In Costa Rica, New Year's Day, known as 'Año Nuevo', is celebrated with much enthusiasm and joy. It is an opportunity for Costa Ricans to reflect on the lessons learned in the past year and set about realizing their hopes and dreams for the coming year. Celebrations begin on New Year's Eve with family dinners, parties, fireworks, and countdowns that lead to the first day of the new year. It's a day off for the general population, with most businesses and schools closed, so people can spend time with family and friends.
Traditionally, food forms an integral part of the New Year's celebrations in Costa Rica. Special meals for the occasion often include foods that are believed to bring good luck, such as grapes, lentils, and pork. A common tradition is eating twelve grapes at the stroke of midnight, with each grape representing a wish for each month of the coming year. There are also many superstitions and rituals associated with New Year's Day, such as walking around the block with suitcases for travel luck or throwing a bucket of water out of a window to signify the removal of last year's problems.
Apart from the traditions, New Year's Day in Costa Rica also involves a lot of fun and entertainment. Be it the festive parade, concerts, beach parties, or traditional dances, the celebration of the first day of the year is nothing short of spectacular and lively. Adding to the festive atmosphere, fireworks light up the Costa Rican sky at night, making it a truly enchanting sight to behold. New Year's Day provides a fantastic opportunity to experience and immerse in Costa Rica's vibrant culture and festivities.