El Salvador: November holiday calendar. Holidays in Latin America worth visiting Altar and bread of the dead

It is also distributed in other countries of the Mediterranean, primarily in the regions of Old Romania and among Latin American diasporas around the world, among the large Latin American community in the United States.

An analogue of the fiesta in Russia and the CIS countries are the so-called festivities.

In the Russian-speaking world, the word fiesta is used as an exoticism, as well as in an ironic context.

Origin

Fiesta is a typical Mediterranean concept that originated in the days of the Roman Empire.

The Latin word "festa" meant a folk festival in which the inhabitants of a community or city quarter took part.

Unlike Russian festivities, fiestas are very often held in the evening or at night, when the heat of the day subsides, and often continue until the morning.

In modern Romance languages, the concept of fiesta and its derivatives, etc. and port. festa and French fête is used in relation to any party or feast.

Holding

In Latin America and Spain, fiestas are the most colorful.

The fiestas are often accompanied by masquerades, all sorts of processions and parades that turn into a carnival, fireworks and lighting, dances, traditional ranchero music and other rhythms, discos, feasts, games with

The hottest New Year: in the company of two million, when the thermometer reads plus 40!

Christmas and New Year are the main holiday seasons in all Christian countries. These days are especially celebrated by Catholics in Latin America, where European, African and Indian traditions are mixed. With details - our staff correspondent Sasha Grigoriev.

The Spaniards, who arrived on the continent in the 15th century, tried to destroy the traditions of the indigenous peoples by imposing Christianity and the Gregorian calendar on them. Therefore, today Latin American countries widely celebrate Catholic Christmas and New Year.

From the end of November, the streets are decorated with artificial fir trees, figurines of Santa Claus (called "Christmas Dad" in the Spanish-speaking world) and deer. It looks rather strange, given that summer is in full swing in the southern hemisphere. In Rio de Janeiro, for example, a giant decorated spruce is set up on Lake Rodrigo de Freitas - vacationers in swimsuits and flip flops march past, and the thermometer is 40 degrees.

Mexican Santa comes to the children in a sombrero. Photo: globallookpress.com

Christmas on the mainland is the main family holiday of the year. Every Latin American, even if he is an atheist, strives to spend it with loved ones. They walk at least a couple of evenings, and the feast always begins with a common prayer. Most of the dishes are of European origin - primarily turkey, in Brazil - Portuguese salted cod bacalhao. Panetton is obligatory on each table - a cake made of sweet dough with raisins and dried fruits. People-shaped gingerbread is also popular. In countries that have retained the influence of the Inca culture (Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador), the Christmas table is considered incomplete without a fried guinea pig. Talking about politics is considered an unspoken taboo: among temperamental Latinos, they often turn into quarrels.

Numerous relatives come to Christmas dinner with gifts, but they are not given to a specific person, but played. In Brazil, such a competition is called "Secret Friend". Gifts are put together, after which the order is distributed by lot. The first participant has the opportunity to choose any present from the available ones, the second and subsequent players either take a present from the general pile, or “rob” any of the previous guests. The game usually lasts about two hours, accompanied by jokes and loud laughter, until all the items are taken apart.

Sex on the beach

The most famous festival on the continent takes place in Rio de Janeiro, where about two million people gather on the Copacabana beach. Most are dressed in white - it is believed that this will bring happiness in the new year. Companies with portable cooler bags are located right on the sand, drinking champagne and smoking marijuana. The atmosphere is very friendly: strangers hug, get acquainted, make love and exchange treats. To deputies Mizulina or Yarovaya, all this would probably seem like a terrible orgy, but a normal person, believe me, will experience sincere delight.

The mood can only be spoiled by numerous beach thieves who snatch wallets and phones from the hands of relaxed tourists. True, these robbers are often caught by other vacationers. Several times I witnessed lynching: the crowd beats the thieves to a pulp and only then hands them over to the police. But after a couple of minutes, everyone forgets about the unpleasant incident.

Photo: globallookpress.com

Exactly at midnight, from several platforms installed in the ocean, fireworks of fantastic beauty are launched - for 15 - 20 minutes. Many watch fireworks already in the water - according to Brazilian tradition, after the clock strikes, you need to jump over seven waves and make a wish. In addition, people throw flowers into the ocean as a gift to Yemanja, the goddess of the sea. Her cult was brought here from Africa by black slaves.

