Fireworks – Lots of fireworks!
To sell and use fireworks in Costa Rica is legal, so almost every New Year’s Eve party will have a display to light up as the night progresses, with a master display waiting to impress right after the clock marks the zero hours. After hugs and cheers are finished, an array of fireworks can be seen from every corner of the Central Valley.
If you are into fireworks, spend New Year’s Eve at one mountain lodge in the Central Valley that overlooks the valley. It’s just a fantastic show!
BBQ – All Night Long!
The celebrations for New Year’s Eve can have two settings. First, some families enjoy the sit-down dinner with good food and conversation at the table and then peacefully wait for the start of the new year.
But most homes will make it into a big family and friends party! So first, they will light up the grill and cook thin cuts of beef (very well cooked, of course), chicken, sausages, vegetables, and more. Then, during the entire night and until the new year starts, they will serve the cooked meat on a tortilla as it comes out of the grill.
There is also lots of music, dancing, laughing and drinking. So, I did something right for my first New Year in Costa Rica!
What Are Costa’ Rica’s New Year’s Traditions?
Costa Rica’s New Year celebrations are filled with superstitions. Here are a couple of traditions we have to make sure that you do; I will also do them!
Eating 12 Grapes
The tradition is that you need to eat 12 grapes, one grape each month, and make 12 wishes at precisely the change of year to make sure you will be prosperous every month of the new year.
Carrying A Maleta (Suitcase)
If you grab your luggage and run around the block right after midnight, this will make sure that you will travel that year!
What Colored Underwear You Wear Is Important!
Yes, your underwear! What do you think yellow, green, or red underwear represents?
If you wear yellow underwear, then it means that you will attract good luck in the new year. Green underwear is, of course, attracting an abundance of money. And the red underwear is all about love in the New Year!
Find a Santa Lucia Flower
It would be best to find a Santa Lucía flower on January 1st and put it in your wallet, so you have money all year long.
But most important is that you start the year with friends and family to ensure you will foster a sense of love for the new year.
What Do They Eat On New Year’s Day In Costa Rica
Remember what we said about a BBQ? Well, this is what the locals will do. It is all about meat such as carne asada, pork legs, grilled chicken, and other meats. I may have also divulged some fantastic homemade fried pork reins on New Year.
You may also see others make an appetizer, such as ceviche, especially if the locals caught the fish from the ocean over the last few days.
As you sit and wait for the meat to grill, families will grab a cold one, chat about the good, the bad, and the ugly from the last year, and look forward to the new year.
What Clothes Do People Wear On New Years In Costa Rica
As a woman, who loves her clothes and loves to dress up, you can leave those heels and fancy dresses at home if you are coming to Costa Rica.
If you are attending a party by a beach, for women, a lovely dress (long or short) is excellent, along with beautiful sandals, because if you are on the sand, you aren’t wearing any shoes at all. For men, on the beach, a nice pair of shorts, a t-shirt, or a polo, but if you are comfortable in your skin, you may be popping a top at midnight and jumping in the ocean to celebrate the new year.
If you are attending a party in a town like San Jose, or Liberia, ladies, you may want to bring a pair of comfortable wedges and a cute dress. Since some roads are not the best to walk in heels, wedges may be your best bet, BUT sometimes that can even be tricky. For example, you don’t want a rolled ankle on your vacation. For the men in Costa Rica, a nice pair of shorts or jeans with a nice top would do the trick. We highly suggest checking the attire requirements if you are going to a club or fancy restaurant.
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