As the year ends, Mexico City gets all lively with exciting parties to welcome the new year. There are fun street celebrations and cool traditions to enjoy here. Whether you like big parties or more quiet local customs, this city has something for everyone!
New Year's Eve in Mexico City
The biggest party happens at the Angel of Independence. They close the street, set up tents with music, and there's an awesome fireworks show. Lots of DJs and stages line the road – it's a super fun bash.
Also, there's a free concert by Los Ángeles Azules on December 31st at 9:30 pm at Avenida Paseo de la Reforma, right by the Angel of Independence. It adds to the fun events organized by each neighborhood.
But, if you plan to go to the Angel on New Year's Eve, it gets crazy busy. It starts around 2 or 3 pm and goes on till next year! Look out for signs and info posted around December 29th and 30th on Paseo de la Reforma; to get informed on what's happening on December 31st.
If it's too crowded, you can still enjoy the music and fireworks from nearby streets. Or book a spot on a balcony or at a rooftop restaurant early.
Mexican Traditions for New Year's Eve
When you're in Mexico City for the holidays, it's fun to join in and learn about how locals celebrate.
People here have a funny tradition of wearing specific colored underwear for different wishes in the new year. Red undies are for love, while yellow ones bring wealth and happiness.
In smaller towns, people make a kind of scarecrow out of old clothes and stuff them with newspapers. This stands for the 'old year' and they burn it at midnight, setting off fireworks. You'll see these scarecrows in other cities in Mexico if you're celebrating elsewhere on New Year's Eve. Another tradition is throwing water around the house and sweeping, believed to keep bad vibes away.
You might also notice grapes in your wine at bars and restaurants in Mexico City. Eating one grape (or 12!) at midnight and making a wish for each grape is said to make those wishes come true in the new year.
New Year's Day in Mexico City
Most places are closed on New Year's Day. Banks, government offices, and some museums shut down. Restaurants that open might start later because of the late-night celebrations on New Year's Eve.
But most tourist spots are still open on New Year's Day. Big attractions like the Museum of Anthropology, Teotihuacan, and the Cathedral are open for visitors on January 1st.
If you're around on January 6th, you'll see Three King's Day. It kind of wraps up the holiday fun here in Mexico. Look out for "rosca de reyes," a sweet bread with candied fruits traditionally eaten on January 6th. We usually enjoy it with a cup of hot chocolate!
There's a cool tradition linked to the "rosca de reyes". Inside this sweet bread, there might be a tiny figurine of a baby Jesus. If your slice has this figurine, it means you're in charge of buying tamales for everyone on February 2nd, which is known as "Día de la Candelaria" or Candlemas Day. It's a fun tradition where whoever finds the baby Jesus in their slice of bread gets to host a tamalada, a gathering to enjoy tamales together!
Let's finish off an amazing holiday season in Mexico City!
From fun celebrations to colorful traditions, Mexico City has something special for everyone to welcome the New Year. Whether you're enjoying the lively parties or trying out local customs, it's an amazing place to be.
Join our Bikes and Munchies tours during this festive time! We're open all through the holidays, even on December 25th and January 1st! Book now and join us for a unique experience as we explore exciting spots and taste delicious local food.
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