Explain who or what "Año Viejo" is and its significance. Write your answer in English.
Año Viejo is a traditional New Year's Eve celebration in some Latin American countries, particularly Ecuador, Colombia, and parts of Peru. It translates to "old year" in English. Año Viejo involves the creation and burning of effigies or dolls made from materials such as clothes, straw, and paper, representing the events, experiences, or things people wish to leave behind in the old year.
The significance of Año Viejo lies in the symbolic act of bidding farewell to the past year, its challenges, negative energy, and setbacks. The effigies, also known as "año viejo dolls," are made to resemble well-known personalities, political figures, or even fictional characters, representing the negative aspects or events that have occurred in the year. People dress these dolls and often attach signs or notes indicating the issues they want to leave behind.
On New Year's Eve, the effigies are displayed on the streets or outside houses, allowing passersby to witness them. At midnight, these dolls are set on fire and burnt publicly, often accompanied by fireworks and celebrations. The act symbolizes closure, purging the negativity of the past, and making a fresh start in the new year.
Año Viejo is not only a way to embrace a positive mindset for the upcoming year but also serves as a source of entertainment and reflection for communities. It brings people together, fostering a sense of unity and commonality as they participate in the burning of the effigies, sing songs, and celebrate the arrival of the new year.