Grapes, luggage and red underwear. Here’s how readers ring in the new year
How does South Florida celebrate the new year?
We have fireworks, parties and champagne. But we also have Pitbull, the beach and loads of traditions.
Some people throw a bucket of water outside to get rid of evil spirits in the new year.
Others wear specific-colored underwear to attract love, happiness or success in the new year.
Need some extra cash? Yellow underwear attracts wealth and success.
Want to be fit and healthy? Wear blue.
Want love? Greet the new year in red underwear, according to PopSugar.
What’s the most Miami tradition?
Walter Mercado’s yearly horoscope predictions is definitely in the Top 5.
Sometimes he’ll tell you to wear green, light a red candle or take a bath with a mixture of sea salt and lavender to bring prosperity in the new year.
The beloved astrologer passed away on Nov. 2, 2019, but you won’t have to start the new year without him.
His horoscopes and end-of-year rituals were sent in advance to el Nuevo Herald, and now his niece is taking over the column.
Walter Mercado’s niece is taking on his legacy — with more karma, magic and sex
What other traditions are there in South Florida?
We asked Miami Herald readers to chime in on how they celebrate the new year.
Here’s what they said:
New Year’s Eve Traditions
“Eat 12 grapes for good health right at midnight. I always do the walking around the block with my suitcase though (my favorite)“ — Ana
“We open fortune cookies and the fortune inside is each person’s prediction for the year,” — Vanessa
“Take a broom and clean all the bad energy from the old year,” - Maria
“Throw a large lump of coal through the window,” — Billy
One reader named Christina says her family rings in the New Year with a string of traditions.
“We love traditions in our family and any time that someone would join us and share their family rituals, we would add it to our repertoire,” she said.
She told us about more than five traditions. Which was the most unique?
“Grab your suitcases and an egg ... walk around the block with the suitcases (for travel in the new year) and throw an egg over your shoulder at the first intersection you cross (careful with cars and neighbors,”)— Christina
Celebrating the New Year
Not every tradition we received is embroiled in superstition. Others focused on enjoying the festivities and spending time with loved ones.
“A Kawanzaa Karamu (feast) with family and friends on New Year’s Day,” — Vanya
Haitian soup joumou is a New Year tradition. But can you change the recipe without ruining it?
“Go to sleep early [and] wake up to watch the sunrise,” — Valblv
“Watching the ball drop in NYC and a bottle of Champagne” — Maria Miranda
“Have a lovely dinner just with close friends!” — Rita
Do these traditions actually work? Who knows but they are great conversation starters. It might even lead to a New Year’s kiss.
