In Colombia's New Year's Eve tradition, what does carrying an empty suitcase around the block symbolize?

In Colombia's New Year's Eve tradition, carrying an empty suitcase around the block symbolizes travel in the new year.

The custom is a form of sympathetic folk magic: performing an action associated with a desired outcome is thought to help bring that outcome about. A person who wants more journeys may walk with an empty suitcase just after midnight or during the first moments of the new year.

Colombian celebrations also commonly include family gatherings, special foods, music, fireworks, and other regional customs. The suitcase ritual is especially memorable because it turns an everyday travel object into a New Year's wish.

The suitcase is not meant to represent a literal required journey, and there is no universally mandated route or distance. Reports differ on whether people walk around the block, down the street, or briefly outside the home. The stable meaning is the wish for travel and new experiences.