And then everyone is annealed in nightclubs, many of which are located near Copacabana. The next day, the booze begins with renewed vigor and does not actually stop until the famous carnival. For the sake of this movement, hundreds of thousands of tourists from all over the world flock to Rio from late December to February.

Brazil, by the way, is not the only destination for fans of such giant parties and fireworks. Many party-goers flock, for example, to the Chilean port of Valparaiso or to the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco, located in southern Peru.

Under the roar of fireworks, hundreds of thousands of people enthusiastically indulge in carnal pleasures. Photo: Getty Images

Cleansing from sins

In Mexico, the Chinese New Year ritual, which came to the continent through the Spaniards and is called piñata, has suddenly become widespread. From clay pots fastened together, a seven-pointed star is laid out, decorated with colored ribbons. Each of its corners corresponds to one of the deadly sins - pride, greed, envy, anger, lust, gluttony and despondency. The pots are filled with treats and gifts for children and adults.

The piñata is suspended from the ceiling, one of the participants is blindfolded, given a stick in his hands, and he hammers the pots with all his might. It is believed that by breaking a pinata, a person gets rid of sins, receiving gifts in return. The ritual is accompanied by traditional Mexican music.

On Copacabana during this orgy you can meet many celebrities. Take Tina Turner for example. Photo: Getty Images

Almost throughout Latin America, a Spanish tradition has taken root - to eat 12 grapes under the chiming clock, making the same number of wishes. Residents of El Salvador on New Year's Eve buy not only grapes, but also oranges. On the night of January 1, three citrus fruits are thrown under the bed - peeled, untouched and half peeled. In the morning with closed eyes they take out one of the oranges. If an unpeeled one is caught, good luck awaits the whole year.

And in Cuba, the clock strikes only 11 times on the night of January 1. (So ​​that during the 12th the invisible "ringer" would have the opportunity to knock over a glass of champagne himself.) In addition, before this, people fill all the jars-bottles in the house with water and throw it out the window at midnight. Type wash away last year's sins. Then the people pour out into the street to dance the traditional salsa, flowing you know what. Cubans are like that.

Just a fact

• In Peru, Mexico and some other countries, it is customary to wear red underwear on New Year's Eve.

Bloodthirsty gods of the Aztecs

Celebrating the beginning of the next calendar year in America began long before the advent of Europeans. His dates, however, did not coincide with those familiar to us. So, in the famous solar calendar used by the Aztec and Mayan civilizations, there are as many as 18 months! Moreover, the month of Pop, symbolizing the beginning of a new cycle, fell on the European July.

Before the holiday, the natives got rid of old things, primarily pottery and clothes, and arranged grandiose drinking parties. Dishes were served on the table that few could afford during the year - venison, turkey, duck, chocolate. After drinking wine, the redskins began to dance. Women, by the way, almost did not drink: they had the mission to drag drunken spouses home. Mayan feasts were always accompanied by drunken fights, but the next day they didn’t remember insults - all the bad things remained in the past year.

Mel Gibson in his "Apocalypse" this horror very accurately showed

The Aztecs, who lived according to the same intricate calendar, usually prepared at the end of the year ... for the end of the world. According to their myths, during this period, the planets and stars could turn into monsters and devour all people. It was possible to take a breath and celebrate only with the advent of the New Year: people thanked the gods that this time there was no catastrophe. In honor of the beginning of the next cycle, they sported new clothes and whitewashed their houses.

However, the New Year was not for everyone. The Aztecs believed that they needed human blood to keep the gods alive. Therefore, the holidays were accompanied by barbaric sacrifices. For several centuries, about 136 thousand people were killed in this way. Most often, prisoners captured during the wars were executed. The suicide bombers were dragged to the top of the temple, tied to a stone, after which they cut open the chest with an obsidian knife. The priest took out the beating heart and raised it to the sky.

But in the Inca Empire, New Year's Eve was not turned into a bloodbath. The Inca calendar, like the Gregorian, consisted of 12 months. The new cycle, which began in December, was celebrated with Capac Raimi, a "magnificent festival" with sports, military parades, and coming-of-age ceremonies for youths. Sacrifices to the gods were limited to burning dried llama embryos and coca leaves. This ritual is preserved in some regions of Peru and Bolivia to this day.

Latin America is a region that attracts tourists with its ancient history, culture, and, of course, a unique atmosphere. The bright holidays celebrated by Hispanics deserve special attention.

