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Get ready to celebrate the Aztec New Year on March 12, a day full of rich culture and ancient traditions. This holiday, also known as "Chicuacen" in the Nahuatl language, has been observed since the time of the Aztecs over 500 years ago. It marks the start of a new agricultural cycle and is a time for reflection, gratitude, and community celebrations. From colorful parades to traditional dances and feasts, there are many ways you can join in on the festivities and honor this important day in Aztec history. So let's delve into the vibrant world of Aztec culture and welcome their New Year with open arms!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1325</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Founding of Tenochtitlan</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Aztec capital, Tenochtitlan, was established, becoming the hub for Aztec culture and religion where many traditions, including the New Year, were celebrated.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1427</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Aztec Calendar Codified</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Aztec Sun Stone, also known as the Calendar Stone, was carved, serving as a visual representation of the Aztec cosmological and ritual calendar.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1479</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Reign of Axayacatl</div><div class='timeline-text'>During Axayacatl's reign, the Aztec empire expanded significantly, enhancing ceremonial practices, including those associated with the New Year.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1521</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Fall of Tenochtitlan</div><div class='timeline-text'>The conquest by Spanish forces led by Hernán Cortés resulted in the fall of Tenochtitlan, impacting Aztec traditions including the New Year celebrations.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1980s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Cultural Revival</div><div class='timeline-text'>There was a resurgence of interest in preserving and revitalizing Aztec culture and traditions, including New Year celebrations, among indigenous communities and scholars.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2023</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Modern Celebrations</div><div class='timeline-text'>Aztec New Year is widely recognized and celebrated with community gatherings, traditional music, dances, and rituals that honor ancient customs.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a traditional Aztec ceremony</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Experience the rich culture and traditions of the Aztecs by attending a traditional ceremony. This is a great way to honor the Aztec New Year and learn more about their customs and beliefs.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Create an altar for the Aztec New Year</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>In Aztec tradition, altars are used to honor and remember ancestors. Create your own altar to commemorate the Aztec New Year and include items that hold significance to the culture.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Learn traditional Aztec dances</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Dancing was an important part of Aztec culture and there are many traditional dances that are still performed today. Take a dance class or watch a performance to celebrate the Aztec New Year in a unique way.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Try traditional Aztec cuisine</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Food is a big part of any celebration and the Aztecs had a variety of delicious dishes. Try some traditional Aztec cuisine, such as tamales, pozole, or mole, to celebrate the Aztec New Year in a tasty way.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit an Aztec historical site</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take a trip to an Aztec historical site, such as Teotihuacan or Tenochtitlan, to learn more about the culture and celebrate the New Year. You can also take a guided tour to gain a deeper understanding of the significance of these sites.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It honors a rich culture and history</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Aztec New Year, also known as Ollin Tonatiuh, celebrates the ancient civilization of the Aztecs and their contributions to Mexican culture. It's a day to honor their customs, traditions, and achievements, which is important in preserving their legacy.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It brings people together</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The celebration of Aztec New Year is often accompanied by various festivities and gatherings, providing an opportunity for people to come together and share in the joy of the occasion. These events can also foster a sense of community and strengthen bonds between individuals.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It encourages reflection and renewal</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Similar to other new year celebrations, Aztec New Year is often seen as a time for reflection, growth, and fresh beginnings. It's a chance to let go of past mistakes and welcome the future with positivity and determination, making it a meaningful holiday for many.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Aztec New Year depends on the Tonalpohualli cycle</h3><p class='facts-content'>The Aztec New Year is not a fixed date in our modern calendar, it's based on the 260-day religious calendar known as the Tonalpohualli. The date shifts each year, similar to Easter.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The celebrations last several days</h3><p class='facts-content'>While March 12th marks the start of the Aztec New Year, the festivities continue for several days with community rituals, ceremonial cleansings, and plenty of traditional music and dance.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The "New Fire" ceremony is significant</h3><p class='facts-content'>One important ceremonial tradition associated with the Aztec New Year involves creating a "New Fire" which is said to help the world avoid falling into darkness and ensure the continuation of mankind.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Each year is associated with an element from Nature</h3><p class='facts-content'>In Aztec culture, each year was associated with a specific element from nature, chosen cyclically from Tecpatl (flint/knife), Calli (house), Tochtli (rabbit), and Acatl (reed).</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Aztec New Year is also called Veintena Huey Tozoztli</h3><p class='facts-content'>In the Nahuatl language, the Aztec New Year is known as Veintena Huey Tozoztli, which refers to the 'Great Vigil' observed during this time.</p></div></div>
Aztec New Year is celebrated on March 12 every year. In 2024 Aztec New Year will occur on a Tuesday.
2023
Mar 12
Sunday
2024
Mar 12
Tuesday
2025
Mar 12
Wednesday
2026
Mar 12
Thursday
2027
Mar 12
Friday
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