Tag: Mexico

The Meaning of Cinco de Mayo: A Look at Its History and Culture

Gate 1 Travel on May 5, 2026

Each year on May 5, Cinco de Mayo is celebrated as a vibrant expression of Mexican heritage, culture, and resilience. Often associated with social gatherings and good times, the holiday has deeper historical significance. In the modern day, the holiday has transcended its origins and is widely celebrated, especially in the United States.

The Origins of Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo’s origin dates to honoring a military victory over the French forces of Napoleon in 1862, known as the Battle of Puebla. In 1861, Mexico declared a temporary moratorium on the repayment of foreign debts. This resulted in the English, Spanish, and the French invading the country. By April 1862, the English and Spanish had withdrawn, but the French continued in hopes of establish a monarchy. On May 5, 1862, a poorly equipped mestizo (people of mixed Indigenous and European extraction) and Zapotec force defeated the French at the Battle of Puebla. This wasn’t the final battle as the French were not driven out for another five years, the Battle of Puebla became a symbol of Mexican resistance to foreign domination.

How Cinco de Mayo is Celebrated

In Puebla, the day is celebrated with parades, speeches, and reenactments of the 1862 battle. All public schools in Mexico are closed, though the holiday is not a nationwide celebration like in the United States.

Major U.S. cities that celebrate the holiday are Los Angeles, San Antonio, Denver, Chicago, and San Diego. Contrast to Mexico, people in the United States celebrate Cinco de Mayo with street festivals, mariachi music, and the consumption of Mexica cuisine and drinks.

The celebration even originated in California in 1862, shortly after the Battle of Puebla. By the 1960s, Mexican American activists (Chicanos) popularized the day to increase cultural pride, choosing to celebrate the Mexican victory over a European power. By the 1980s, beer, tequila, and restaurant companies launched massive marketing campaigns to target the growing Hispanic demographic. This resulted in Cinco de Mayo alcohol sales rivaling the Super Bowl.

Experience Mexico with Gate 1

At Gate 1, we offer numerous tours in Mexico that allow you to experience the country in numerous ways. Consider learning about Mexico’s ancient history with either the 13 Day Mexico’s Mayan & Aztec Illumination tour or the 8 Day Classic Yucatan with Merida, Tulum & Chichen Itza tour.

If Mexico’s colonial history is more intriguing, try our 10 Day Colonial Mexico tour that takes you through iconic Spanish colonial architecture.

Last, explore Central Mexico on our 9 Day Central Mexico with Oaxaca tour. If interested in the rest of our Latin American tours, click here.

An Iconic Holiday for All

Cinco de Mayo is a holiday that fills Mexicans across Mexico and the United States with pride and confidence. A holiday that originates from war had led to a yearly celebration of Mexico’s strength. Now widely celebrated in the United States, the holiday is a day for celebration while reminding those of modern times about the origins of Mexico’s rich history. How do you celebrate Cinco de Mayo? Share this post and let us know!

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New Year’s Around the World: Customs, Rituals & Celebrations

Gate 1 Travel on December 30, 2025

USA

In the United States, New Year’s Eve is celebrated with parties, drinks, and watching the iconic Times Square ball drop. Once the ball drops and the clock hits midnight, many toast drinks or kiss their significant other. The first day of the New Year is a national holiday during which many relax after the excitement of New Year’s Eve. In cities across the country this day is celebrated by watching colorful and festive parades.

The Rose Bowl Parade is an iconic New Year’s Day tradition in Pasadena, California, featuring elaborate, flower-covered floats, marching bands, and equestrian units leading into the Rose Bowl football game. This year, the undefeated No. 1 seed Indiana Hoosiers play against the No. 9 seed Alabama Crimson Tide.

The Mummers Parade is a lively and beloved Philadelphia tradition featuring elaborately costumed clubs that perform music, dance, and comedy in themed competitions. It’s one of the oldest continuously held folk parades in the United States.

Want to experience a new tradition for a new year? When 2026 tour departures open, events like the Rose Bowl Parade and the Mummers Parade can be found on our Special Events page, which also showcases other annual favorites including Mardi Gras, Oktoberfest, and more.

