New Year's Celebrations

We're heading to Florida to celebrate New Year. We'll be meeting some friends there.


But how is the New Year Celebrated in Mexico? It is a lot like in Brazil, but Brazil is hot and Mexico is cold this time of the year.


People in both countries are very superstitious. They carry some of the same superstitions too: They use new underwear on this day and the colors are used to attract different vibes - for love, pink; for money, yellow; for peace, white; for passion, red. They also eat 12 grapes at midnight, representing the 12 months of the year. In Brazil they make a wish for each grape they eat. In Brazil, if you're by the beach you also have to jump 12 waves, throw flowers to Yemanja - Saint Barbara - for good luck and eat lentils to have enough money during the year. Most people also dress in white. They never wear black on New Year's eve. I don't know the dress code in Mexico.


Having the whole family and friends for supper on New Year's eve is also a tradition in both countries. Cod fish is a common dish served in both countries (Bacalao in Mexico, Bacalhau in portuguese.) Champagne is also served.


Fireworks are a tradition too. But in Brazil, particularly Rio, the fireworks are unbelievable!


We also spent a New Year in Angra dos Reis, a city in between Rio and Sao Paulo, that has 365 islands. One of the most beautiful places I've ever been to in my whole life. There, if you have a boat - or friends who do - there is a boat procession where people dress up their boats and they follow a boat carrying a Saint form one island to a chapel in the city. It is pretty and fun.


No matter where you are your New Year celebration should be fun.


So, I wish you all a Happy New Year!!!