Let's toast to the New Year!

Let's toast to the New Year!

Versión en español: ¡Brindemos por el año nuevo!

I have mentioned in the past that for people trying to learn about Latinos, it is difficult to understand that we come from more than 20 different countries with independent traditions and cultures.  But, on this occasion, I am going to talk about a common theme, New Year’s Eve celebrations!

Yes, New Year’s Eve is one of the most important celebrations we have.  There are many traditions we share.  Traditions that might look funny to you, or might seem crazy, or irrelevant, but traditions that for us make the closing of the year one of the most celebrated dates ever.

Here are a few of our traditions: “We” …

• Have a big celebration with friends and family.  It is a big festivity with food and Champagne.
• Have fireworks.
• Eat a grape and make a wish for each of the 12 rings of the bell at midnight.
• Wear yellow, red or pink clothing, preferable underwear, for good luck and good fortune.
• Go around the block with a suitcase full of cloths to bring lots of trips in the New Year.
• Eat lentils cooked without salt, or bring them uncooked in your pocket, to bring abundance of blessings in the New Year.
• Burn a doll, made of fabric, carrying notes with all the bad things that happened to you in the year ending.
• When live close to the ocean, jump over 7 waves to salute the goddess of the waters.

I wish I could continue because there are so many more celebrations, but there is not enough room in this entry to list them all.

Let’s say good-bye to this year and celebrate the birth of a new one.  Embrace the celebrations, and have a wonderful New Year!

So what is the World Cup and what is the fuss?

Para ver la versión en español clic en ¿Qué es el mundial y cuál es el alboroto?

Since I moved from the land of “fútbol” to the land of the football, Americans have said that the name of “fútbol” was soccer.  “What an unusual name for my homeland’s favorite sport”, I thought.  For Latinos “fútbol” is part of our life. We always say that it is “fútbol”, not “soccer”.

Every four years we celebrate and enjoy the best fútbol in the world.  The International Federation of Football Association (FIFA) has divided the planet in 6 regions: Africa – Asia – Europe  – North/Central America & the Caribbean  – Oceania  – and SouthAmerica, but only 32 national teams out of the 209 national fútbol associations in the world make it to the event. The world of fútbol is paralyzed for a month.  This year’s celebration is hosted by Brazil, which is the most awarded association with 5 world titles. 

So, what is all the fuss?

During this month your potential Latino clients plus other fútbol enthusiasts will be watching games, celebrating, and predicting the winner of the title.  Also, they will be guessing who will be the outstanding player, leading goal-scorer, outstanding goalkeeper, best young footballer, and the team with the tournament’s best disciplinary record. They will only respond to your communications and promotions if those don’t interfere with a game of their favorite team.  They will be collecting stickers for albums, filling out brackets, and participating in contests.  

Many big companies are very involved with this celebration, and the surrounded events. Companies such Adidas, Coca Cola, Visa, Budweiser, Sony, McDonalds, and many others, are official partners.  Others have just created their own events, but all of them are getting visibility not only in the US, but all over the world.

For companies trying to attract Hispanics, the World Cup presents a great opportunity to get in touch with this market. Recognizing the importance of this event is the first step.  Using soccer, fútbol, in your promotions will bring attention to your brand and will allow you to show your knowledge and care for this community. Knowing your audience and their interests will give you an advantage over your competitors.

Remember that June 12 is the beginning of the 2014 World Cup. Watch the games and enjoy the party!

Download the schedule:

For Central Iowa click here (Include venues in town)

General schedule, click here