Nochevieja, or New Year’s Eve, is a lively celebration in Mexico where families and friends gather to say goodbye to the old year. The festivities include eating, drinking, dancing, and participating in traditional customs for good luck.
The New Year is a time for celebration around the world, and Mexico is no exception. Whether you are in Mexico City or celebrating at home, you can immerse yourself in the passion and vibrancy of Mexican New Year’s Eve traditions. These traditions are filled with joy, togetherness, and a celebration of life itself.
If you are looking for love, good fortune, renewal, or prosperity in the New Year, you may be interested in some of the unique rituals that Mexicans use to attract these things. From traditional rituals and customs to lively fiestas and delicious food, Mexican New Year’s Eve traditions and celebrations are a spectacle of color, joy, and culture.
Nochevieja, or New Year’s Eve, is a lively celebration in Mexico where families and friends gather to say goodbye to the old year. The festivities include eating, drinking, dancing, and participating in traditional customs for good luck.
Fireworks and parties are a significant part of the celebration, with cities hosting public events and people gathering in the streets to enjoy the festivities. Celebrating New Year’s Eve in Mexico promises a unique and exciting experience.
Most important on our list of Mexican New Year’s Eve traditions is the New Year’s Eve food! The night before New Year’s in Mexico, on 31st December, it’s traditional to have a big dinner. The family will gather together to enjoy a big meal.
What is the New Year’s 12-grape ritual at midnight in Mexico?
The Twelve Grapes (Sp. las doce uvas de la suerte, “the twelve grapes of luck”) is a Spanish tradition that consists of eating a grape with each of the twelve clock bell strikes at midnight of 31 December to welcome the New Year. Each grape and clock bell strike represents each of the coming twelve months.
In Mexico, the party to receive the New Year becomes the best opportunity to do unique traditions and rituals that are believed to attract love, prosperity, and better luck.
Wearing Colorful Underwear
Wearing red underwear on New Year’s Eve is meant to bring good fortune in love while wearing yellow brings happiness and prosperity. So many Mexicans participate in this tradition that retailers stock their stores with the appropriate garments!
Lentils for Good Fortune
For Mexicans, eating a spoonful of cooked lentils is meant to bring good fortune in the coming year. Alternatively, a bag of dried lentils is left outside the front door.
Sweeping in (and out) the door
A popular tradition in Mexico, it is common for people to sweep towards the outside of their homes to clear negative energy and experiences of the previous year. By contrast, some people drop 12 coins on the ground outside and sweep them into their homes for financial success in the coming year.
Sweet Treats and Breaking Dishes
In some parts of Mexico buñuelos, a crispy fritter drizzled with sweet syrup is served on a traditional ceramic dish. Once the treat has been enjoyed, the next step is to break your connection with the past by breaking the dish on a wall or floor and begin the new year with a fresh start.
Fireworks
Like many cultures around the world, fireworks displays are also enjoyed. For Mexicans, New Year’s Eve is seen as an occasion meant to be celebrated out of the home with friends, and fireworks in various locations are an option to do just that.
Throwing a Bucket of Water Out the Window
Throwing a bucket of water out the window signifies throwing out the old year and welcoming the new.
Walking the Suitcase
After midnight, It’s a ritual to walk an empty suitcase around the house or block to bring good travels in the coming year. An alternative is to place suitcases in the middle of a room for people to walk around them.
So, don’t forget to carry out at least one of these Mexican rituals for New Year’s!
Happy New Year!
TYT Newsroom
