A New Year’s tradition ended up becoming a story that today inspires thousands of people in Colombia. What began as a symbolic gesture by a Colombian family to attract travel in the new year turned into a real-life experience thanks to the response of a national airline that decided to make their wish come true.
The scene took place in the early hours of Jan. 1, 2026, when the members of the Moreno family stepped out of their apartment carrying a cardboard airplane they had built themselves. Instead of the traditional suitcases, they chose to walk around their residential complex pretending to take a flight, convinced that creativity can also be a way to attract good luck.
A New Year’s wish that became real thanks to a Colombian airline
In Colombia, the custom of going out with suitcases at midnight to attract travel is one of the most deeply rooted traditions in New Year’s celebrations. However, the Moreno family decided to give this tradition an unexpected twist: They built a cardboard airplane decorated with the colors and logo of Avianca, a Colombian airline, and turned it into the centerpiece of their ritual.
The moment was recorded on video and posted on TikTok. Within hours, the clip began circulating across different digital platforms, racking up thousands of views, comments, and reactions. The scene not only brought smiles but also created a sense of connection among viewers, who saw in that family a reflection of many Colombian households that dream of traveling, even when resources sometimes fall short.
The spontaneity of the gesture and the festive atmosphere quickly turned the video into a trend, catching the attention of users, the media, and ultimately the airline featured on the improvised airplane.
@kienyke Un grupo de colombianos llevó los agüeros de fin de año a otro nivel. En redes se viralizó un video donde realizaron la tradicional vuelta con maleta, pero a bordo de un avión de cartón con los colores de Avianca. El ingenioso acto desató risas y miles de reacciones. #viral #colombia #agueros ♬ sonido original – kienyke
From a symbol to a real journey
Days after the video went viral, Avianca contacted the Moreno family to announce a surprise that exceeded all their expectations: A real trip to Santa Marta, with airline tickets included for the entire family, including their pet. The experience became a reality on Jan. 6, 2026, when the protagonists of this story boarded a real airplane for the first time, heading to Colombia’s Caribbean coast.
The news did not stop with the airline’s gesture. Other companies joined the initiative and decided to support the experience by covering lodging and recreational activities, turning the symbolic New Year’s wish into a complete vacation. For the family, who had never traveled together before, the experience meant much more than just a trip; it was confirmation that dreams can take shape when they are shared with enthusiasm.
From the airline, representatives highlighted that the decision to surprise the family was a way to recognize the creativity and joy with which Colombians live out their traditions. They also emphasized the power of social media to connect everyday stories with real opportunities.
The case of the Moreno family has become an example of how a popular custom can go beyond symbolism and generate social impact.