Every year, expats take part in a variety of local New Year’s Eve celebrations. Here are some of the quirky traditions they’re likely to encounter in European destinations…

Article written by The Overseas Guides Company

France
Known as La Saint-Sylvestre, New Year’s Eve is an occasion for indulging in gastronomic treats, typically Champagne, oysters and foie gras. The French mark the arrival of the New Year by kissing under the mistletoe. Looking to buy a French home in 2016? You could be smooching under the mistletoe next New Year’s Eve at this pretty character home in the Dordogne…

Spain
Eating a grape on each strike of midnight on New Year’s Eve is believed to bring good luck for the year ahead – as is wearing new, red underwear for the occasion! In true Spanish style, parties typically last until dawn… There’d be no shortage of grapes on New Year’s Eve at one property in the northern Costa Blanca we’ve found – situated in the beautiful Jalon Valley, it’s surrounded by vineyards!

Portugal
Not unlike their Iberian neighbours, the Portuguese eat a raisin for each strike of midnight, usually accompanied by sparkling wine. You’re likely to be treated to a fireworks display too, the most notable being the world famous one in Madeira. Other traditions include banging pots and pans to ward off evil spirits during the year ahead and wearing blue underwear for good luck. You’d have wonderful views of the New Year’s Eve fireworks from this smart apartment in Funchal, Madeira.

Italy
Fireworks and food are important parts of Italian New Year’s Eve celebrations. A traditional dinner will include lentils, which symbolise money and good fortune for the coming year. Again, wearing red underwear for the occasion is also meant to bring you good luck.

Greece
Traditions in Greece include laying an extra place at the dinner table on New Year’s Eve – it’s meant for Saint Basil and said to bring good luck. Families will also share a specially baked Vasilopita bread, within which a coin is hidden – whoever gets it should have good luck in the New Year.

More info
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