New Year in Spain

After Christmas, it's time for New Year's Eve, ´Nochevieja´. After most Spaniards stay home until midnight, a big party breaks out!

Tradition during ´Nochevieja´ is that when the clock on the Puerto del Sol in Madrid begins to strike 12 o'clock, grapes are eaten. These 12 campanadas (chimes) are televised throughout Spain. At each chime, a grape must then be quickly gulped down! The idea of this came about when there used to be an ample grape harvest in 1909. From then on it grew into the tradition as we know it today. The 12 grapes represent each month of the following year in which you will be lucky. After the grapes are snatched, of course, the Cava comes out again. New Year is celebrated lavishly in Spain while partying until dawn!

Besides the 12 grapes, there are other traditions in Spain during New Year celebrations. For example, you can put money in your shoes so you have a greater chance of fortune in the coming year. Or wear red underwear to get more love in the coming year. Some people walk with suitcases to increase the possibility of taking a trip in the next year.

Where to be during New Year celebrations in Spain is Madrid! In the capital of Spain, there is an exuberant celebration in the many bars, nightclubs, squares but most of all in the streets! And with a glass of cava in your hand you will feel like a real Madrileen!

But New Year can also be celebrated well in Barcelona! Especially the Ramblas and Plaça Catalunya are crowded and here the New Year is celebrated exuberantly. No fireworks are set off by the Barcelonans themselves, but the municipality organizes fireworks shows at different places in the city, including the beach! On the beach there are also many nice tents where you are sure to have a top time during Nochevieja!

In Salamanca, all students celebrate Nochevieja on December 13. Most go home for the holidays, but in order to be able to celebrate together, they do it earlier. This is one of the biggest parties of the year in the student city. The whole Plaza Mayor is filled with partying students!

¡"Feliz Año Nuevo"! (Happy New Year!)