Japan

The Japanese New Year (Shōgatsu) is a family-focused holiday filled with traditions like cleaning homes, eating special foods like osechi ryōri (feast boxes) and toshikoshi soba, visiting shrines (hatsumōde), and ringing temple bells 108 times (joya no kane) to cleanse the old year’s sins. Children also receive money (otoshidama) in decorated envelopes, while families enjoy TV, games, and quiet time together.

At the end of December, the Japanese have numerous preparations to make to get ready for the New Year. Osoji is a thorough “big cleaning” of homes to sweep out the old year’s dust and bad luck. Bonenkai is a party thrown to let go of the past year’s troubles. Homes are decorated with pine, bamboo, and plum (kadomatsu) and kagami mochi (stacked rice cakes) for good fortune.

United Kingdom

Like the United States, people in the United Kingdom celebrate New Year’s Eve with parties, music, food, drinks, and fireworks. At midnight, people sing “Auld Lang Syne,” (which is written in Scots, a language similar to English and traditionally spoken in Scotland. This is followed by the tradition of “First-Footing” on New Year’s Day, where a dark-haired man brings good luck to the house with gifts like coal, bread, and shortbread. This represents the old year being ushered out while the new year is welcomed with good fortune. On New Year’s Day, many get together with family for a large meal similar to Christmas dinner.

France

On New Year’s Eve the French have a lavish dinner called Le Réveillon. This is a large meal with family and friends, featuring decadent food such as foie gras, oysters, seafood, truffles, and plenty of champagne, often ending with cheese and Bûche de Noël (Yule log cake). At 8 PM, there is a televised speech by the French President to the nation. As the night continues, celebrations range from intimate home parties to large masquerade balls with music and dancing.

Once midnight hits, the French participate in Faire la bise, a key tradition were air kisses (usually 2-4) are exchanged with everyone present, wishing them “Bonne Année!” Couples will also kiss under a mistletoe for good luck. At major public displays and events, especially in Paris, the celebrations include elaborate fireworks displays.

Germany

A major highlight of New Year’s Eve in Germany is Silvesterfeuerwerk. This is when Germans buy and set off their own fireworks, creating a chaotic but stunning spectacle. Another tradition consists of watching a classic British comedy sketch called ‘Dinner for One.’ Other unique traditions are Bleigießen, where Germans melt small lead figures and then pour them into cold water to interpret the shapes for fortunes in the new year, Guten Rutsch, many wish friends and family a “good slide” into the new year, and exchanging small tokens like marzipan pigs, four-leaf clovers, ladybugs, and horseshoes for good luck.

Mexico

Mexicans have a wide array of unique and vibrant New Year’s traditions. First is Las Doce Uvas, in which participants eat one grape with each chime of the clock at midnight while making a wish for each month of the year. Some people wear specific colored underwear for desired outcomes: red for love, yellow for wealth, green for health, pink for true love, and white for peace. Another tradition involves burning resolutions: Mexicans will write down bad habits or negative experiences they wish to leave behind them in the year that is ending and then burn the list to release them.

Unique New Years Traditions All Across the World

Across the globe, many culturally specific traditions are conducted to prepare for and welcome the New Year. Whether watching the ball drop in the United States, setting off fireworks for Silvesterfeuerwerk in Germany, or singing “Auld Lang Syne” in Scotland, everyone celebrates in their own special way. To visit the countries listed in this article, click here to view Gate 1’s full itinerary. What’s your favorite New Year’s tradition? Share this post on social media and tell us about your most memorable celebrations!

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Five Best Tips for Mexico Travel

Gate 1 Travel on January 28, 2022

Mexico is an incredible and diverse travel destination with something for everyone, from beautiful beaches to ancient ruins to vibrant cities full of culture. Here are five tips for Mexico travel to help you see the best that the country has to offer, with some can’t miss destinations and attractions.

