Suitcases, Grapes, and Guaro: How to Ring in the New Year Tico Style

Why New Year’s Eve Feels Different in Costa Rica

New Year’s Eve in Costa Rica blends family traditions, cultural folklore, festive rituals, and lively celebrations that continue well into the night. While fireworks and parties play a big role, the heart of the evening begins at home with food, customs, and symbolic gestures meant to invite good fortune into the coming year. Travelers visiting during this period experience a warm and welcoming atmosphere that balances local heritage with a vibrant holiday spirit.

Family Traditions and the New Year’s Eve Meal

The Year-End Dinner

Families gather around the table for a meal prepared with dishes that feel both festive and familiar. Cooking stretches throughout the afternoon as relatives and neighbors stop by to share food, stories, and early holiday wishes.

Pork Leg, Chicken Rice and Holiday Salads

Pork leg roasted with spices is one of the most popular New Year’s dishes. It is often served with chicken rice, potato salad, apple salad, garden salads, or other cold sides that pair well with warm tropical weather. These combinations give the meal a holiday feel without being overly heavy.

Guaro, Cas and Seasonal Fruits

Drinks are just as important during this celebration. Families prepare punch with rum or guaro, the country’s most traditional sugarcane spirit. The holiday season also brings apples, pears and grapes, which appear on tables throughout December. Cas juice is another favorite, offering a tart and refreshing flavor unique to Costa Rica.

Midnight Rituals That Shape the Year Ahead

To understand the depth of Costa Rican New Year’s traditions, take a moment to view this video on the most important cultural rituals of the evening:

Twelve Grapes for Twelve Wishes

Each grape represents a wish for the year ahead. People eat one grape for every stroke of the clock, silently thinking about goals or blessings they hope to receive.

Walking With a Suitcase

Anyone dreaming of future travels grabs an empty suitcase and walks it around the block. The tradition is playful but taken seriously enough that you will see entire families heading outside with luggage as soon as the fireworks start.

Tossing Water to Sweep Out Negativity

Throwing a cup of water toward the street symbolizes letting go of the year’s troubles. It is a gesture of cleansing and renewal.

Lucky Underwear Colors

Wearing yellow underwear invites luck. Red is said to attract love and passion. It is common to see these colors featured in December markets throughout Costa Rica.

Santa Lucía Flower for Good Fortune

On January 1, many Costa Ricans place a Santa Lucía flower in their wallets as a charm for prosperity. The tradition continues throughout the month as people dry the flower and keep it for the year.

The Sound of New Beginnings: “El Año Viejo”

Just before midnight, the entire country turns to “El Año Viejo,” a nostalgic song that reflects on the highs and lows of the outgoing year. The melody fills homes, bars, beaches and city streets as people hug, cry, laugh and celebrate the year that just passed. Hearing the song is often one of the most emotional moments of New Year’s Eve.

Where to Celebrate New Year’s Eve Across Costa Rica

Tamarindo for Beachfront Energy

Tamarindo is famous for its New Year’s Eve beach party. Bonfires light the shoreline, fireworks explode over the water and beach bars stay open all night. The town is walkable, making it easy to enjoy the atmosphere without needing transportation.

Santa Teresa for Boho-Chic Nights

Santa Teresa draws surfers and travelers looking for a more stylish kind of celebration. Ranchos Itauna hosts one of the country’s most iconic New Year’s parties, combining music, dancing and a beachfront location in a setting known for its bohemian vibe.

Playas del Coco for High-Powered Fireworks

Playas del Coco offers one of the most energetic celebrations in Guanacaste. The streets and beachfront fill with locals and visitors as fireworks illuminate the bay. The town has a friendly and casual feel, perfect for travelers who want a high-energy but welcoming celebration.

Papagayo Peninsula for Upscale Celebrations

Luxury resorts on the Papagayo Peninsula host exclusive parties with champagne toasts, themed dinners and coordinated fireworks displays. It is the ideal choice for travelers who prefer a more polished and elevated New Year’s experience.

San José for Nightclub Parties and Hotel Events

In the capital, major hotels, restaurants and nightclubs host ticketed events that include buffet dinners, open bars and DJ sets. This is a great option if you want a celebration that feels structured and easy to plan.

La Fortuna for Family-Friendly Fireworks

La Fortuna offers a relaxed New Year’s Eve with fireworks in the central park, local food stands and a more family-oriented atmosphere. This is a good choice for travelers who prefer a quieter celebration surrounded by nature.

Practical Tips for Planning New Year’s Eve in Costa Rica

Book Early for Peak Travel Dates

December 22 through January 10 is one of the busiest periods of the entire year. Hotels, rental cars, tours and party tickets sell out weeks or even months in advance. Booking early ensures good rates and availability.

Stay Safe in Crowds

Popular destinations can get very busy. Keep phones secured, carry a small crossbody bag and choose a meeting point in case your group gets separated. Hydration is important, especially when celebrating outdoors in warm weather.

What to Wear and Bring

Light and comfortable clothing works best. Beaches can get breezy at night, so bringing a light layer is useful. For city events, casual chic outfits are common. Portable chargers, reusable water bottles and comfortable shoes are highly recommended.

Local Etiquette for New Year’s Celebrations

Greeting people with “Feliz Año” is customary throughout the night and into the next day. If celebrating in a residential area, be mindful of noise after midnight and respect private property when watching fireworks or performing rituals like the suitcase walk.

Carrying the Celebration Into the New Year

Costa Rica’s New Year’s Eve blends heartfelt traditions, festive gatherings and local folklore in a way that feels warm and welcoming. Whether you spend the night with families in San José or dancing on the sand in Tamarindo, the celebration reflects the country’s friendly spirit and love for meaningful rituals. If you want to explore more December celebrations, continue with the next articles in this series, which cover fireworks, festivals, cultural events and the start of the dry-season travel rush.