Brazilian Carnival - a celebration of millions

On the opening day, thousands of its participants dress up as nuns and take to the streets of the city. This custom has a perfectly logical explanation. According to legend, once the nuns ran away from the monastery for the sake of a colorful show and returned to their cloisters only on the last day of the carnival.

The Brazilian carnival is considered one of the largest and most spectacular shows in the world, with about two million people participating in it. The city is decorated with beautiful decorations and illuminations. Water battles, dances of all peoples of the world, bright costumes - immersion in this atmosphere will be remembered for a long time and will give a lot of positive impressions.
Tickets should be purchased in advance, prices start at $500. You can also purchase costumes and take part in this grandiose show.

The date of the: depends on the Catholic calendar. The end of the festival also marks the beginning of Lent. In 2018, they will celebrate from February 9 to 14.

Pisco Sur Day in Peru

Every year on the first Saturday of February, a holiday begins in the country, which includes competitions, fairs, and concerts. The main attribute is "the most elegant cocktail in Latin America", prepared on the basis of pisco grape vodka.

On the day of the holiday, a cocktail is distributed free of charge on the streets. A great way for a tourist to get acquainted with the taste of this drink. After the tasting, a large-scale celebration begins. People sincerely have fun, dance, sing. If you want to be a part of this holiday, go to the south of the country, where the most grandiose spectacle awaits you.

The date of the: annually on the fourth Sunday of July.

Tinku - a holiday of "fight"

The inhabitants of Bolivia did not stand aside either. The holiday, which will be discussed below, is one of the most exotic. The name itself tells us that it is not dancing and fun that captivate people on this day, and not even alcoholic drinks, but a fight.

This holiday has its own traditions. Before the start of the main act, the priest reads a long mass. Only after the padre says "amen" does the battle begin, in which men and women of all ages take part.

The blood that flows from the wounds soaks into the ground. It is believed that this gift will increase productivity. Tinka is carried out twice a year, during sowing and harvesting. This tradition has come from ancient times, and the inhabitants of the village of Akazio monitor its observance. She is quite brutal, there are no rules in combat.

Event dates: in May and September.

The day of the Dead

It is celebrated annually on November 2nd. On this day, people remember the dead.
Each country has its own characteristics of the celebration. Mexicans decorate the graves of the dead with orange flowers. In houses, an altar is built in their honor, on which photographs and the favorite food of the deceased are placed. Mexicans give each other sugar skulls. In Nicaragua, people spend the night at the cemetery, thereby expressing their respect. The inhabitants of Ecuador arrange a real feast in the cemetery. On this day, some families tell fortunes on the bones, there is a belief that the deceased will help them solve problems and answer difficult questions. Latin Americans consider death to be a natural event, so no one is sad on this day.

Fiesta del Fuego, festival of lights

The hottest holiday on our list is the Fire Festival in Cuba. It lasts from the third to the ninth of July. On the streets of the city, local vocal and instrumental ensembles perform, which, with their music, give the holiday an unusual mood. At every step there are stalls with food and a traditional Cuban drink - rum.

At nightfall, the city is illuminated by many burning torches. The most interesting part of the event begins: a fire show and performances of fakirs. The holiday ends with magnificent fireworks.
This holiday is a great opportunity to get acquainted with the unusual color of Cuba, see the Fire Parade and take part in the ritual burning of the symbolic figure of the devil.
Admission to the festival is free, which makes it especially attractive for tourists.

South America is suffering from wildfires. The most difficult situation is in Brazil, where more than 1.8 million hectares of forests have been burned since the beginning of the year, and in Bolivia, where the savannas are blazing.

In the Chiquitania region, which covers several provinces with tropical savannahs in the Bolivian department of Santa Cruz, the fire destroyed 1.2 million hectares of vegetation - trees, grass, shrubs, Stormnews reports citing Los Tiempos newspaper.

The country's armed forces and a leased aircraft are involved in the fight against fires. Firefighters have made great progress: the number of fires has decreased from 8,000 last week to 162 this week. But the situation remains difficult. Due to drought, they can flare up with renewed vigor at any time.

In neighboring Brazil, more than 83 thousand natural fires were recorded from January to August 27. This is almost twice as much compared to the same period last year, NHK notes.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro says Latin American leaders will hold an emergency meeting as early as next month as fires continue in the Amazon rainforest.

He also said he would consider a proposal for foreign aid to fight fires in the Amazon forests if his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron apologized to him. Bolsonaro had earlier turned down a $20 million bailout offered at the G7 summit in France.

