Tuesday, 27 December 2011 10:08 Written by Emilia Rojas

Well, it´s time to reflect on 2011´s overall balance, the good events, the bad runs and what´s been learned, because that of course is the most important: what we´ve learned.

When the last week of the year arrives, after Christmas, there´s a tingling in the stomach. For a moment we remember last year´s New Year´s festivities, and how at 12:00 a.m., nothing else matters and everyone shouts, "Happy New Year!!" and there are hugs and laughter, tears for those who aren´t present, for happiness, etc.

It is certainly an important and crucial moment, the farewell to the past and welcome to the future, so we must act accordingly, with music, cheer, dancing, those we love and with good hope and disposition that the new year will be better!

This is when we Chileans ask each other, "And what will we do this year?" There are several alternatives, depending on age and what´s in the pocket, but we will mention the most common and traditional ways of spending New Years.

The first option is always the conventional one, get together with all the family, just as it was for Christmas or including more, because while Christmas Eve is a moment for families and exchanging gifts, the New Year is an outpouring of emotions and food, in which we may expand the tables with a grand family reunion, or otherwise with those invited by commitment, old friends, neighbors, girlfriends or boyfriends, etc. Then the style is a good barbecue, various salads, wines, drinks and of course champagne with pineapple ice-cream for a toast at 12. In this manner, just three minutes before midnight, with the radio turned up (hopefully with Julián García Reyes on the speakers) and in anticipation of the countdown, the hugging, opening of bottles, tears of happiness, walks around the block with a pair of suitcases (for traveling in the New Year), eating grapes, lentils and all other possible superstitions (which sometimes work by the way) commence. Then, after such fun and loving activities, come the cumbias, "piscolas" (pisco and coke), "ponche," (white wine with fruit), cuecas, and above all, dancing to the inevitable classics of today and oldies like Pachuco y la Cubanacán, Sonora Tomy Rey, Sonora Palacios, Giolito y su combo, etc.

If close to a place where fireworks can be seen, that takes the following 20 minutes´attention; if not, and the family has young ones, you can be sure to see them playing with sparklers, firecrackers and other domestic fireworks, those which are not overly dangerous.

Usually, those of age, after all the imperative labors, go to a party with friends, to a nightclub or whatever comes until the wick burns out.

That is the most traditional and common way spending New Years. Now, there are other conventional alternatives such as going to the Torre Entel to enjoy the city´s most popular fireworks. While this is a tempting option, in order to do something different, it is not recommended for large families with children or those with little patience, as there is such a large amount of people flocking to this place, that little to none can be enjoyed. It is much better to watch from an apartment with a good view of the tower, and from the quiet of home, to enjoy the famous flames´ colors and designs.

Another popular option, especially for young people, is to travel to Valparaíso and spend New Years in the streets, because as those who have visited the city during the festivities well know, the locals "turn night into day," and the whole city celebrates the entire night like a grand community, walking the streets, drinking, dancing and of course, with fireworks as well (the port´s famous flames).

Just as in all parts of the world, a range of special parties for the New Year exist: events in restaurants, warehouses, nightclubs, etc. Depending on what type of party, how much money and in what environment will decide how we let go of 2011. Whatever you chose (the mixed option -- family first and partying after -- is most recommended), the celebration should last the entire night, and it is impertinent to dance to Sonora Tomy Rey´s cumbia "Un año más," (One more year), do any of the corresponding superstitions and end on the first eating a good "Caldillo," (a soup) or "Mariscal," (a seafood dish) from "Mercado Central," (The Central Market).

Note: We honorably mention all the workers starting 1 January, 2012 at 5:00 a.m. in Mercado Central, thank you!

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