Year of Thirteen House

MexiKa New Year 2025: Year of Thirteen House (13 Calli)

Rooted in ancient Mesoamerican tradition, the Mexika New Year, known as Yancuic Xihuitl (YAHN-kweeck SHEE-weetl), is the celebration of the new year according to the Mexika (Aztec) calendar. It is observed annually on March 12 and is an important cultural and spiritual event for many Indigenous communities, particularly those who follow Mexika traditions. In 2025, this celebration welcomes the year Matlactli ihuan Yei Calli (Maht-LAHK-tlee EE-wahn YAY KAH-lee), or 13 House.

The Mexika calendar, similar to the Mayan calendar, is based on a 260-day ritual cycle (Tonalpohualli) (Toh-nahl-poh-WAH-lee) and a 365-day solar cycle (Xiuhpohualli) (Shee-ooh-poh-WAH-lee). The new year marks the transition to a new cycle, symbolizing renewal, balance, and connection with nature.

CelebratiONS

The Mexika New Year (Yancuic Xihuitl) is a time for reflection, renewal, and connection with ancestral traditions. The celebration marks the beginning of a new agricultural, spiritual, and personal cycle. 

The ceremony includes the "Amarre de Carrizo" (Binding of the Reed)—a symbolic act in which one reed is tied each year. After 13 years, a bundle is formed. Once four bundles (52 years) are completed, a New Fire Ceremony is held. The next New Fire Ceremony will take place in 2026. 

It is celebrated with:

•  Aztec dance ceremonies (Danza Azteca)

•  Blessings and traditional rituals

•  Offerings to nature and the four directions

•  Music, storytelling, and teachings about Indigenous knowledge

For many, the Mexika New Year is a time of reflection, gratitude, and reaffirmation of cultural identity, especially in efforts to reclaim and honor Indigenous traditions.

By embracing the lessons of 13 Calli, we honor the wisdom of the past while laying the groundwork for a strong and harmonious future.

Significance of the Number 13

In Mexika (Meh-SHEE-kah) tradition, the number 13 (matlactli-yei | Maht-LAHK-tlee YAY) holds deep meaning. It represents wisdom, transformation, and cosmic balance. It is considered a sacred number connected to learning, cycles of time, and the guiding forces of the universe. These numbers and rituals carry deep cultural significance and were central to how our ancestors understood time, balance, and renewal.

Symbolism of the House (Calli)

The sign Calli (KAH-lee), meaning "House," represents protection, stability, and knowledge. Those born under this sign are believed to be strong planners, protectors, and caretakers who value discipline, family, and learning. A Calli year is seen as a time to strengthen foundations, build community, and create lasting legacies—much like a well-constructed home offers security for generations.

Spelling Variations: "Mexica" vs. "Mexika"

Both Mexica (Meh-SHEE-kah) and Mexika refer to the same indigenous group, but the spelling difference comes from transliterations of the Nahuatl language. Traditionally, the Spanish spelling "Mexica" was based on colonial transcription, where the "x" represented a "sh" sound. Over time, Spanish pronunciation evolved, but the original spelling remained in words like "México" and "Mexica."

The modern spelling "Mexika" replaces the "c" with "k" to more accurately reflect the original Nahuatl pronunciation and avoid confusion with Spanish phonetics. Both spellings are widely used today, with "Mexika" often favored in cultural and activist spaces to honor indigenous linguistic roots.