New Year’s Rituals that Make Us Smile

New Year’s rituals say so much about who we are. They tell the story of where we come from, what we cherish, and the hopes we carry with us into a fresh beginning. This year, we turned to our Mocel community including mixologists and culinary friends and asked them one simple question:

How do you welcome the New Year?

Chefs Rey and Osiel - Tacos Cometa in Seattle

“For us, New Year’s in Sinaloa is Banda music at full volume, tables overflowing with mariscos and tamales, and kids playing with fireworks they probably shouldn’t. Aunts and uncles have had a little too much mezcal, there’s way more food than anyone could ever finish, and the recalentado is ready for the next day’s hangover. It’s loud, delicious, and the perfect way to launch into the new year with a bang.” - Chefs Rey and Osiel

Chef Carlo - Magna Kusina in Portland

“Being Filipino and celebrating New Year's is something really special to me.  Growing up in both the U.S. and the Philippines brought stark contrasts to how we rang in the new year.  In the Philippines, it is a time to really pull out all the stops and celebrate with friends and family.  Usually a big feast is prepared such as Lechon, lumpia, pancit (a Filipino noodle dish), and other party dishes.  The food and celebrations begin early on, so that we enter the new year with full stomachs.  Fireworks play a big part, thought to scare the bad spirits of the previous year away, bright lights illuminate the skys and loud celebratory music and fireworks fill the air. 

After we ring in midnight, the eating doesn't stop, we continue on with snacks prepared earlier on, like our Queso de Bola, pandesal, arroz caldo and other snacky things.  Noodles are always present as it represents a long life as well as circular foods to represent coins that in turn is meant to bring good wealth in the next year. “ - Chef Carlo

In the Philippines, queso de bola has become a holiday classic, symbolizing good fortune. It’s a round, bright red–waxed cheese. Once a status symbol only wealthy families could afford during colonial times, it evolved into a Noche Buena staple.

Gaby - PURRR in Yakima

“Every year the family gathers with lots of delicious food from tamales, champurado, ponche (with tequila or mezcal) and lots of other delicious foods!  The grapes, lentils and of course running out with luggage so the year can be full of love, wealth, health and travel! ” - Gaby

In Mexico, eating 12 grapes at midnight symbolizes 12 wishes or intentions for the year ahead. Lentils are also enjoyed on New Year’s Eve, believed to invite prosperity and good fortune as the new year begins.

Chaz - Ascend in Bellevue

“As a bar team, we do a J.C. Penny photo shoot and do a group field trip to a local distillery.”

These are last year’s photos of the Ascend bar team doing their annual photo shoot! This fun tradition made us smile so much!

Chef Brady - TOMO in White Center

“We prepare a traditional osechi ryori feast, as is common in many Japanese (and Japanese-American) households. My favorite thing to make is Ozoni - a deeply symbolic soup to bring luck and prosperity for the year to come. Enjoyed alongside some Mocel, of course.” - Chef Brady

Osechi Ryori is a traditional Japanese New Year’s feast of beautifully arranged dishes, each symbolizing hopes for health, happiness, and prosperity. For example, Kuromame (sweet black soybeans) represent health and diligence, while Kazunoko (herring roe) symbolizes fertility and a prosperous family line. The tradition dates back to the Heian era (794–1185), and every region and household adds its own touch.

Kali - Kelnero in Edmonds

“We ring in every New Year's Eve with a special celebration to bid adieu to the current year, whether with fondness in our hearts or rage in our voices, and welcome the new year with hope and determination among the loving embrace of friends. Kelnero has evolved over the years as we faced the rush of opening followed by the heartbreak of Covid-19. While once we threw a glittering, glamorous ticketed event with all-you-can-eat oysters, we have celebrated at a distance via Zoom, with takeout party packages, and - most recently - with a more casual party full of emotion and cautious optimism. We have settled into a place where we want all of our friends, family, and community to stop by to be a part of the celebration, on their way to or from any other parties. No reservations, no dress code, just great deals, Champagne, cocktail specials, caviar, and kisses.” - Kali

Mocel

At Mocel, we love mezcal during the new year because mezcal invites a pause. A breath. A slow, intentional sip. It’s a reminder that the best things in life aren’t rushed but created with care and shared with the people who matter.

Thank you to the friends who shared their traditions with us this year. Your stories remind us that while rituals may differ, the spirit behind them is shared: Community, abundance, and hope.

Salud, y feliz año nuevo.