New Year's Eve in Spain

Would you like to know how we see in the New Year in Spain? Eating twelve grapes. Tradition has it that you have to eat them one by one, in time with the striking of the clock at midnight on 31 December. If you manage to eat all the grapes in time, you are in for a year of prosperity and good luck. Whether or not you believe in magic, try the experience – it’s great fun. The grapes are the most anticipated moment of New Year’s Eve. The chiming of the clock is broadcast on TV all over Spain. On this day, family or friends usually get together for a delicious dinner and then have the twelve grapes. In many towns and villages people go to a central square or an iconic place where there is a large clock, to eat the grapes together and share the last minutes of the old year. If you would like to take part in this event, ask at the town’s Tourist Office for detailed information.

The streets fill with groups of young people, music playing and cars honking their horns to greet the New Year. At bars and clubs, there are New Year’s parties with dancing until dawn. Many hotels and restaurants also organise special New Year's Eve celebrations, including dinner, grapes, dancing and entertainment. If you decide to go for one of these, you should book your table or buy your ticket for the party in advance.There are usually changes to public transport timetables on these dates. If taking public transport, remember that bus and metro services usually finish earlier than usual on the night of 31 December, and start later on the morning of the 1st. If you want a taxi on that night it’s advisable to order one by phone in advance, because in the early morning there will be considerable demand.