New Year's Eve, locally known as 'Nochevieja' or 'Fin de Año,' in Venezuela is a vibrant and highly anticipated holiday. The celebration marks the last day of the year and the coming of the new one vast of excitement, joy, and hopeful expectation. Venezuelan streets are filled with spirited local people and visitors alike, passionately celebrating with music, fireworks, and tons of festive food.
Tradition and superstitions play a significant part in Venezuela's New Year's Eve celebrations. Notably, many Venezuelans engage in a custom of eating 12 grape at midnight – one for each chime of the clock. Each grape represents good luck for one month of the coming year. Another interesting tradition is carrying an empty suitcase around the house of even down the street symbolizing the wishes for a travel-filled upcoming year.
As with most occasions in Venezuela, New Year's Eve celebration is an opportunity for families and friends to gather and enjoy. People in Venezuela, from children to elders, go out onto the streets and dance to traditional Venezuelan music until the morning light. At midnight, the sky is illuminated with fireworks, which citizens believe to chase away evil spirits and purify the atmosphere for the incoming year.