New Year's Day

New Year's Day, or *Año Nuevo*, is a widely celebrated holiday in Colombia, marking the beginning of the new year on January 1st. Colombians welcome the new year with vibrant traditions, family gatherings, and festive celebrations. Common customs include wearing yellow underwear for good luck, eating 12 grapes at midnight (each grape representing a wish for the coming months), and carrying a suitcase around the block to symbolize travel opportunities in the new year. Fireworks light up the skies in cities like Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena, while music, dancing, and feasting on traditional dishes like *lechona* (stuffed pork) or *tamales* are central to the festivities. Many Colombians also attend church services to give thanks and pray for blessings in the year ahead. New Year's Day is a time of joy, reflection, and hope for a prosperous future.