5 Ways to Celebrate NYE at the Beach

2015 is almost complete, with 2016 right around the corner! Wondering what to do for NYE? The beach is the best place to start afresh! Whether it’s a posh party you seek, a relaxed vibe or some new traditions to spice up your annual rituals, we’ve got you covered.

Here are 10 ways to bring in the New Year at the beach:

1 - Take it in from above.
 Overlooking the vast Pacific Ocean from a birds eye view is always an breath-taking experience, but there is something even more magical about the panoramic view when it is lit up with fireworks. Each year about 5 minutes prior to the count down the beach gets a world class fireworks show that can be seen from practically anywhere. The views from the Bern buildings, are one of a kind! If you plan to set off your own fireworks, take the proper safety precautions.

2 - Dance the night away.
For some, NYE is all about the party. Start the night off right at Picasso, with zero cover as always! This year Luigui Boutin will be entertaining, bubbly punch will be on the menu and the combination will have you dancing to the next stop. Playa Blanca Hotel (from $20) & the JW Marriott (from $175) are both hosting NYE parties tickets are available at the door or in pre sale.

3 - Light a fire.
Bonfires are a great way to start the new year. At the beach, for many fire is a New Year tradition. Right now at the beach “Muñecos de año Viejo” or Judas dolls (life-size dolls) can be seen along the Panamerican highway from Chame to San Carlos. This long-standing tradition to leave behind the negative sentiments of the past year, by lighting the doll on fire at the stake of midnight is unique to the beach area.  often the dolls are stuffed full of fireworks,  at the strike of midnight, they are set off symbolizing a new year riding us of the past. Making the dolls is a deeply rooted tradition for many families, behind every doll made there is a story, and a interesting reason why the doll maker has depicted a specific person. Read more about the Judas dolls here.


4 - Eat 12 grapes.
Have you noticed an abundance of grapes at the grocery store lately? This Spanish tradition,  to eat 12 grapes during the countdown (one with each ring of the midnight strike) is celebrated throughout Panama. Each grape is suppose to represent a month out of the year, eating the “months” brings good luck. Many eat one extra grape, for extra luck.

5 - Wear colorful undies!
Some believe that the color of the underwear you wear New Year’s Eve will influence your luck in the coming year.  Some see this as a way of making resolutions for the year to come. For prosperity, wealth and success wear yellow, for true love it is red.