1. Mexico has amazing beach resorts, but venture outside for unique experiences

Mexico has some fantastic beach resorts, including Cancun, Riviera Maya, Puerto Vallarta, and Los Cabos. These areas offer beautiful beaches, fun activities, and all the amenities you need to enjoy your vacation in style. The all-inclusive resorts in particular offer a great value, and include just about everything, including accommodation, food, drinks, and activities.

Beach resorts are great, but you will be missing out on a lot if you never venture outside. In many cases, there are incredible things to see and do just outside the resorts. For example, you can take a water taxi from Puerto Vallarta to the Yalapa, a tiny fishing village with cobblestone streets and pretty waterfalls, or visit the charming surf town of Sayulita an hour away. The artsy enclave of Todos Santos and the hot springs of Miraflores are easily accessible from Los Cabos. Not far from Cancun, travelers can visit the archeological wonder of Chichen Itza by booking the 13 Day Mexico’s Mayan & Aztec Illumination guided tour with Gate 1. And near Riviera Maya are thousands of cenotes—natural sinkholes with crystal clear waters that you can swim, snorkel, or dive.

2. Spend some time in the cities and magical towns of Mexico

Many visitors skip the big cities in Mexico, which is a shame, as they offer an authentic experience and have so much to offer. Mexico City, the country’s capital, has excellent museums (the Anthropology Museum, or el Museo Nacional de Antropologica, is a must), archeological sites, beautiful parks, and a thriving arts and culinary scene. Guadalajara, Mexico’s second largest city, is the birthplace of tequila and mariachi, and offers incredible architecture, culture, and a lively nightlife scene.

Even if you don’t make it to a major metropolis, you should spend some time at a magical town (or pueblos magicos), a town that’s been designated by the government as especially beautiful, noteworthy, or culturally relevant. There are more than 120 magical towns, including the likes of San Miguel de Allende, Cholula, Valladolid, and San Cristobal de las Casas. If travelers are interested in visiting Mexico City, Cholula, or other towns, then they should book the 9 Day Central Mexico with Oaxaca guided tour with Gate 1 to get their urban fix.

3. Mexico has a long and rich history, with incredible ruins all around

Mexico has thousands of years of history, with ancient civilizations such as the Maya, Aztec, Olmec, and Zapotec occupying different regions and periods in its long history. These civilizations have left behind remnants that include entire cities, massive pyramids, temples, and other ruins. If travelers are interested in learning more about this, the 10 Day Colonial Mexico guided tour with Gate 1 is the perfect choice!

The most famous site in Mexico is probably the massive pyramid of Chichen Itza, located on the Yucatan Peninsula. Around Tulum, several Mayan sites can be seen overlooking the Caribbean, while slightly further away is the mysterious and largely unexplored site of Coba, believed to be one of the largest Mayan sites. Near Mexico city, Teotihuacan was once the largest city in the Americas, while within Mexico City itself you can see the remnants of Templo Mayor, the main temple of the Aztec Empire. In the southern Mexican state of Chiapas, Palenque is surrounded by jungle and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

4. Mexico has the world’s largest concentration of cenotes

Mexico is home to thousands of cenotes, with more than 6,000 of them in the Yucatan Peninsula alone. A cenote is a natural sinkhole that is filled with freshwater, and often connected to a large body of water underground. Depending on the age, they can be entirely open, partially open, or underground caverns and caves. The Mayans believed the cenotes to be a gateway to Xibalbá, the underworld, and many were used for ceremonial purposes.

Today, you can enjoy the unique experience of swimming, snorkeling, or scuba diving in many of the cenotes, with the crystal clear waters offering an otherworldly experience. Dos Ojos near Tulum is the most visited cenote, while El Pit is the deepest cenote and a favorite with scuba divers. Popular cenotes near Playa del Carmen include Azul and Jardin del Eden, while popular cenotes near Chichen Itzen include Il-Kil and Suytun.

5. The natural beauty of Mexico is varied and breathtaking

Mexico is incredibly diverse, with a natural landscape that include rich marine environments, beautiful beaches, vast canyons, towering mountains, and everything in between. There are also numerous biospheres, national parks, and nature reserves.

