10 Latino New Year's Traditions for Good Fortune

Wear Red (or Yellow) Underwear

This one’s a classic. Want to find true love in the new year? Slip on some red undies before the clock strikes midnight. Looking to boost your luck and bring in some wealth? Go for yellow. And don’t forget: they have to be brand new! No one really knows why, but are you willing to risk it?

Eat 12 Grapes for Good Luck

The rules are simple: at the stroke of midnight, pop 12 grapes into your mouth, one for each chime of the clock. Each grape represents a wish or blessing for every month of the coming year. But here’s the challenge—trying not to choke or laugh when your tíos yell, “¡Cómetelas rápido!” (“Eat them quickly!”) as you struggle to keep up.

Run Around the Block with a Suitcase

Do you want to travel more in 2025? Grab your suitcase and take a lap around the block as soon as the new year begins. Whether you’re dreaming of tropical beaches or just a weekend road trip, this ritual is supposed to guarantee adventures. Bonus points if you look ridiculous doing it (because you will).

Sweep Out the Old Year (Literally)

In some households, cleaning is more than a chore—it’s a New Year’s Eve tradition. Grab a broom and sweep the floors right before midnight to get rid of the bad vibes from the past year. Just make sure to sweep outward toward the door so you don’t accidentally trap the negativity inside.

Fill Your Wallet with Lentils

Want to attract abundance and financial stability? Do what Latinos do and stuff a few dried lentils in your wallet. Lentils are considered a symbol of prosperity, and carrying them with you is thought to bring wealth in the coming year. In this economy, it’s worth a try.

Place Money in Your Shoes

Along the same lines, some people swear by slipping a coin or a bill into their shoes before the countdown begins. Walking into the new year literally on money is believed to attract wealth. Sure, it might be uncomfortable, but who cares if it could make financial freedom more attainable?

Burn a Stuffed Doll (or “El Viejo” in Ecuador)

This one’s all about letting go of the past. In Ecuador and other countries, families create a doll or effigy, often representing the old year (or a disliked figure, let’s be honest), and burn it at midnight. It’s symbolic of leaving behind mistakes, negativity, and anything else you’re ready to say goodbye to.

Toss Water Out the Window

In certain countries, particularly in the Caribbean, throwing a glass of water out the window is a way to cleanse your home of any lingering bad energy. Just make sure no one’s standing below, or you might accidentally shower them in agua de los malos espíritus.

Jump Three Times Off a Chair

If you’re hoping to make big changes or take bold steps in the new year, some traditions suggest literally jumping into it—off a chair, that is. Each jump represents leaving behind fear, hesitation, or anything holding you back. Think of it as your first leap of faith for the year.

Light Colored Candles for Your Intentions

Latinos love a good candle moment, and New Year’s Eve is no exception. Choose colors based on what you’re manifesting: green for prosperity, white for peace, red for love, and so on. Light them as midnight approaches and set your intentions. Bonus points if Abuela busts out a prayer to make it extra potent.

Whether you’re downing grapes like your life depends on it, running around with a suitcase, or sweeping out the old year’s bad vibes, these superstitions are more than just fun—they’re a way to connect with your roots and start the year with a little hope. Who knows? Maybe all that jumping, cleaning, and underwear choosing will actually pay off.

Feliz Año Nuevo, and may 2025 bring you all the luck, love, and health you deserve.