Chinese New Year is one of the most important holidays in China. It is celebrated based on the lunar calendar and marks the beginning of a new year in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac. This time, beginning January 22nd, we welcome the Year of the Rabbit (Water-Rabbit).
🤔 Interesting fact: The Mayan Calendar consists of 13 signs, one of which is the Rabbit/Squirrel; the zodiac sign for those born between May 30th and June 26th.
How is it celebrated in Mexico?
Although this festivity is not as big in Mexico as in other places, it is still celebrated with much joy and enthusiasm.
In Mexico City (the city with the largest Chinese population in the country), Chinatown is the ideal place for this celebration. Here, you can see parades with dragons and giant lions, and enjoy typical Chinese food and drinks. Many stores in the neighborhood will often decorate their windows with celebratory motifs, such as lucky coins and bamboo branches.
In the Riviera Maya, you can be part of the Chinese New Year at Hong Kong Restaurant (Playa del Carmen and Cancun), enjoying traditional dishes and themed decorations while immersing yourself in Chinese culture!
Did you know that in Mayan language, rabbit is “tul” or “tu’ul”? 🐰
What the Year of the Rabbit means
Generally speaking, the year of the rabbit is considered a year of stability and harmony, where you can expect better personal relationships and greater tranquility in life. It’s a good time to focus on family and deeper connections, and to work on long-term projects. It is also considered a favorable year to start a business or make investments.
If you are a person born in the year of the rabbit, it is said that you have good luck in love and personal relationships.
Take advantage of this year to strengthen your bonds and enjoy the company of your loved ones… maybe by taking a relaxing and fun vacation with them to the Mexican Caribbean and create new memories!
Chinese New Year Traditions
It’s a celebration full of traditions and symbolism; some of the most important ones include:
- Cleaning the house before the New Year to say goodbye to the previous year and welcome the new one.
- Putting up red decorations, symbolizing joy and good luck.
- Eating a typical dish called “Jiaozi” consisting of dumplings that symbolize financial prosperity.
- Exchanging greeting cards and gifts with family and friends.
- Lighting fireworks to ward off evil spirits and attract good luck.
May this year be very prosperous and full of joy and harmony for everyone 🎉