New Year Traditions in Chile

Again the primitive folks of Chile lionize their New Year on 24th of June. The Mapuche people follow ancient customs while they indulge in New Year celebration. Check out some unique New Year Traditions in Chile The Mapuche New Year ceremony begins on the night of June 23, with families gathering around a big bonfire and listening to the senior members. At the break of dawn, members of each family abandon the warmth of the fire and have a bath in nearby river or stream. This is practiced to purify the body and soul before welcoming the new sun of the New Year.

Numerous religious ceremonies, popular games and baptisms are practiced to strengthen peace and brotherhood within the community. Girls over six years old have their ears pricked as a way of marking the end of their childhood. Many of these rituals derive from the general philosophy of life that is far from getting lost.