New Year is a time of celebration around the world, but in Mexico, the New Year’s Eve celebrations are truly special. Here are some of the ways that Mexicans celebrate the arrival of the New Year
Fireworks: Celebrations Mexico Style
Just like in other parts of the world, fireworks are a popular way to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Mexico. Many cities and towns will have official fireworks displays, but it’s also common for people to set off their own fireworks in their backyards or in the streets.
Eating 12 grapes:
Just like in other parts of the world, fireworks are a popular way to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Mexico. Many cities and towns will have official fireworks displays, but it’s also common for people to set off their own fireworks in their backyards or in the streets.
Sweeping the House:
Some Mexicans believe that sweeping the house on New Year’s Eve will sweep away any bad luck from the previous year and make room for good luck in the new year.
Making noise:
Mexicans love to make noise on New Year’s Eve, as it’s believed to scare away evil spirits and bring good luck. It’s common to use noisemakers, bells, or even pots and pans to make noise at midnight.
Making noise:
Just like in other parts of the world, champagne is a popular drink for New Year’s Eve in Mexico. It’s common to toast the new year with a glass of champagne at midnight.
Whether you're in Mexico or elsewhere, New Year's Eve is a time to celebrate new beginnings and look forward to the future. So, grab your grapes, put on your red underwear, and make some noise as you ring in the new year Mexican style!
Tired of the overdone and overcommercialized Christmas celebration each year? Mexico may be your best destination.
Christmas Celebrations at the Zocalo in Mexico City
Story by Jim Foreman
Growing up in the USA, it was common to hear Jose Feliciano’s Christmas hit, ‘Feliz Navidad’ as part of the usual lineup of music, during the holidays.
Right now, you’re probably hearing that song’s melody in your head.
Beyond that, few Americans and Canadians truly understand the Christmas traditions in Mexico and how they are quite different from celebrations back home.
Of course, with an ever-increasing ex-pat population in certain regions, and the globalization of holidays, many Mexicans are melding and celebrating with a ‘Gringo’ edge. That’s OK. American’s have also adopted several Mexican traditions including the Spanish greeting and the Poinsettia plant as a symbol of the festive season.
Being in Mexico during the Christmas season is magical.
Largely gone is the over-commercialization of the season. Instead, visitors will see a celebration more rooted in tradition.
Mexico’s Christmas or Navidad celebrations largely originated in Spain. Given Mexico’s diverse culture and pre-Hispanic cultures, many of those traditions have morphed or evolved in a uniquely Mexican way.
Of course, as the many regions of Mexico are unique, so are the flavors of those celebrations.
Christmas is celebrated in Mexico from December 12th to January 6th. There is a crescendo of the celebrations on Christmas Eve, December 24th. This dates back to Europe, long before Christmas was ever introduced to the ‘new world.’
Now, you math wizards are probably just now figuring out where the ’12 Days of Christmas’ originates.
In Mexico, the Christmas season starts with nativity scenes placed in public and private displays. It’s nearly impossible to find a home without one in place. Nativity displays can be simple or elaborate. Some are small, sitting on a shelf or table, while others are life sized, occupying a whole room or display outdoors.
Also beginning December 12th, children gather each night to do the Posada procession (Posada means Inn or Hotel in Spanish). They carry a candle and clay figurines of Mary and Joseph from home to home, singing songs. The songs are mostly relating to Mary and Joseph seeking a place to stay.
The children are told, ‘there is no room,’ at each place. The final Posada welcomes the people in, and the party begins in earnest. A figure of the baby Jesus is placed in a manger. That home is host to food, games, and often fireworks. Piñatas are one of the most common games played.
This goes on, each night until Christmas Eve (Noche Buena).
Afterwards, people go to a midnight mass and usually celebrate with more fireworks.
As a visitor, you can watch and enjoy the celebrations from any town centro as that will be where the focus of the holidays are typically happening.
Nacimiento or a Nativity scene is the dominant decoration in celebrating Christmas. Of course, Christmas Trees are becoming more and more popular throughout Mexico, too.
In some northern Mexican states, children are taught the tradition of Santa Claus. While this phenomenon is slowly growing in Mexico, it’s still not the dominant celebration.
