Celebrate the New Year Mediterranean Style

Ringing in the New Year Mediterranean style with sparkling cava and festive decorations.

The Mediterranean is home to a many different cultures and unique ways of welcoming in the New Year. From partaking in meaningful rituals and feasting on symbolic dishes, their traditions emphasize the importance of family and for the hope they hold for the new year ahead.

Here’s a look into how the Mediterranean countries ring in the New Year. Are there any you would like to try?

Italy have a cheeky ritual of wearing red underwear. This underwear is for good luck and love. They also toss old items out of the window. This symbolises getting rid of the past. Food traditions include eating a spiced pork sausage with lentils, plus delicious panettone.

Turkey also wear red, but this time for fortune and protection. They also have a ritual of sprinkling salt on the doorstep for good luck. Food traditions include stuffed vine leaves and rice dishes filled with dried fruit and nuts.

Celebrating New Year's traditions with a stunning red ensemble, symbolizing good luck in Mediterranean cultures.

In Greece they are known for smashing a pomegranate on the floor. This is to symbolise prosperity. Another ritual is hanging an onion from the door to symbolise growth. Food traditions include slow roasted pork and lamb dishes such as kleftiko. Plus a new years cake called vasilopita which contains a coin or piece of jewellery. They also enjoy honey dipped cookies.

Pomegranates symbolize good luck in Greece, where they are traditionally smashed to invite prosperity and abundance.

Morocco enjoy lighting candles and offering prayers. They also share food to symbolise unity and generosity. Food traditions include delicious lamb tagine and honey drenched pastries.

Candlelit prayers fill the Moroccan night, creating a serene and reflective atmosphere.

The Spanish wear new clothes and red accessories for good luck. They enjoy popping the cork of some cava similar to in England. Food traditions include seafood platters, Iberian ham and sweet almond nougat.

Mediterranean New Year traditions are a wonderful reminder of the importance of gratitude, family and hope. Whether you’re inspired by Greek pomegranates or Spanish seafood platters, these customs are a meaningful way to start the year on a positive and festive note.

How will you celebrate this New Year? Please share your favourite traditions below.