Spain is an amazing country to ring in the New Year. We all know that Spaniards love a good celebration and New Year’s Eve is no different. Whether you’re in the mood for an intimate dinner with family and friends or a large party in one of the country’s town squares, you’re sure to have an unforgettable night celebrating New Year’s in Spain.
But where is the best place to celebrate? What are the New Year’s traditions in Spain? And how can you make it a night to remember?
I’m going to take you through everything you need to know about Nochevieja – Old Night. From the best cities to celebrate in, to thinking about what color underwear you’re wearing. It’s all important if you want a year of luck, prosperity, and love!
4 New Year’s Traditions in Spain
A lot of how Spain celebrates New Year is similar to other parts of the world. It’s all about being surrounded by those you love, having a good time, and looking to the year ahead. There are, however, a couple of different traditions which are unique to Spain.
Plan what to pack for your trip by checking out our January in Spain weather guide as well as our all-weather Spain packing list.
Winter in Spain is a wonderful time to visit.
1. Eating 12 Grapes
Perhaps the most common New Year’s tradition in Spain is eating 12 grapes on the 12 chimes before midnight. If you manage to eat them all in time, Spaniards believe you’ll have a lucky and healthy new year. It’s definitely harder than it looks though! Especially if you’re trying not to laugh at everyone else’s hamster cheeks.
In the days leading up to New Year’s Eve, you’ll see huge amounts of grapes in every supermarket. Some sell special packets of 12 grapes and you’ll also find peeled grapes for kids (or first-time adults) which are easier to swallow.
No one is 100% sure where this tradition comes from, but there are 2 possibilities. The first is that wine growers in the Alicante region of Spain had a particularly bountiful harvest in the late 1800s. In order to encourage people to buy more grapes, they made an advertising campaign to eat grapes for luck on New Year’s Eve. From then on, the tradition stuck and spread to almost every region of the country!
The other possibility is that the tradition started in Madrid in the late 1800s. It’s thought that the lower classes got together to mock how the bourgeoisie ate grapes and drank champagne. From the Puerta del Sol, this tradition made its way across Madrid and to the rest of the country.
2. Drink Cava
Cava is a sparkling wine originally from Catalonia. It’s light and refreshing and something that almost all alcohol drinkers enjoy on New Year’s Eve. There are more and more alcohol-free versions of the drink, too!
If you go to someone’s house on New Year’s Eve, it’s customary to bring some cava to enjoy together. Likewise, if you go to one of the street celebrations in a square, you’ll hear bottles popping all over the place as the bells chime at midnight.
3. Wear Red Underwear
If you’re hoping for Cupid’s arrow to hit you in the upcoming year, then it’s tradition to wear red underwear on New Year’s in Spain. It’s thought that the romantic color will help you to find love!
4. Start The Year on the Right Foot
Another ‘lucky’ New Year’s tradition in Spain is starting the year on the right foot. Quite literally. When eating your grapes, you should have your right foot forward, ensuring you’re looking toward the next year with hope and positivity.
Ring in the new year in the mountains in Spain to get a truly wonderful winter wonderland experience.
How to Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Spain
Lots of people do lots of different things in Spain on New Year’s Eve. Unlike Christmas in Spain, which is mainly spent with family, it’s common for people to spend New Year’s Eve with friends.
One option on New Year’s Eve is to go to a restaurant. Many restaurants in Spain offer a special set menu on the night which often includes drinks.
You can go with a group of friends, eat amazing food, 12 grapes at midnight, and then head home or on to a bar or club. If you are planning on eating in a restaurant, you’ll need to book way in advance and double-check the conditions and prices.
Another popular way to celebrate New Year’s in Spain is to head to the main plaza or town square. In most cities, people gather a couple of hours before midnight to enjoy live music, performances, and the magical atmosphere. They eat their grapes at midnight, pop cava, and watch the amazing fireworks displays.