December 28th, marks “Los Santos Inocentes” (Day of the Innocent Saints). Originating in Spain and Portugal, it’s celebrated much like Americans celebrate April Fool’s Day. Despite the playful nature, it has a very grim undertone. This is regarded as the day King Herrod had all Male babies under a year old killed in the desire to keep his reign from what was prophesied to him about a new ‘King’ being born.
For much of Mexico, January 6th (the Epiphany) is when children receive gifts. This is a representation of when the three Wise Men arrived, bearing gifts. If there was a Gringo style ‘Santa Claus” celebration with gift-giving on Christmas Day, candies and small treats are given to the kids. Otherwise, this is the day when all of their good deeds for the year earn them their gifts. In Mexico, Children are told that the gifts the receive came from either Santo Clós or El Niñito Dios (Baby Jesus).
Rosca de Reyes with the figure of Baby Jesus
It’s also a common tradition to eat Rosca de Reyes (Three Kings Cake) on January 6th. A small figure of baby Jesus gets baked into the cake.
Whoever gets the figure in their piece of cake becomes the honorary godparent of Jesus that year.
Fiesta de la Virgen de la Candelaria in Veracruz
February 2nd wraps up a final Christmas celebration. It’s the Virgen de la Candelaria (Virgin of the candles). Other countries call it the ‘Candlemass.’
Whether or not you celebrate Christ’s birthday or consider yourself faithful, it’s a season of good cheer, wonderful traditions, and celebrations. Join in and be a part of the Mexican culture.
Many Americans and Canadians are drawn to Mexico’s warmth during the holiday season. Getting to Mexico in your car is very easy. If it’s your first time, you can find out the details of what you need to bring and what to expect. Make sure to check Mexican insurance policy rates before leaving. It’s easy to quote, buy, and print quality coverage at Mexican Insurance Store.
Consider the best Mexican insurance policy available for driving in Mexico.
Each year over thirty-five million people visit Mexico. It’s not difficult to understand why. The beaches are some of the best in the world accompanied by spectacular warm weather during the traditional months. A vast majority of visitors choose to either fly or take a cruise ship to Mexico. Despite that, there is a growing number of people who are choosing to drive down from the US or Canada to visit Mexico. The reasons are obvious, including cost savings. Taking out the financial factor, there remains a compelling argument to make your next visit an overland visit to Mexico.
This option is not nearly as far-fetched as it may seem. Take a look at this Happiest Countries In The World’. There’s a good reason for that, but you’ll probably never discover it if you stay at a mega-resort and choose not to spend time with locals. Spanish is one of the most important languages one can learn. Being even somewhat capable in Spanish can open a tremendous world of wonderful experiences and opportunities.
4. Discover Pueblos Magicos Along The Way
This is a huge aspect that is lost when one limits themselves to a mega-resort. Pueblos Magicos are towns, cities, or villages that have unique and charming characteristics that truly deserve discovery. Many are wonderfully preserved colonial towns while others offer warmth and culture that one won’t find elsewhere. Go to Visit Pueblos Magicos to discover some Pueblos Magicos along your journey. In nearly all cases, they are worth it.
5. You Have Transportation The Entire Time
When you fly or take a cruise ship, one thing becomes immediately obvious. You are entirely dependent on expensive shuttles, taxis, or organized tours. When you drive your own vehicle, you can go anywhere, any time you wish without having to worry about departure times, bus numbers, or leaving a destination sooner than you wanted. You can also move on if you decide the place you’re staying isn’t ideal for you. Renting a car may seem like a good idea at first, especially for $10 – $15 per day, but you are forced at the counter to purchase insurance at $35 – $40 per day too and this adds up fast.
6. Street Tacos and Authentic Food
This really must not be understated. The food is something wonderful. Far beyond what most gringos equate to Mexican food, a culinary paradise is at your fingertips when you explore regions overland. Whether it’s a street vendor offering up Horchata con Coco (a delicious drink) or a vendor serving ceviche or coctels mariscos, you are guaranteed some excellent and memorable eating at a drastically reduced price over what you pay in common tourist areas.
