Celebrate New Year’s Like a Local: Traditions in Mexico

The New Year in Mexico is a vibrant mix of old traditions and modern celebrations, filled with joy, color, and meaning. At Abbey del Sol in Puerto Morelos, we love helping guests connect with local culture, and there’s no better time to dive in than New Year’s Eve!

A festive New Year’s scene celebrating 2025, featuring the Mexican flag prominently displayed alongside the year “2025” in bold, colorful numbers. A red and green ornament with the Mexican flag’s emblem replaces the “0” in 2025, while the “5” is topped with a holiday-themed Santa hat. Fireworks light up the night sky, and rows of international flags in the background add a global celebratory feel. Small gift boxes rest on the foreground table, emphasizing the holiday spirit.

Here’s a glimpse of some of the unique traditions you’ll find in Mexico—and maybe want to try yourself this year.


The 12 Grapes of Luck (Las Doce Uvas de la Suerte)

close-up view of green grapes and a classic clock set against a festive, softly lit background. This image captures the anticipation and charm of the traditional “12 Grapes of Luck,” a New Year’s custom that celebrates hope and fresh beginnings.

As the clock strikes midnight, many Mexicans eat 12 grapes, one with each chime of the clock. Each grape represents a wish for the coming year. It’s a fun, delicious, and slightly frantic tradition (those chimes come quickly!).


Sweeping Out the Old Year

In some households, people sweep their homes on New Year’s Eve to symbolize sweeping away bad energy and making space for the good. It’s a perfect tradition if you’re staying in one of our Abbey del Sol rentals—give your space a symbolic fresh start before settling in for the evening’s celebrations.

A minimalist and rustic depiction of a straw broom hanging on a green wooden door. This image highlights the cultural practice of using a broom as a tool for symbolic renewal during New Year’s celebrations in Mexico. It emphasizes the theme of cleansing and letting go of the past.


Wearing Lucky Colors

A lighthearted representation of the Mexican New Year’s custom of wearing color-coded underwear for specific hopes in the coming year. The vibrant garments and playful tones emphasize the joy and optimism of welcoming a new year with meaningful traditions.

Your outfit might determine your luck in the coming year! Many Mexicans wear red for love, yellow for prosperity, green for health, or white for peace. Don’t have a colorful wardrobe? No worries—wearing brightly colored underwear in your chosen shade also counts!


Suitcase Strolls for Adventure

If travel is on your wish list for the new year, grab an empty suitcase and take a walk around the block after midnight. This quirky tradition is said to bring exciting adventures and new journeys in the coming year.

A whimsical composition featuring a vintage suitcase, scarf, and books, set against a natural backdrop. This image highlights the Mexican New Year’s tradition of walking with a suitcase at midnight to invite travel and exploration in the coming year. It captures the spirit of wanderlust and fresh opportunities.


Burning the Old Year (Año Viejo)

A heartwarming scene showing two children and an effigy of an old man, ready for the Año Viejo tradition in Mexico. This custom, often involving firecrackers and community gatherings, symbolizes the cleansing and renewal that comes with the New Year.

In Puerto Morelos, you’ll often see effigies of an old man representing the “old year.” These effigies are burned at midnight as a way to symbolically say goodbye to the past year, clearing away negativity and making space for new opportunities. Keep an eye out for this unique custom—it’s a fascinating blend of symbolism and community spirit that’s worth experiencing!

Celebrate the New Year in Puerto Morelos

Whether you’re joining the locals for grape-eating at the plaza, watching fireworks over the ocean, or simply enjoying a quiet toast on your balcony at Abbey del Sol, the New Year in Mexico is unforgettable.

Ready to make Puerto Morelos part of your 2024 adventures? Book your stay with us, and experience the magic of the Riviera Maya year-round.

Happy New Year from all of us at Abbey del Sol!