As the clock ticks down to midnight on New Year’s Eve, families around the world prepare to celebrate in unique and meaningful ways. In Houston, a melting pot of cultures and traditions, residents embrace diverse rituals, many of which have deep roots in their heritage. During a visit to Buffalo Bayou Park, several Houstonians shared their New Year’s traditions and reflections on how they welcome the coming year.
The power of 12 grapes
For many in Houston, eating 12 grapes before the clock strikes midnight is a must. This tradition, popular in Spain and Latin America, symbolizes good luck and prosperity for each month of the coming year.
Jaylen Cunningham shared, “I eat grapes underneath the table. It’s supposed to be good luck for the new year.”
Gerardo Zapata added, “So lately, I’ve been sticking to the 12 grapes.” For others, the practice is a family legacy. “I got this tradition from my parents; they always used to pray before midnight,” said Susan Ramirez. Diego de la Fuente mentioned, “We eat 12 grapes before the ball drops.”
Focusing on Family and Faith
Spending time with loved ones is at the heart of New Year’s celebrations for many Houstonians.
“The tradition is to spend time with the family, the children, and my wife,” said Guillermo Maldonado.
Faith also plays a significant role. “The tradition I have is I go with my family to church, and we scream ‘Happy New Year’ and hug each other,” shared Johennie Mendez.
For some, regular attendance at church is an integral part of their celebration.
“I’ve been going to church,” said Karina Barrera.
Starting New Traditions
The new year is also an opportunity to start fresh customs.
“I’m kicking off this year by focusing on some new traditions. I started a tradition of fasting going into the new year,” said Blake Chavis.
Cleaning and Preparing the Home
Superstitions about cleanliness play a big role in New Year’s Eve preparations.
We ran into our KPRC 2 Joy Addision working out at the park and she shared her routine: “I try to get all my clothes washed. I know you’re not supposed to wash clothes or dishes on New Year’s Eve, so I do all that two days before, and then I just clean my whole house.”
The idea is that a clean home invites positive energy and good fortune for the year ahead.
Traditions from Around the World
Houston’s multicultural landscape means that global traditions are celebrated alongside local ones:
- Jumping waves in Brazil: Brazilians believe jumping over seven ocean waves brings luck and strength for the new year. For those in Houston’s Brazilian community, a trip to Galveston Beach might serve as a symbolic alternative.
- Smashing plates in Denmark: Danes throw plates at friends’ doors to bring them good luck. While this might not translate directly in Houston, the sentiment of sharing good fortune is echoed in family gatherings and parties.
- Wearing red or yellow in Latin America: Donning red for love or yellow for wealth is a popular tradition. In Houston, these colors often appear in festive New Year’s Eve attire.
- Ringing bells in Japan: In Japan, temples ring bells 108 times to symbolize purification from worldly desires. Houstonians inspired by this tradition might include mindfulness practices to start the year.
- Burning effigies in Ecuador: Ecuadorians burn effigies representing the old year to make room for the new. Some Houston residents adopt similar practices, such as writing down negative experiences from the past year and safely burning the paper.
As Houstonians welcome the new year, these traditions—old and new—serve as a reminder of the city’s rich cultural tapestry. Whether it’s eating grapes under the table, praying with family, or dancing to a mix of global and local music, these rituals help set the tone for a year filled with hope, joy, and connection.
