Purépecha New Year (Kurhíkuaeri K’uínchekua)

The lighting of the New Fire and the rebirth of a nation

Every year, during the transition from the night of February 1st to 2nd, the Purépecha people experience their most sacred moment: the Kurhíkuaeri K’uínchekua (The Festival of Fire), a ceremony that marks the beginning of the Purépecha New Year. This celebration is not governed by Catholic saints or civil dates, but by the stars: it occurs when the constellation Orion (the Plow) reaches its highest point in the sky, a sign that it is time to offer gifts to Kurhíkuaeri, the God of the Sun and Fire.

A Historical Rescue (1983) This ancestral tradition had disappeared after the Conquest, but it was rescued in 1983 by a group of intellectuals and social activists (starting in Tzintzuntzan) with a clear objective: to recover their roots, collective memory, and strengthen the identity of the people. Since then, it has followed the ancient Purépecha calendar of 18 months of 20 days each.

The Ritual: Old Fire and New Fire The ceremony is itinerant; each year a different community is chosen. The ritual consists of a solemn walk where the T’erúnchiecha (carriers) carry the ashes of the “Old Fire” from the community that guarded it the previous year to the new site. There, the “New Fire” is lit, which will burn and be guarded until the next cycle.

🔥 Headquarters 2026: From Santa Clara to Tingambato For this 2026 cycle, the New Fire will begin its journey from Santa Clara del Cobre (headquarters 2025) to the community of Tingambato, who will be the hostess in charge of renewing hope and guarding the sacred symbol.

Golden Rules for Visitors If you decide to attend, you must understand that this is not a tourist festival, it is a ceremony of reflection and cultural cohesion.

1. 🚫 ALCOHOL PROHIBITED: Unlike other fairs, the consumption of alcoholic beverages is strictly prohibited here. It is a solemn event.
2. It's not political or religious: You won't see images of saints or political party logos. It's a purely indigenous and cultural celebration.
3. Respect: It is a time to listen to the “Juchari Uinapikua” (Our Strength) and the oral transmission of knowledge.

📅 Date: Night of February 1st and day of February 2nd.