There are many more reasons to choose an Overlanding adventure. Naturally, there are some guidelines and legal requirements you must pay mind to drive your car, motorcycle, or RV into Mexico. You can learn about them in this award-winning article detailing what’s required and how to safely and successfully travel in Mexico. Additionally, please read this important story about Safety and Mexico to better understand the realities and realistic expectations of traveling.
As you can probably guess, it’s quite fun and easy to travel in your own car in Mexico. All you need is a destination, your Passport, and a Mexican Insurance Policy By Mexican Insurance Store.
Beautiful smiling woman dancing while enjoying road trip with friendsyoung woman standing out of the sunroof and her partner driving car, couple on road trip.All Terrain Vehicle rider in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Tags: Mexican Insurance, Mexican insurance store, Mexico Road Trip, Travel Mexico
Everyone could use a weekend in San Felipe -Unknown
Group of Friends on the Malecón
When you say “Weekend in Mexico,” you’ll likely hear Ensenada, Rocky Point, or Rosarito.
Occasionally, someone smart will say, ‘Why not spend the weekend in San Felipe?’ Not to say the other destinations are not fantastic. They are. San Felipe though stands on its own because it takes a little more effort to get there.
Located between the phenomenal Colorado desert and the waters of the sea of Cortes, San Felipe is unarguably one of the choice destinations, particularly for foreigners who are looking to buy a vacation home.
From Los Angeles, San Felipe is about 350 miles away. That’s about 50 miles further than the distance to Las Vegas. From Yuma, it’s only 175 Miles. In most cases, Mexicali serves as your entry point.
The road (Mex 5) down to San Felipe is in excellent condition and is a pretty straight shot south.
Visitors to San Felipe won’t find large mega resorts or cruise ships in port. Instead, San Felipe is a quiet village with fishing and tourism as its primary sources of income.
For lodging, San Felipe has many options from Rental homes with popular sites like Airbnb and smaller hotels. Some favorite choices for hotels include the El Cortez Hotel and the next-door Stella Mar Bungalows. The cost is very reasonable, and the location is about 500m south of the malecón (boardwalk). Both are situated right on a beautiful stretch of beach.
Sunrise at low tide.
Speaking of beaches, San Felipe has a beautiful phenomenon in addition to warm water temperatures. During low tide, the water recedes about a kilometer or more making for some incredible sunrise or sunset photos. The shallow seabed makes playtime in the water safe, fun, and enjoyable.
Dining is quite good. San Felipe, commonly attributed to inventing the fish taco, serves up some of the best. There are many seafood options along the malecón all vying for your business. They are excellent for lunch or a quick bite. When you want a memorable dinner, the choices are more limited. Highlights include the El Nido Steakhouse on the south end of town and La Vaquita Marina on the north end.
If you’re looking for a place to hear live music and knock back some great drinks, head back out of town onto Mex 5 for about 10 minutes and stop at either the Roadrunner Café or the Sand Rail Pizza and Jolly Mon Bar.
If you love fishing, you’re in luck. On any weekend in San Felipe, one can easily hire a local with a Panga to take you out to some secret spots.
There are plenty of fun activities you can engage in, including off-road driving walks along beaches, sports fishing, desert tours, tours along the surrounding mountains, etc.
Because of the incredible dunes inland, ATVs, dune buggies, and Dirt bikes are regularly seen in town. Several vendors also rent out ATVs by the hour.
When it comes to peaceful, family-friendly getaways, a weekend in San Felipe makes an excellent choice. The region’s vast combination of accessibility, fun, and value shines brightly.
Panoramic view of the Coast.
Getting to a weekend in San Felipe is easy. , head to El Centro via I-8 and head south to Mexicali. Returning is also hassle-free with two main crossings in Mexicali. The East Gate (Garita II) is typically far less busy. Leave on Monday instead of Sunday and sail back across the border like a boss.
The only other thing you need is your passport and your Mexican Insurance from MexicanInsuranceStore.com.
Who knew motorcycle riding in Mexico could be so much fun? -Tom White
Many riders are surprised by how good the motorcycle riding in Mexico is. We all know Mexico is a great country for overland travel. It’s got a well-developed highway system and wonderful cities and places to visit throughout the country.
Motorists and truckers mostly like motorcyclists and think you’re cool! Treating them with mutual respect makes for a more pleasurable journey.