Highlights include Copper canyon, a series of canyons in the Sierra Madre Occidental Range of northern Mexico that’s bigger and deeper than the Grand Canyon. The Copper Canyon train is also one of the prettiest train rides in the world. Pico de Orizaba is the tallest volcano and third highest peak in North America, and offers great hiking and climbing, while Sotano de las Golondrinas, at 1,400 feet, is the largest known cave shaft in the world. For a unique environmental experience, take the optional full day Celestun tour featured in Gate 1’s 8 Day Classic Yucatan with Merida, Tulum & Chichen Itza guided tour. On this tour, travelers will glide through coastal mangrove forests, view flora and fauna. Also, they will get a chance to see flamingos in their natural habitat, along with pelicans, herons, and other species.

Gate 1 Connections Latin America

Mexico’s Vivacious Culture and Sights

Gate 1 Travel on October 22, 2019

Hola and welcome to a land brimming with enchantment and cultural diversity; Mexico. Located at the crossroads of North and South America, this country is filled with culture and influence from both hemispheres and both the ancient Mayan and Aztec cultures. Mexico is the most populous Spanish-speaking country in the world and is the 4^th largest country in the Americas by area. A population nearing 130 million means this country has experienced a lot of growth within the past few decades and there is now more to explore than ever. With Gate 1 Travel, you will visit this massive country from the Caribbean Coast on the Yucatan Peninsula to the sites of ancient civilizations like Chichén Itzá, Uxmal and Teotihuacán to the quintessential Mexican city of Guadalajara. Learn about the Mexico “magic” cities that are only in this country and include sites such as the town of Alamos, Palenque, El Fuerte and many more. Mexico really has something for every traveler and it will continue to impress with every new city you visit. If exploring Mexico has long been on your bucket list, the time to visit is now with the safety and structure that an escorted tour offers you. This is Mexico the Gate 1 Travel way.

Mexico City
Mexico City is Mexico’s true thriving metropolis and capital of the nation. The bustling city has so many things to do that it might be overwhelming to the independent traveler, but through Gate 1 Travel’s planning, we will show you Mexico City thoroughly. Some of the sites you will see include the National Museum of Anthropology, the largest and most visited museum in all of Mexico; the Central Square, the second largest plaza in the entire world and the neighborhood of Coyoacán, childhood home of famed Mexican painter, Frida Kahlo. Also enjoy visits to the Casa Azúl, the home where Kahlo lived much of her life; the Xochimilco floating gardens and the National Palace, known for Diego Rivera’s dramatic murals that depict thousands of years of Mexican history. A short drive outside of the city brings you to the most mysterious site of the country, Teotihuacán. The “City of the Gods”, is located about 30 miles outside of Mexico City and offers incredible places such as the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon, the Avenue of the Dead, and the Jaguar Temple. Be taken back to ancient times at this incredible city of the past.

Puebla
The ultra-charming town of Puebla is a colonial town and home to more than 70 churches, 1,000 colonial buildings and architecture adorned with the Talavera tiles that make this city famous. You can even choose to visit the workshop to see where these ceramic tiles are manufactured and learn of the process to create them. Visit such sites in Puebla as the Centro Historico de Puebla, or the Historic Center of Puebla; the Puebla Cathedral, a 16^th century church and the Biblioteca Palafoxiana, believed to be the first public library in colonial Mexico and perhaps the first in the entire Americas.

Oaxaca
Oaxaca, pronounced wah-hah-kah, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and you will see why when strolling the historic streets of this Latin American city. Oaxaca perfectly meshes indigenous culture and colonial history in the most fascinating of ways. Enjoy a walking tour and view such sites as Santo Domingo Church, Museum of Cultures, Zocalo main square, Government house and lavish colonial mansions. End your tour of this fascinating city at the impressive local market that includes everything from textiles and jewelry to fresh produce. Oaxaca is known as the foodie capital of Mexico due to its culinary influences from traditional culture. Be sure to sample some of the local cuisine here including mole, fried grasshopper, egg bread and mezcal.