On Tuesday, he accused Macron of unfair attempts to intervene in the Amazon, a territory he called an integral part of Brazil.

Bolsonaro said he would agree to discuss aid if Macron apologized for calling him a liar and retract his words about the Amazon. Earlier, the French leader criticized Bolsonaro for insufficient efforts to preserve tropical forests.

The Brazilian president dismissed the allegations as baseless, accusing Macron of using the situation in the Amazon for his own political ends.

"The oft-repeated claim that the Amazon rainforest produces 20% of our planet's oxygen is based on a misunderstanding," the professor emphasizes. "In fact, almost all the oxygen we breathe comes from the oceans - and it will last for millions of years."

"There are many reasons to be horrified by the fires in the Amazon this year, but the possible depletion of Earth's oxygen supply is definitely not one of them. Even if all the organic matter on Earth burned at once, it would take less than 1% of the world's oxygen supply" , - assures Denning and encourages readers to breathe deeply.

Large-scale fires in the Amazon "became additional stress for the climate and the natural environment of the Earth after the June and July fires in the Arctic." During the first 25 days of August, 255 million tons of carbon dioxide entered the atmosphere, TASS reports citing the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

She cites data from the Copernicus Atmospheric Monitoring Service (CAMS) of the European Union. WMO notes that almost 4,000 fires have been recorded in the Amazon, which "resulted in the release of 255 megatons of carbon dioxide from 1 to 25 August, as well as a large amount of carbon monoxide."

In addition, toxic gases such as nitric oxide and non-methane organic compounds were released into the atmosphere. Meteorologists draw attention to the "direct threat" that fire and similar emissions pose to the indigenous population of the region.

"The fires in the Amazon followed the unprecedented June and July fires in Siberia and in the regions of the Arctic, Greenland and Alaska," the WMO recalls. Currently, in addition to the Amazon, large-scale fires have been recorded in the countries of the southern tropical zone of Africa, in particular, in Angola.

When it comes to Latin American holidays, then many people only hear the Brazilian carnival. But other events are also held on the territory of the continent, which are sometimes so unusual that guests from other countries hardly understand what such a mass celebration is dedicated to.

One of the most unusual Holidays in Latin America can be considered the "Festival of Fight" or "Tinka", which is held in Bolivia. At the same time, the first surprise here can be considered that the holiday takes place not in one of the large Bolivian cities, but on the territory of a small local village of Akazio. The festivities, if you can call it that, what is happening here, are as follows: the priest, having finished his Mass, gives the signal to the participants to start the battle dedicated to the harvest. After this signal, the Indians begin to beat each other fiercely, demonstrating their strength and joy over how much corn they managed to grow this year. Surprisingly, both men and women hit each other. There are no restrictions on combat. You can hit anywhere and with anything. Sometimes it can even come to the death of one of the participants in the battle. The Bolivian authorities do not ban the holiday, if only because this tradition is several hundred years old. Tens of thousands of tourists and participants in Indian fights without rules arrive for a strange action in Akazio.

Among the unusual Holidays in Latin America the Mexican festival of laughter stands apart. We celebrate it on April 1, but the people of Mexico celebrate it on December 28. At the same time, the origins of the holiday have nothing to do with humor, because its official name is the Day of the Innocent Bethlehem Babies. And this holiday is connected with the killing of babies by King Herod. Indeed - at first glance, it is not at all funny. However, on this day, every Mexican considers it his mission to deceive his friend, passerby, merchant. Why? Yes, the whole point is that when the Virgin Mary was carrying Jesus, Herod's guards stood in her way, who wanted to take the baby away from her. But the Mother of God offered up a prayer to heaven, and instead of the baby, the soldiers saw a bouquet of roses in the bundle. They had to let Mary go. It was this story that served as an occasion for the general Mexican joy. On this day, even store sellers need to keep their eyes open so that a too cheerful city dweller does not take out a bundle of cheese or other products from the store without paying. However, on this day in Mexico, even a thief will be treated with understanding.

To the unusual Holidays in Latin America includes a holiday dedicated to voodoo shamans in Jamaica. On this holiday, several hundred voodoo shamans gather in one of the coastal cities of the island, who compete in their paranormal abilities. They say that on this holiday you can witness levitation, reincarnation and other unknown phenomena. At the same time, the holiday of shamanism is accompanied by frequent sacrifices, which will be unpleasant for an ordinary person to look at. The inhabitants of Jamaica itself are enthusiastic when a shaman pierces himself through with a red-hot metal rod, stopping the blood with one touch of his little finger.

