On the 31st of December, “Nochevieja” (literally ‘Old Night’) is celebrated in Spain to welcome the New Year. A succulent dinner with family and friends is traditional on this special night. After midnight, celebrations outside begin.
The most expected time of the night is 12 o’clock when the lucky grapes ritual takes place. During the twelve peals of the bell, people have one grape each stroke to have good luck in the new year. When the clock strikes twelve, people shout all together: Happy New Year! Then everyone kisses, hugs and make a toast with cava to celebrate the New Year. It is a really enjoyable experience.
The twelve peals of the bell can be watched live on TV or you can also go to the main square of the town or city, where the clock is, to eat the lucky grapes and enjoy the last minutes of the year. People wear their best clothing for the occasion, they also wear fancy huts, wigs and masks. There are confetti, serpentines, music and fun everywhere.
After the twelve chimes, we recommend you to attend to any of the many parties at bars, pubs or discos to dance the night away. And before going to bed in the morning, do not forget to have your traditional churros with hot chocolate.
