Culture of Panama and its traditions is a very specific blend of Spanish, Indigenous and African roots. Mystical New Year is part of this culture and all of the traditions are prepared every year in hope to bring house full of prosperity, luck, health and money.
One of the most important days of this season is December 31. It is particularly advised to sweep and clean the house inside out so all the bad that came during the year will go away. The floors are washed with a mixture of Seven Powers oil (can be found in the local supermarket), divestment, asafetida and indigo.
Other families prepare and burn the mixture called “smelly caraña”. The smoke has cleansing power, but also often provokes allergic reactions.
Common wisdom says that it is good to go to the beach on New Year’s Eve. Face the sea, immerse yourself walk out backwards (if you haven’t drowned in the process). It is better to do it when the tide is low. Those have a travel wish grab a suitcase with a few clothes inside at the stroke of midnight and walk around the neighborhood. A strange sight, especially when the person goes back home a few minutes later with luggage in hand.
Many suggest the at New Year’s Eve one should travel to the sea and face it, then bathe and walk out backwards.
One of the other rituals is very messy. A pound of rice is being spread around the house, but then comes the cleaning the next day, that is why such ritual is less popular. A less messy ritual is eating 12 grapes at midnight and counting seeds. The secret number should unveil the lucky lottery number. It is also common to buy and gift new clothes of red colors during New Years.
