The State Government is preparing the “Say Goodbye to the Old Year in Veracruz 2025” event, to be held on December 31st in the Veracruz-Boca del Río metropolitan area. This joyful and vibrant popular and cultural ritual is deeply rooted among the people of Veracruz.
The festivities will kick off at 10:00 a.m. with simultaneous events at the Veracruz Port Aquarium, Toña la Negra alley, the ADO bus terminal, the Heriberto Jara Corona Airport, La Parroquia café, and the Baluarte de Santiago. There, the colorful costumed figures of San Andrés Tuxtla, the “old men” of the Huasteca region, giant puppets, mascots, and cultural groups will showcase the artistic talent that defines Veracruz.
At 12:30 p.m., the First Grand Parade will take place, traveling through the Historic Center from Zamora Park, along Independencia Street, to the Zócalo, featuring floats, artistic groups, baton twirlers, marching bands, percussion groups, and dance troupes dressed as senior citizens, among other surprises. Starting at 3:30 p.m., local groups will perform on the Zócalo stage located at the iconic fountain.
The countdown to 2026 will be held at the Aquarium esplanade, with music, dancing, and fireworks. At 1:30 a.m. on January 1st, the Second Grand Parade will begin, a 10-kilometer celebration divided into two routes starting from the Hotel Lois. The first route heads towards the port, passing by the Flagpole, the Aquarium, Plaza del Magisterio, and Plaza del Heroísmo Veracruzano. On the route to Boca del Río, activation points will be set up at Playa Tortuga and Plaza de los Valores.
Craft exhibitions will be held at various locations so that visitors can purchase local products and actively contribute to sustainable consumption. From December 18 to 30, the Atarazanas Cultural Center will host stands offering handicrafts, bull-shaped figures, coffee, textiles, and traditional foods. Until January 6, the esplanade outside the Veracruz Photo Library, the Aquarium, and Plaza José Martí will showcase products of the quality and talent that only Veracruz artisans can offer.
To ensure the event’s safety, a coordinated operation will be in place involving the Secretariats of Culture, Tourism, Public Security, Health, and Education. The State DIF (System for Integral Family Development) will also contribute floats to the parade. Likewise, the municipalities of Veracruz and Boca del Río, State Transit and Civil Protection will activate medical and hydration modules, ambulances, security personnel, traffic and cleaning operations.
Source: graficoaldia
