Festive Toasts: Drinking Customs During Global Celebrations

From ceremonial sake in Japan to clinking steins during Oktoberfest in Germany, drinking rituals and toasts are often central to how we celebrate. Around the globe, the act of raising a glass is far more than just sipping a beverage—it’s about community, gratitude, tradition, and connection. Here’s a look at how various cultures around the world use toasts and drinks to mark their most joyous occasions.

Japan: Sake and Ceremony

In Japan, alcohol consumption during celebrations is often marked by kampai—the equivalent of “cheers.” However, the process is rich in etiquette. At weddings and formal gatherings, sake (rice wine) plays a central role. One traditional ritual, san-san-kudo, involves the bride and groom each taking three sips from three different sake cups, symbolising the union of their families.

Drinking is also a communal affair. It’s considered polite to pour drinks for others rather than oneself, a custom rooted in showing respect and camaraderie. Whether it’s a cherry blossom party (hanami) or New Year’s (shōgatsu), sake and structured toasting are inseparable from Japanese celebration culture.

Germany: Prost! And Oktoberfest Revelry

In Germany, the word “Prost!” rings out loudly and frequently, especially during Oktoberfest, the world’s largest beer festival. Held annually in Munich, the event draws millions of visitors and is centered around Maßkrüge (liter-liter beer mugs), traditional Bavarian music, and hearty foods.

Toasting during Oktoberfest involves strong eye contact—a German superstition warns that failing to do so results in seven years of bad luck in the bedroom! After a hearty “Prost,” it’s common to clink glasses at eye level with everyone at the table.

Mexico: Agave and Celebración

In Mexico, tequila is much more than a party drink—it’s cultural heritage. Made from blue agave, it features prominently in major festivals like Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) and national holidays like Mexican Independence Day.

Toasts are often spirited and heartfelt. The common toast, “Salud!” means “health.” During family gatherings, it’s not unusual to follow a toast with a shot of tequila, sipped slowly and followed by lime and salt—not slammed back, as Hollywood might suggest.

Another unique aspect is the use of mezcal, a smoky agave-based spirit. The saying “Para todo mal, mezcal. Y para todo bien, también” (“For all bad, mezcal. And for all good, the same”) perfectly captures its importance in both sorrow and celebration.

Russia: Vodka and Veneration

No global drinking customs list is complete without mentioning Russia, where vodka reigns supreme. Toasting is a highly ceremonial act, especially during major events like weddings, New Year’s Eve (Novy God), and national holidays.

The first toast is often dedicated to health, family, or ancestors. Each subsequent toast may be more humorous, poetic, or deeply personal. It’s considered impolite to refuse a toast or not to drink after one has been made. Between shots, guests often enjoy pickles, salted herring, or hearty meat dishes.

One key rule: never toast with an empty glass, and never put it back down until you’ve taken a sip—or more.

Nigeria: Palm Wine and Community

In many African cultures, including Nigeria, drinking customs emphasise community and respect for elders. During weddings and naming ceremonies, palm wine—a natural alcoholic drink tapped from palm trees—is shared among guests.

Among the Igbo people, the presentation of palm wine to the groom’s family during traditional weddings is a crucial ritual. The bride might even search through the crowd to find her groom and offer him a cup, symbolising her choice.

Toasting here is less about words and more about shared experience—everyone drinks together, reinforcing unity and mutual respect.

China: Ganbei and Banquet

In China, toasts — known as ganbei (干杯), literally “dry the cup”—are an integral part of festive banquets. It’s not merely about saying “cheers,” but about emptying your glass in one go as a sign of sincerity and respect.

At weddings, business banquets, and Lunar New Year feasts, hosts will often initiate multiple rounds of toasts. The higher the social or familial importance of the person you’re toasting, the lower you hold your glass in deference when clinking.

Baijiu, a potent distilled spirit, is often the drink of choice. Its high alcohol content makes ganbei a serious challenge during long celebrations!

Greece: Opa! and Communal Joy

In Greece, celebrations are lively, and drinks like ouzo, tsipouro, and wine are central to the experience. Toasting is enthusiastic and frequent. The word “Yamas!” (to our health) echoes through weddings, Easter feasts, and name day parties.

Greek hospitality (philoxenia) shines during festive occasions. Sharing food and drink with guests is both a duty and a joy. Smashing plates, though more of a staged performance now, is symbolic of breaking from the past and celebrating life anew.

More Than Just a Sip

Drinking customs and festive toasts around the world show that while beverages differ—beer, wine, spirits, or fermented teas—the underlying human desire to connect, celebrate, and express goodwill is universal. Toasts are bridges between generations, cultures, and strangers at a table.

So the next time you raise your glass—whether it’s for a wedding, New Year’s celebration, or an ordinary Friday night—know that you’re part of a long, global tradition of joy, storytelling, and shared humanity.

Cheers. Prost. Salud. Kampai. Ganbei. Yamas. Skál. Santé.

No matter the language, the meaning is clear: to life, to love, and to togetherness.