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The end of the year is certainly one of the most interesting times to discover this great country. Megadiverse , megacultural , magical, with a rich diversity of vegetation and animal species, ethnic groups, languages, history and traditions. It is almost imposible to describe it, because the words are not always enough to engage all of our the senses; living it is the only way to know its greatness.

The ideal experience begins in November, at the Day of the Dead . One of the most impressive cultural events , where food and drinks are offered to honor those who are no longer physically with us. This holiday is celebrated throughout Mexico an it take place on November 1st and 2nd, if you missed it , you will have until January the 12th of 2014 to see a collection of offerings devoted to the state of Hidalgo at the Diego Rivera Museum Anahuacalli : 150 Museo Street , San Pablo Tepetlapa , Coyoacán , 04620 , Mexico City.In December and early January take place a series of important cultural events in the country .

On December 12: Our Lady of Guadalupe’s Day. Where to go? To the Basilica of Guadalupe, cathedrals , churches and chapels in almost the entire country . From the night of the December 11th Mexican believers sing Happy Birthday to Our Lady of Guadalupe. There is an interesting syncretism between the current dominant form of celebration and the reminiscent pre-Hispanic traditions.

On December 16 to 24: Las posadas . Where to go? We are going to go wherever someone invite us! There are always many great places to celebrate with punch and piñatas, and of course the commemoration of Mary and Joseph’s litany in the journey of asking for shelter from Nazareth to Bethlehem.

On December 24 and 25: Christmas Eve and Christmas . What you can not afford to miss? A large dinner with holiday dishes and drinks that are not usually eaten in every day life, as an exchange of gifts that represent the gift that God gave to mankind by Jesus Christ.

On December 31: New Year. What to do? A meal sometimes even bigger than the one of Christmas, but without gifts. With many superstitious practices to wish a Happy New Year. For example : The use of red new underwear for love, yellow for money, a walk around the block with a travel suitcase to attract trips, sweep the house from the back to the door to take out the negativity .

January 6: Epiphany . A representation of the tribute which the Three Kings of Orient gave to Jesus when they went to meet him . On the night of January the 5th, children leave food and drinks as gratitude for the gifts they will receive the following morning. In the morning they wake up excited and looking for the presents that the Three Kings have brought the night before.

While all of these celebrations are religious in nature, everybody is more than welcome. It is also true that all holidays have been contaminated by commercial interests, but fortunately, more and more individuals, families and communities remember the true meaning of this holidays.

The end of the year in Mexico is a mixture of traditions of many cultures and times, each household and social groups acquires it with an own sense, as everything that happens in this diverse country .