Here at Mexico Retold HQ (read: my house) we are getting ready for New Year’s Eve. I am excited to include some of the Mexican New Year rituals that I learnt whilst on a recent #mexchat on twitter, into tonight’s celebrations.

I love New Year’s Eve and the idea of seeing in a new year full of hopes and wishes, so adding a few rituals to help that along is really fun. I thought I would share a few with you guys so that you can Mexicanize your NYE.

1)   Wishing on a Grape
For: Good Luck
What you Need: 12 grapes (no seeds is best)

What you do: As the clock strikes midnight, make a wish on each grape as you eat it.  Eating the 12 grapes is seen to give you good luck for every month of the coming year!

2)   Have Suitcase, Will Travel
For: Travel in the Coming year
What you Need: An empty suitcase

What you do: At midnight head outside with an empty suitcase and take a walk down the road. It is believed that this will bring travel opportunities to you in the coming year.

3)   Add a Bit of Colour
For: Luck, Money, Love, and Friendship
What you need: Underwear of different colours

What you do: According to Mexican tradition, wearing different coloured underwear on NYE can call in the things you want for the coming year. Wear red, if you are looking for love, yellow if money is what you are after, green if you are hoping for good health and white for a peaceful and harmonious year.

4)   Sweep out the Old, Sweep in Abundance
For: Money
What you need: A broom and some coins

What you do: In many countries the idea of removing the old to bring in the new is a commonly followed tradition. In Mexico many people like to ceremoniously sweep out of the front door (as is sweeping out the old), then throw a few coins on the ground in front of the house and sweep them back in. This is believed to bring abundance in the coming year.

I hope these have inspired you to Mexicanize your New Year. Please do let me know of any other Mexican traditions for New Year’s Eve that you enjoy!

Whatever you do, I wish you a wonderful night and a fabulous start to 2014!

Susannah Rigg is a freelance writer and Mexico specialist. Her work has been featured in Condé Nast Traveler, CNN Travel, BBC Travel, The Independent UK, Afar and The New Worlder among others. Check out her portfolio here. Contact Susannah by email, info [at] mexicoretold [dot] com and join her on Facebook and Twitter and Instagram.