Where to Celebrate New Year’s in Spain
New Year’s Eve is celebrated everywhere in Spain – from small villages and big cities to all of the islands. Like other places in the world, there’s electricity in the air and it’s a fun day to be out in the street, enjoying the atmosphere and spending it with loved ones. There are, however, a couple of iconic places to spend New Year’s in Spain.
- Puerta del Sol, Madrid. The very center of Spain is probably the most famous place in the country to spend New Year’s Eve. Spaniards who aren’t in Madrid, turn on the TV in the leadup to midnight to watch the official countdown, which happens in Puerta del Sol. Crowds gather in front of the Real Casa de Correos clock to cheer in the new year and spend it with friends. If you do want to spend New Year’s in Puerta de Sol, you should get there early. It gets very crowded and there’s limited capacity.
- Plaça Espanya, Barcelona. One of the most famous New Year’s Eve parties in Barcelona happens in the Plaça Espanya. It’s an amazing show of fireworks, lights, music, and lasers. Nearly 80,000 people attend the party every year so, again, make sure you arrive early to get a spot!
- Plaza del Ayuntamiento, Valencia. The central Town Hall Square in Valencia is another great place to spend New Year’s in Spain. There are fireworks, people celebrating, performances, and lots of live music to enjoy.
- Plaza de Cort, Palma de Mallorca. If you happen to be on the largest of the Balearic Islands for New Year’s Eve, then Palma is an amazing place to celebrate. There are fireworks along the walkway next to the ocean, as well as in the city center. As on the mainland, locals gather to eat grapes, drink cava, and celebrate the coming year.
- Plaza Nueva, Seville. Seville is another amazing city to spend New Year’s in Spain. There are many restaurants and hotels that you can enjoy eating your grapes in, or you can head to the main square to watch the amazing fireworks spectacle. If you fancy something typically Andalusian on New Year’s Eve, you could start the evening off with a Flamenco show!
New Year’s Eve in Spain – Frequently Asked Questions
What Do People Eat on New Year’s Eve in Spain?
Apart from 12 grapes, there’s no set meal on New Year’s Eve. You can expect to have lots of different tapas followed by a meat or fish dish. People will likely still be eating Turrón from Christmas, a kind of almond-based nougat, as well as chocolate and different desserts.
What Happens on New Year’s Day in Spain?
Not a huge amount happens on New Year’s Day in Spain. Everything is closed and many people are trying to blow away the cobwebs from the night before. In some families, it’s common to prepare a special lunch, sometimes a lentil stew, and lots of people go for a walk.
What’s Open on New Year’s Day in Spain?
Very little! Most shops, supermarkets, cafes, and restaurants close on New Year’s Day, so make sure you do food shopping beforehand!
What’s Open on New Year’s Eve in Spain?
Most shops and supermarkets are open on New Year’s Eve in Spain, but the majority of them will have reduced opening times. It’s generally a big night for restaurants, bars, clubs, and some cafes, so they’ll tend to be open all night. If the restaurant isn’t offering a set New Year’s Eve menu, they might close earlier.
What Time Do Clubs Close on New Year’s Eve in Spain?
Even when it’s not New Year’s Eve, people tend to go to clubs much later in Spain than in other countries. On the 31st of December, many clubs will be open until the early hours of New Year’s Day. Rather than being a regular club night, they tend to be special nights, so make sure you buy tickets in advance.
Does Public Transport Run on New Year’s in Spain?
Public transport runs during the day on New Year’s Eve but tends to finish earlier than on most days. It may also start later on New Year’s Day. Taxis run throughout the night but demand will be high, so you might want to pre-book one. Beware of surge charges on ride-sharing apps on New Year’s Eve too.
The plazas around Madrid are great places to ring in the New Year in the capital.
Ready to Plan Your New Year’s in Spain?
Wherever you go in Spain to celebrate New Year’s, you’ll be met with fireworks, great food, an air of optimistic anticipation… and lots of grapes. It’s a really fun country to ring in the new year and, if you stay for a couple of days afterward, you’ll also be able to enjoy one of the most important days of the year – The Three Kings Day on the 6th of January!