Riding a motorcycle is different from riding in the USA or Canada. Americans and Canadians are sticklers for rules and right-of-way. In Mexico, driving priority is primarily based on who is bigger and who is there first.
A group of riders stopped to snap a quick photo at sunset.
While not exhaustive, these secrets will enhance your journey and increase the number of friends you make.
Wave to military vehicles, truckers, children in cars, drivers when you pass them, and of course other motorcyclists. A simple wave or better yet, a peace sign is a perfect way to demonstrate respect and mutual camaraderie. Even wave to cops. You’ll be surprised how often a wave gets you a smile and wave back.
Passing is an art in Mexico. If you are on a two-lane road and you want to pass, flick on your left-turn blinker. This lets drivers ahead know your intention. They will often pull over to the right a little bit to allow you to pass ahead. If a vehicle wishes to pass you, do the same. Move over to the right and let them.
When passing trucks, also use your left-turn blinker as you approach and pass. This alerts them you are there and keeps you visible to them. Do this even when you are in the passing lane and they are in the right lane.
Never pass trucks or vehicles on the right shoulder. This is because it’s the first place they will go to make room for emergency vehicles or to let others pass.
SLOW DOWN when approaching and within a town or city! This is very important for several reasons. There are often bus stops, gas stations, and topes (speed bumps) as you approach towns. This is also where both Policía Municipal and Policía Federal like to wait with radar guns to catch speeders. Slow it way down.
Pro Tip: Enjoy motorcycle riding in Mexico but don’t skimp on Mexican insurance. Get a Full-Coverage policy from CHUBB Platinum. The amount of coverage is phenomenal including your helmet, gear, and motorcycle accessories.
If you are at or below half of a tank, fill it up at the next gas station. The next one may be many kilometers down the road.
Take signs that read ‘Aguas’ and ‘Curva Peligrosa’ seriously. ‘Aguas’ means ‘Heads up’ or ‘Pay Attention.’ Also before many corners that are deemed ‘peligrosa,’ look for rumble strips. These can seriously affect traction and control.
Be friendly at gas stations. People will come up to you and ask the size of your engine, how much it costs, how fast it goes, and if you like Mexico. These are very typical questions and don’t feel weird about answering them. Smile and be gracious with your answers.
DO NOT RIDE AT NIGHT. This is a big one. When riding toward the end of the day, hold your hand out with three fingers showing. If the sun is at or below your fingers from the horizon, you have 15-20 minutes to find a place to stay the night. Do not try to continue. Road hazards, livestock, and in some regions, criminal activity become acute at night. Find a hotel and enjoy a good dinner.
Lane Sharing and lane filtering are OK, and drivers are typically quite good about it. Don’t abuse the privilege drivers give you to pass. Do it safely and discretely. Be sure to wave and thank the drivers who make room for you.
Drink about half a liter of water every time you stop. Many riders crash and suffer significant injuries and sometimes fatalities due to dehydration. A simple way to tell if you are properly hydrated is that you need to use the restroom at each stop and your urine is a light color. The darker it is, the more dehydrated you are.
If you see a rider on the side of the road or a motorist in need, stop if it is safe, to offer help. There may not be mobile reception, and you may be the angel of the day. They will stop for you if you are in trouble, too.
When motorcycle riding in Mexico, keep your chin up and always scan in the distance. Look for hazards, errant drivers, debris, accidents, and animals. Doing so will give you plenty of time to take evasive action and not become a bigger problem. Be careful not to daydream when riding.
If you have them, flash your emergency lights to let other drivers or riders know of oncoming hazards or sudden stops. Flashing your brake light also works to alert drivers.
In windy curving roads and especially blind corners, take it easy and stay to the right. Large vehicles including buses and trucks will take those corners wide. Give yourself plenty of time and options to remain safe and happy.
Again, this is not an exhaustive list, but this should give you an excellent primer on riding safely and enjoyably in Mexico.
Also beginning December 12th, children gather each night to do the Posada procession (Posada means Inn or Hotel in Spanish). They carry a candle and clay figurines of Mary and Joseph from home to home, singing songs. The songs are mostly relating to Mary and Joseph seeking a place to stay.
