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December 31 2018

Caribbean New Year

The Caribbean

New Year’s Eve is a time to celebrate, and there’s no better place to mark the end of the old year and the start of the new than in the Caribbean. What could be more perfect than watching fireworks light up the sky as you bask in the warm tropical weather? With the turquoise waters of the Caribbean lapping at your toes, winter’s chill will be a distant memory. When it comes to welcoming the new year in style, some of the top destinations include Cartagena, the Dominican Republic, Cuba, and Aruba.

Whether you travel with your family, friends, or significant other, you’ll be captivated by the festivities, food, and traditions of the Caribbean. Choose your preferred destination, and Copa Airlines will get you there safely and conveniently, just as you would expect from a World-Class airline.

An all-day celebration

In Aruba, you’ll hear the dande music that’s traditionally played to mark the new year. In Cartagena, the music of choice is vallenato, and in Havana, it’s salsa. In the Dominican Republic, you’ll hear merengue. These and other popular Latin rhythms—all eminently danceable—provide a soundtrack for the festivities. Many of the parties go late into the night and, in some cases, until sunrise on January 1.

At midnight, the sky always lights up with fireworks, and it’s not unusual to see city squares, parks, streets, and beaches filled with people eager to ring in the new year surrounded by fellow revelers. Hotels join in the festivities too, offering private events with entertainment, food, and tropical drinks to mark the occasion.

Since New Year’s Eve is a holiday (when many businesses are closed), the best way to spend the day is by soaking up the sun on the beautiful Caribbean beaches, or seeing the sights in the cities. Then, in the evening, the celebration really gets started.

New Year’s customs to mark the start of 2019

Latin America and the Caribbean are well known for their charming traditions. On New Year’s Eve, some of the most unique customs—all of them meant to ensure good things in the year to come—are practiced anew. Some common customs in the region include eating twelve grapes for good luck (or marriage); walking around the block with a suitcase if you want to travel more; putting money in your shoes; and wearing yellow, red, or green underwear to bring good fortune, love, or health, respectively.

The New Year’s traditions in Aruba reflect the island’s Dutch heritage, and fireworks have a special meaning there. Strings of Chinese firecrackers known as pagaras are set off in front of homes and businesses to protect them from evil spirits. Some Arubans also take a New Year’s dive, or Nieuwjaarsduik, plunging into the waters at MooMba Beach in a big event on the first day of the year.

In Cuba, you may also find yourself soaking wet, but without meaning to. There, it’s a tradition to make a fresh start by cleaning house on December 31, and the last step is to throw the bucket of dirty water out the window.

Good food completes the experience

No celebration is complete without a great feast, and New Year’s is no exception. In the Caribbean, the typical New Year’s dinner features an abundance of local ingredients, such as coconut, cassava, plantains, rice, and beans, and the starring attraction is a fine pig, roasted or grilled to perfection. The meal is paired with a good rum, a nice cold beer, or a delicious Dominican punch. Most of the best hotels offer buffets, and many restaurants welcome locals and tourists alike to kick off their night of revelry with a festive dinner.

Chicago, destino para recorrer

What to keep in mind when planning your trip

Weather

The Caribbean enjoys enviable weather at this time of year. In these four destinations, the temperature is typically around 84 °F (29 °C) during the day and 73 °F (23 °C) at night.

Currency

Colombia’s currency is the Colombian peso (COP), and Cuba’s is the Cuban peso (CUP). The currency of the Dominican Republic is the Dominican peso (DOP), and Aruba’s currency is the Aruban florin (AWG), although the United States dollar is also accepted.

Immigration requirements

The requirements for travelers may vary depending on which destination you choose. For some countries, you may need vaccinations, visa documents, or entry permits. Learn about the immigration requirements for your trip here.

Getting around

When it comes to getting around, the usual standbys, such as buses and taxis, are always an option. When using public transportation, remember to keep any valuables out of sight. In cities such as Punta Cana, there are private transportation services catering to tourists. Some places, such as downtown Havana, are worth exploring on foot. To get around Cartagena, you can always take a “chiva” (a colorful wooden bus), and in Santo Domingo, you can take the metro. In Oranjestad, Aruba, there’s a streetcar. If you want to be able to explore more freely, you’ll want to rent a car at copa.com.

Accommodations

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This New Year’s, fly with Copa Airlines, Latin America’s most on-time airline.

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