The bubbly will be popping and here in NYC the Times Square Ball promises to drop, bringing in 2007 with more confetti than ever. But what about the Latino New Year’s traditions that we practice as the clock hits 12 and we, hopefully, are locking lips with a loved one? I know that when I was a child spending many a New Year’s Eve in Puerto Rico, midnight brought parrandas and coquito (and yes the occasional sound of gunshots from Lloren Torres housing project across the street). When I was there I celebrated New Year’s twice. Once on Rican time and once on NYC time. Now in NYC, we do the same thing but in reverse. First we celebrate New Year’s on PR’s clock and then here on NYC time.

At midnight, with each bell toll, the Spanish tradition tells us to eat a grape and make a wish for the new year with each uva. The Ecuadorians in my hood have their año viejo dolls ready for burning, a way of burning away the old and starting fresh for the new year. Some South Americans suggest wearing yellow underwear inside out for good luck (some say you should wear red). I’ve even heard about taking a suitcase and running a lap around your block or up a flight of stairs to make sure you travel in the new year.

What are your New Year’s traditions?

Whatever you are doing to say goodbye to 2006 and hola to 2007, VivirLatino wishes each and every one of our readers a happy, healthy new year.

Image Via / InSurGente.org