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Unusual New Year’s traditions from around the world

There is a number of weird and wonderful traditions around the world, from burning dummies of prominent politicians in Ecuador to mass grape-eating in Spain

Newsroom January 1 11:38

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Most people celebrate the arrival of the new year gathered with friends and family while drinking some champagne and eat delicious food or watching spectacular firework shows in the central squares of their cities.

However, there is a number of weird and wonderful traditions around the world, from burning dummies of prominent politicians in Ecuador to mass grape-eating in Spain, as International Business Times lists.

See some of the most unusual New Year’s traditions.

Swiss new year

swiss-new-year
People celebrate the arrival of the new year in the waters of Lake Geneva in Geneva, for the New Year’s traditional bath.

Brazil New year

brazil-new-year
Worshippers present gifts to sea goddess Iemanja at the end of every year, to give thanks and ask for blessings for the upcoming new year.

Ecuador New Year

ecuador-new-year
People burn dummies representing prominent politicians, sport personalities and artists to bring them good luck for the new year

Hogmanay

hogmanay
Hogmanay fireball swingers illuminate the streets of Stonehaven

Bolivia coins

bolivia-coins
In Bolivia, coins are baked into confectionery and whoever finds them is believed to have good luck for the next year.

Takanakuy

takanakuy
Takanakuy means “when the blood is boiling” and in Quechua it is an annual and ancient celebration originated from the pre-hispanic Chanka culture. Hundreds of Andean villagers have the chance to solve their love, honor and property problems punching each other so as to put differences behind them before the New Year.

Spain new year

spain-new-year
People eat grapes in squares to celebrate the New Year.

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