New Years Eve in Mexico

New Year’s Eve (Fiesta de Fin de Año) is a festive occasion for millions of people in Mexico, as it is a time to say good bye to the year ending and to welcome the New Year.

Celebrate New Year’s Eve

Beaches like Acapulco and Cancun are packed with tourists from all over the world on New Year’s Eve. Parties and dinners are held to celebrate the night in anticipation of the New Year. Fireworks are lit and champagne glasses are toasted at the stroke of midnight between New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. “Feliz Año Nuevo!” is often the first expression that is shared among friends and family on January 1 – it simply means “Happy New Year”. Celebratory meals include: bacalao (dried, salted codfish); buñuelos(fried dough ball dessert); and ponche (fruit punch).

There are many superstitious activities that people do for fun. It is believed that dressing in certain colors will bring positivity:  white for spiritual goodness; green for good health; red for love; and yellow for wealth. One midnight tradition is to throw a bucket of water out the window for renewal in the New Year. Another is to sweep out old dust and sweep in coins for prosperity at home.

Public Life

New Year’s Eve is an observance and not a public holiday in Mexico.

About New Year’s Eve

New Year’s Day, January 1, marks the start of the year in the Gregorian calendar, which is used in many countries. New Year’s Eve is a holiday with many traditions that is celebrated worldwide.