Explore Colonial Mexico:

San Miguel de Allende
San Miguel de Allende is a city that has consistently been rated as one of the friendliest in the world. This colonial-era city is brimming with history surrounding the Mexican Independence movement. San Miguel de Allende is now one of the best places in the country for those who love the arts and architecture. Walk down the incredible cobblestone streets and view the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcangel, a new-Gothic church known for its towering pink spires and ornate architecture, and the Templo de San Francisco, a church built in the architectural style called churrigueresque.

Guadalajara
Guadalajara is truly one of the most quintessential Mexican cities there is. Visit the city where tequila and mariachi music were born and experience the vibrant buildings, historic architecture and perfect green parks. Enjoy a walking tour of the city where you will get acquainted with the sites including Metropolitan Cathedral, with its golden spires and stained-glass windows; Government Palace, where Padre Miguel Hidalgo abolished slavery in Mexico, and the Tlaquepaque and its renown artist’s village. Take time at leisure to explore Guadalajara and perhaps stop at one of the sidewalk cafes for some local delicacies including tequila, of course, and birria, a traditional Mexican spicy stew.

Mayan & Aztec Treasures:

Merida
This cultural capital of the Yucatan Peninsula is a must for visitors to Mexico. Mayan culture and colonial heritage are intertwined seamlessly in Merida and you will feel it through the people and the traditions here. Explore the city on a tour that takes you to the Plaza de la Indepencia, Merida Cathedral, Casa Montejo and the Palacio de Gobierno. Leisure time in the city means that you can explore independently and perhaps try authentic dishes at a café or visit one of the cities museums.

After seeing all that Merida has to offer, travel just outside of the city to the ancient Mayan site of Chichén Itzá, considered one of the most spectacular of the Mayan sites. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is an ancient metropolis and brings you into the pages of history to the fascinating lives and traditions of the ancient Mayan civilization. The site is dominated by the Temple of Kukulkan, or El Castillo, a step-pyramid dedicated to the messenger between the king and the gods. During the Spring and Autumn Equinoxes, sunrays create a shadow across the pyramid that gives the appearance of a serpent slithering down the steps.

Cancun
One of the most famous resort spots in Mexico, Cancun is a vibrant town that borders the Caribbean Sea. If white sand beaches, blue water, lively nightlife and great shopping are your thing, then you will love beautiful Cancun. Enjoy leisure time here where you can choose to either sit by the hotel pool and sunbathe or perhaps visit the famous beaches of Cancun and take a swim in the clear waters.

Immense Copper Canyon:

San Carlos
Arrive in the seaside resort town known for fishing; San Carlos. This town is located upon the Sea of Cortez and is renowned for its crystal-clear warm waters and lovely sunsets. Climb aboard a boat on the shimmering sea and enjoy the incredible views this area has to offer. After your cruise, stop at a viewpoint to overlook the Gulf of California. This is a true highlight of your trip and proves for an incredible experience with unforgettable scenery.

Alamos
Next, visit the old silver town of Alamos, designated a Magic Town. In Alamos explore the old-timey cobblestone roads, colonial buildings and ornate mansions that will immediately take you back in time to days of old. A local guide will introduce you to the history of the city and take you on a stroll through the town. Learn about the silver mines here from the bygone era that were among some of the richest in the entire world.

Copper Canyon
Trek via the Chihuahua al Pacifico railroad to the incredible Copper Canyon, four times the size of the Grand Canyon, and discover one of the true undiscovered gems of North America. Visit the rim of the canyon and embark on an aerial tramway that descends 4,500 feet to the center. Explore this incredibly dramatic area and learn more about the geological forces that created the seven individual canyons that make up Barrancas del Cobre or Copper Canyon.

Visiting Mexico with Gate 1 Travel ensures that you will get the most out of your experience and you will take in all the must-see sites in its amazing cities. Get the greatest value in the industry and an unforgettable experience that you will not soon forget. Join us in Mexico!

Please Note: Sightseeing varies per itinerary

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Tag: Mexico

The Meaning of Cinco de Mayo: A Look at Its History and Culture

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New Year’s Around the World: Customs, Rituals & Celebrations

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Five Best Tips for Mexico Travel

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Mexico’s Vivacious Culture and Sights

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