In Colombia’s New Year’s Eve tradition, people traditionally carry a suitcase around the block to encourage travel in the coming year.
The custom is a form of symbolic action: carrying luggage on the final night of the year expresses a wish for journeys, holidays, or new experiences. Some people walk around their home or neighborhood with an empty suitcase shortly after midnight.
The practice is one of several Colombian New Year customs involving hopes for prosperity and good fortune. It is not the same as packing for an actual trip, and participants do not need a confirmed itinerary. Customs can differ between families and regions, so the tradition is practiced more enthusiastically in some communities than others.