated the New Year, may we take this opportunity to wish our clients and linguists a happy and healthy 2026.
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