Brazil: Mountain Climbing for Happiness and Ear-Tugging Blessings

In Brazil, where New Year’s coincides with the height of summer, the celebrations blend natural joy with unique traditions. As the southern hemisphere welcomes the new year in sweltering heat, cities across the country light up with spectacular fireworks at midnight, painting the tropical sky in vibrant hues. But the most iconic ritual unfolds in the hills and mountains.

 

 

 

Moments after the clock strikes twelve, Brazilians armed with torches flock to mountain trails in a mass event known as Busca da Felicidade. The mission: to find the golden birch fruit, a rare symbol of good fortune. Legend holds that only those who brave rugged terrain can locate these elusive fruits, turning the climb into a metaphor for perseverance and hope. Groups sing, laugh, and navigate together, their torches creating glowing paths through the forest—an immersive experience that merges physical challenge with spiritual renewal.

 

 

 

 

In rural areas, another quirky tradition takes center stage: tirar a orelha (tugging the ear). On New Year’s Day, locals greet each other by playfully pulling on each other’s ears, a gesture believed to bring blessings for the year ahead. The tradition stems from indigenous and colonial roots, where physical touch was a tangible way to convey goodwill. Today, it’s a lighthearted ritual—often accompanied by laughter and warm hugs—that highlights Brazil’s vibrant blend of cultural heritage.

Unlike northern hemisphere customs, Brazil’s New Year’s events embrace the season: beach parties along Copacabana and Ipanema attract millions in white attire (a symbol of peace), while religious traditions like offering flowers to Yemanjá, the goddess of the sea, blend with secular merriment. The combination of mountain pilgrimages, ear-tugging humor, and beachside fireworks captures Brazil’s spirit—joyous, resilient, and deeply connected to nature.