New Year's Day, also known as 'Año Nuevo' in Spanish, is a public holiday in Paraguay and it is celebrated every first day of January, marking the start of the calendar year. This festive event is often welcomed by Paraguayans with joyous celebrations, heartfelt resolutions, and renewed hope for prosperity and good health. It is quite a momentous occasion embraced with great anticipation and excitement, with people counting down the last seconds until the New Year begins.
In Paraguay, the celebrations of New Year's Day typically begin on the evening of December 31st. This is the time when families gather together for a special dinner and parties that last until the early morning hours of January 1st. The festivities often involve dancing, singing, making toasts, and letting off fireworks. Popular traditions also include eating lentils for good luck and prosperity in the New Year, as well as wearing white clothing to invite peace and harmony.
On the actual day of January 1st, most businesses and shops are closed as people spend the day relaxing and recuperating from the previous night's festivities. Many Paraguayans attend church services to give thanks and pray for a blessed and prosperous new year. Others choose to spend the day with family and friends, enjoying outdoor activities, or simply resting at home. Although the manner of celebration might vary, the spirit of welcoming the New Year with joy and optimism is a sentiment shared throughout the country.