Wow, another year come and gone! In Costa Rica, New Years isn’t just a celebration—it’s a time of joy, family, and tradition. It is a heartfelt moment to reflect, bond, and welcome the year ahead, in which Ticos bid farewell to the old and embrace the new. Let’s talk about how New Years is celebrated in Costa Rica!
Food takes center stage during Costa Rican New Year’s celebrations. Families gather around dishes that symbolize gratitude and abundance. The main attraction is roasted pork leg (pierna de cerdo), often accompanied by chicken rice (arroz con pollo), chicken with chickpeas, potato-and-apple salad, and mashed potatoes.Barbecues (parrilladas) are also popular, featuring carne asada and homemade pork rinds (chicharronada), paired with beans, slaw, or pico de gallo. Festive fruits like apples, pears, and grapes add sweetness and prosperity to the occasion.
As midnight approaches, families gather for the big countdown. When the clock strikes twelve, the sky lights up with fireworks, and the air fills with laughter, hugs, and blessings. These joyful moments symbolize hope, love, and togetherness, uniting families and communities alike.
Costa Rica has some very unique and quirky traditions that bring charm and excitement to New Year’s Eve, each one offering a fresh start or a little luck:
- Walking with a Suitcase
Want to travel more in the coming year? Take a stroll around the block with a suitcase at midnight—it’s believed to bring a year full of adventures.
- Water Toss for Fresh Starts
Tossing water over your shoulder symbolizes letting go of past troubles and embracing a clean slate. - Lucky Underwear and Ribbons
Wearing specific colors is said to attract good fortune: yellow for luck, green for wealth, and red for love. Matching ribbons on doors amplify the charm. - 12 Grapes, 12 Wishes
Eating 12 grapes at midnight—one for each month—lets you make a wish for the year ahead.
- Santa Lucía Flowers for Prosperity
On New Year’s Day, placing a Santa Lucía flower in your wallet is believed to bring financial luck. Gifting these flowers spreads prosperity to loved ones.
- A Song to Remember
Singing El Año Viejo is a nostalgic tradition, expressing gratitude for the year’s blessings while saying goodbye to the past.
From feasting with loved ones to quirky traditions and dazzling fireworks, Costa Rican New Year’s is a heartfelt mix of joy, culture, and optimism. However you celebrate, the spirit of pura vida shines through—embracing life’s simple pleasures and welcoming the future with open arms. Here’s to an unforgettable year ahead!
Happy New Year from Costa Rica DMC!