New Year’s Traditions in Mexico: A Celebration of Life, Culture, and Hope

As the year draws to a close, all of Mexico comes alive with vibrant celebrations and colorful customs to welcome the New Year. 

One of the most popular traditions throughout Latin America is the ritual of eating 12 grapes at the stroke of midnight. Each grape represents a month of the upcoming year, and as the clock chimes 12 times, people make a wish with each grape they eat. Steeped in hope and anticipation, this tradition is relatively easy to keep. Stop by The Market to pick up your grapes or join other guests making sure they eat all 12 of the juicy fruits as they ring in the new year at a Pueblo Bonito restaurant event.

Speaking of restaurants, you can’t talk about any celebrations in Mexico without mentioning the sumptuous feasts that often play a central role. Traditional dishes like tamales, bacalao (salted cod), and pozole (a hearty soup) are often served as part of the New Year festivities — as is the custom of having a spoonful of cooked lentils to invite good fortune in the coming year. No matter which Pueblo Bonito dinner, party, or event you wish to attend, our team will bring on the flavor, and you may even find some culinary traditions dishes present in the event menus. 

In many Mexican homes, a thorough cleaning before New Year’s Eve symbolizes the sweeping away of the old year’s troubles and starting with a fresh, clean slate. It’s a way of making room for new blessings and positive experiences. Our resorts are always immaculate, and you could participate in the timeless practice by keeping your room tidy, but a better way to approach detoxifying, and refreshing is by going to Armonia Spa. An exfoliating body treatment that sloughs off dead skin cells, a rejuvenating facial, or an invigorating organic ritual will keep the cleansing theme deliciously present.

Now, once you’re glowing, the next best custom to tackle is making sure you wear specific colors to attract what you want in the coming year. This tradition is most often carried out with undergarments. Wearing red underwear, for example, is believed to bring love and passion, so sport your crimson underpants at the New Year’s Eve party if you’re looking for a sweetheart. Wearing yellow is meant to bring about wealth and prosperity, and donning green is meant to promote health — all good things. You can always stick to white and call for peace as you put on your most festive outfit to welcome 2024.

If you’re staying at a resort, you’re bound to have a suitcase on hand. Keep your travel life exciting by taking your empty suitcase for a stroll after midnight. Doing so is said to bring safe and happy travel adventures. You can also place your suitcases in the middle of your guest room or suite and have everyone in your group walk around them.

Finally, there are the fireworks. The sky lights up in a myriad of colors across cities in Mexico reflecting the joy and excitement felt all around. Rest assured that your New Year’s stay at Pueblo Bonito will include a spectacular fireworks display. Whether you watch the sparks fly from the comfort of your guest room, somewhere along your resort’s beautiful grounds, from the beach, or at an event location, the show will be breathtaking.

New Year’s in Mexico is not just a celebration; it's an embodiment of the country's vibrant culture, full of hope, joy, and the promise of a fresh start. At Pueblo Bonito, you’re invited to take part in these traditions, creating unforgettable memories with your loved ones and starting new traditions of your own.

Plan your next visit with us today!