Holidays in Latin America, as we have already understood, do not always represent processions and mass celebrations familiar to us.

See also:

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Colorful colors of carnivals in Latin America

Many unfairly believe that the carnivals of Latin America are a series of grandiose and colorful events in Brazil. This is far from true. In addition to Brazil, a number of South and Central American states hold their carnivals at regular intervals.

THE ORIGINS OF THE CELEBRATION The days of the dead are found among the ancient cultures of the Aztecs, Maya, Purépecha, Nahua and Totonacs, who, 3000 years ago, performed special rituals that symbolized Death and Rebirth. The Indians were convinced that death is a transformation, and no one disappears without a trace. were held cults in praise of the god of Death- Mitztecasihuatla, dedicated to both the dead and newborns. Shamans kept the skulls of the dead as trophies and decorated the sacrificial altar with them during important ceremonies.

The ancient Kitu and Kara tribes inhabiting the territories of Ecuador believed that a person comes from the womb and goes into the womb. They practiced burials in large clay pots, in which the body of the deceased was placed in the form of an embryo. An earthen vessel was lowered into a pit, where food, utensils, jewelry that could be useful to the deceased in his afterlife were also placed. A semicircular vault was erected over the grave, resembling nothing more than the belly of a pregnant woman ...

The Spanish conquerors were horrified by pagan savagery. In an attempt to convert the Indians to their faith, restrictions were imposed on the performance of rituals, including the date of this holiday was changed to November 2 - and from now on it began to coincide with the Catholic Happy All Saints and All Souls' Day(prayer for souls in purgatory).

Although the origins of the Day of the Dead originate in Mexico, the holiday has become popular in many countries of Latin America, and everywhere with its own characteristics, and in each case you can find echoes of ancient tribal rituals:

IN MEXICO The Day of the Dead is the most popular holiday. People go to the cemetery at night to decorate the graves with orange flowers. In each house, an altar is erected in honor of the deceased relatives, their photographs, favorite food and drinks are placed on it, so that at night, when the deceased visits the house, he would remember the tastes of his worldly life. Special folk craftsmen make masks in the form of wryly smiling amusing skulls and corpses. Children are the luckiest on this day - ghosts turn into good heroes who give them sweets and candies. And if your Mexican friend on this day gives you a sugar skull, on the forehead of which your name flaunts - do not be offended, because skulls are traditional gifts on this day. Many even rhyme verses to their friends about meeting death. Day of the Dead is widely celebrated in the cities and countryside, and is best observed in Patzcuaro and Oaja.

IN GUATEMALA there is an opinion that blessed souls come out of cemeteries and appear in different places. During these days, the living see ghosts or hear strange sounds that indicate the presence of their deceased relatives.

IN PERU there is a custom - a night of offerings to the dead. Peruvians believe that souls watch the preparation of altars in homes. Friends and relatives gather at the home of the deceased to commemorate him. During this meeting, it is customary to talk about the deceased over a cup of strong coffee.

TO NICARAGUA take this day very seriously, going beyond the conventional celebrations. Nicaraguans go to the cemetery at night to sleep on the grave of the deceased - such a peculiar way of honoring the dead ... Not everyone is capable of such feats, do you agree?

IN ECUADOR this holiday turns into a real feast. Families gather in the cemetery at the grave of the deceased and “share with him” a traditional meal: bread in the shape of a baby “guagua de pan”, washed down with a thick jelly drink “colada morada”. This drink is made with cornmeal, blackberries, cloves, sugar and myrtle. Relatives discuss the problems and news of the family so that the deceased is also aware of the events that occurred after his death. The local Indians have a tradition of "feeding the dead" - they make a hole in the ground at the supposed location of the mouth of the deceased. Food and drinks are placed in the hole. Only after the "dead man has eaten" can the living begin their meal. In some regions, they also bring to the grave weapons and objects that were important for the deceased in worldly life, evoking the spirit of the deceased, fortune telling on the bones to find out his opinion on some issues, and in some cases this even helps to resolve family disagreements ...

Sourced from www.viajeros.com

Cuba
In Cuba, Christmas was recognized as an official holiday only 13 years ago. Since this state declared itself a purely atheistic power under the influence of communism and socialism, since 1969 the celebration of Christmas here has been suspended.

