What is the Colombian New Year's Eve custom of carrying an empty suitcase around the block meant to attract?

In Colombia, carrying an empty suitcase around the block on New Year's Eve is meant to attract travel in the new year.

The custom is a form of sympathetic ritual: taking luggage outside symbolically invites journeys, holidays, and new experiences during the months ahead. Some people walk around the block at midnight, while others carry the suitcase briefly or adapt the practice to their own neighborhood.

Colombian New Year's celebrations also include other symbolic actions. Families may eat twelve grapes, make wishes, burn Año Viejo effigies, or use colored clothing and objects to represent hopes such as love, money, or health. These customs are regional and vary between households.

The suitcase ritual does not promise a particular destination or number of trips. Its meaning is simply travel and movement, which distinguishes it from customs focused on wealth, romance, or protection.