Funky New Year’s Eve Traditions From Around the World

The only tradition I partake in is watching the ball drop in New York and maybe setting off some fireworks. I was quite surprised to read how other countries around the world celebrate, you will be too.

• In South Africa: partygoers throw refrigerators, beds and trash cans out of tall buildings before launching fireworks at neighboring buildings.

• In Scotland: partygoers partake in a tradition called "fireball swinging," where they create big balls out of chicken wire, tar, paper and other flammable materials, set them on fire and and then walk through pedestrian-jammed streets swinging them on ropes.

• In Venezuela: partygoers wear yellow underwear for good luck

• In France: partygoers celebrate New Year's Eve with a feast called "Le Reveillon de Saint-Sylvestre". They drink champagne and eat foie gras.

• In Ecuador: partygoers use wood, newspapers and rags to make human figures. They stuff them with fireworks and set them on fire. Most of the human figures are modeled after local politicians.

• In Spain: partygoers will eat 12 grapes when the clock strikes midnight.

• In Greece: partygoers hide a gold coin inside a St. Basil's Cake. Whoever finds the coin receives good luck in the coming year.

• In Turkey: partygoers dine on a traditional New Year's Day turkey.