However, in 1997, President Castro again elevated Christmas to the rank of public holidays in order to honor Pope John Paul II during his visit to this Latin American country.

Today, Christmas for Cuba has become one of the most enchanting festivities: millions of Cubans gather on Christmas Eve in numerous temples and churches in order to personally hear the bell ringing announcing the onset of one of the biggest holidays on our planet.

Like the majority of the population of our planet, Christmas for Cubans is primarily a Christmas cake and numerous sweets with ripe Cuban fruits. However, unlike most European countries, the traditional Christmas turkey is the main dish at Christmas, while Cubans cook pork with beans, serving original apple cider with it.

Argentina
In Argentina, everything seems to be traditional. The whole family gathers for the last dinner of the outgoing year - they sit down at the table around 23:00 and wait for midnight when fireworks are lit. After that, young people go to New Year's parties in clubs and dance there until the morning. And on the first day of the new year, most people certainly go to swim in rivers, lakes or public pools. As a Christmas tree in Argentina, as in Uruguay, the majority of the population sets the traditional needles, decorating it with golden stars, glass balls and candles. All gifts take their place of honor at home by the Christmas tree, where another indispensable attribute is the presence of a small container - a feeder, in which, according to history, Jesus was born. The magical Christmas evening of these countries is also certainly decorated with various flower arrangements: since the celebration of Christmas falls here at the very height of summer, there are no particular problems with acquiring fragrant bright inflorescences. Women adorn themselves with flower necklaces, and attach especially large and bright flowers to their hair.

It is worth noting that, despite the Christmas traditions of most countries, Christmas in Argentina and Uruguay is not a cozy quiet family holiday, but rather fun and larger-scale picnics with trips to nature.

Brazil
On the eve of the New Year, grandiose parties take place in all cities of Brazil, especially in Rio de Janeiro. Pyrotechnic shows are arranged on the beaches. Once upon a time, fire shows were part of religious rituals, but now for the Brazilians they have become just colorful performances that attract, among other things, crowds of tourists. Preparation for the party begins on the morning of December 31, and the action unfolds at midnight. Everyone is accepted to wish each other love, health, money in the new year. The largest such show attracts several million people. One of the most popular Brazilian amusements is a game performance in which several women try to kidnap the newborn Jesus from his cradle, but the task of the rest of those present, respectively, is to prevent them.
Mass festivities and processions are accompanied by an indispensable tasting of Christmas Brazilian dishes. Small canapés, an abundance of sweet pastries and plenty of red wine. To attract good luck in the coming year, Brazilians usually wear white clothes.
After midnight, you must jump over seven waves and, after making a wish, throw flowers into the sea. It will bring good luck and wealth. People believe that the goddess who protects the sea will help wishes come true. Candles are lit on the beach in the sand. Such traditions probably came from a mixture of African and Indian cultures, which were developed in Brazil and spread from coast to coast.

Colombia
In some cities in Colombia, it is customary to burn an effigy of the Old Year. The process requires the indispensable participation of the whole family. All together are engaged in the manufacture of a large doll, symbolizing the outgoing year, and stuff it with all sorts of things. The items stuffed into the doll are often symbolic - usually things that bring sadness or bad memories. Or just all sorts of unnecessary junk. The main requirement is that it burns well. To make the spectacle even more spectacular, several firecrackers are hidden inside.

Mexico
New Year in Mexico is celebrated with family and friends. Sitting in front of the TV, the Mexicans wait until the clock strikes midnight, and with each stroke of the chimes they try to eat a grape, having managed to make 12 wishes. Then everyone hugs and congratulates each other. Very often, in order to find love in the new year, people put on red underwear, this tradition, however, is more popular with women. Some take to walking in front of the house with a suitcase - this is to travel more in the coming year.

Venezuela
And in Venezuela, to attract good luck, it is customary to wear yellow underwear on New Year's Eve. As in Mexico, when the clock strikes midnight, everyone tries to eat 12 grapes. Some write wishes in a letter, and then they burn it so that no one can read the wish, otherwise it will not come true.

Chile
Santa Claus in Chile is called Viejo Pascuero (Christmas Old Man), who, like his European counterpart, visits numerous Chilean houses, announcing the coming of Christmas and presenting the household with pleasant Christmas gifts. However, by giving (unlike the European scenario of Santa Claus), Viejo Pascuero enters the houses of Chileans not through the chimney (since, due to the hot climate, such building techniques in Chile should not have found application), but through the window.
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