New Year in Mexico: Celebrating with Traditional Mexican Festivals

Welcome to New Year in Mexico, where the whole country becomes a giant party!

Ring in the new year with festivals, mixing culture and tradition with music, fireworks, and fun. There are old customs, unique traditions, and spectacular places to enjoy. I share my favorites.

Regional Celebrations

Different regions have their special festivities. Oaxaca has parades and a unique tradition known as Burning the Old Man. Año Viejo, a doll representing the old year, is filled with fireworks and burned at midnight. Talk about starting the new year with a bang!

Mexico’s traditions and customs come from a blend of indigenous and Spanish cultures. One custom is eating twelve grapes. Each grape represents a wish or hope for the year ahead. Eat one every time the clock chimes and your wishes will be granted.

Zamna Festival

For one of the biggest music festivals, head to the Zamna Festival. This electronic music celebration is held in the jungle of Tulum, where the party numbers in the thousands. 

Zócalo

Mexico City’s Zócalo, has one of the most iconic Año Nuevo celebrations. Incredible fireworks and light displays light up the night. Experience legendary Mexican hospitality with massive street parties, where everyone sings along with the live music.

Parachicos Festival

Perhaps you want to keep the party going after January 1 and travel to places like the Parachicos Festival. Chiapo del Corzo’s festival honors the saints from January 8 to 23. Pack comfy walking shoes because there is a lot to see. These best travel packing hacks will make sure you are ready for anything. 

Posadas

Another traditional festival that takes place from early December to January 6 is Posadas. This reenactment of Joseph and Mary’s journey ends with Día de los Reyes (Three Kings Day) on January 6. This day, known as the Epiphany in other parts of the world, is a huge celebratory fiesta in Mexico. 

Not So Traditional: Beach Parties & Cruises

Beach parties are a blaze of fireworks, beach BBQs, and music. For those traveling from the USA, a Mexico cruise is the perfect way to explore Mexico’s legendary coastal party zones. Mix fun at sea with traditional mariachi music on the beach. Best beach party spots: Cozumel, Cancún, and Cabo San Lucas.

Embrace Local Tradition

Wherever you find yourself in Mexico for NYE, remember to wear colorful underwear! People believe that different colors bring different results in the coming year. 

For example, red underwear brings passion and prosperity into your life; yellow brings good luck and promotions; and white is for peace. Make your underwear wish come true by wearing it inside out before midnight and normally afterwards. 

¡Feliz Año Nuevo!

All of Mexico is a lively, colorful celebration on December 31st. You will find welcoming smiles, good music, and delicious treats like tamales and pozole. And lentils! Eating a spoonful of lentils invites prosperity for the new year, so many Mexicans have a hearty lentil breakfast. 

No matter where you find yourself as the new year rolls in, from the deck of a cruise ship to huge street parties, Mexico’s infectious energy and sparkling joy will make your NYE one to remember.