New Year in Spain also known as Nochevieja- the old night, is celebrated with tradition and thought of love. Festivities here start right before Christmas and continue till New Year’s morning. While the Spanish New Year celebration includes a number of superstitions, yet the traditions and fiestas attract travelers to be a part of their authentic eve celebration. From normal parties to their traditional champagne, the tempting food, music and yes, some events to give you, there is a lot that makes this European country a party-perfect destination.
Top 7 New Year's Traditions in Spain For A Very Special Gala
More than New Year’s Eve, it is the tradition that makes Nocheviejap so popular in the world. While the wild parties are not hard to spot, traditional merrymaking in Spain is something that you won’t find elsewhere in the world. If you are all in the mood to make New Year 2024 a bit traditional, here are the 7 Spanish traditions you can follow to make your year more blissful.
- Red Under clothing for those who want the New Year’s cupid to find them. It is believed that if your new year resolution is to find love, then you should wear red underwear on New Year’s Eve.
- Eat twelve grapes when the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, the Spanish eat twelve grapes. As per the Spain New Year traditions, you have to pop in one grape every second. And if you chew and swallow them in time, the New Year 2024 will surely bring you good luck.
- Raise a toast with cava- a sparkling Spanish wine and put a gold object into the glass before drinking. This is done for prosperity. You can also add a strawberry or raspberry if you are looking for love.
- Square dancing is quite famous in cities. You can be a part of Barcelona New Year's Eve 2023 and enjoy the dance in Plaça España. Other traditions like Cava and 12 grapes are also followed before with square dancing. People here dance till the early hours of the morning.
- Spanish love celebrating the eve with some Hot chocolate and churros. As the drink is full of energy, this is done to boost the energy and get back home after a long hour of celebration.
- Start the New Year's Day in Sapin with the right foot as soon as the clock strikes 12. It is believed that doing so will attract love, fortune, and prosperity.
- On 1st Jan, you can dine on lentils as they are not just good for curing a hangover, but are believed to bring good luck and fortune. They usually eat lentils in a stew with chorizo.
Top Events to Welcome New Year 2024 in Spain
As the clock is ticking, it is the right time to get your tickets for every amazing event, planned in every famous city in the country. Following the tradition, people in Spain welcome a new morning with positivity and bliss. But when it comes to making the Eve grand and memorable, here are some top places and events you can attend to make New Year 2024, worth a memory.
1. Puerta del Sol Countdown for New Year in Madrid
The New Year celebration at Madrid is incomplete without the countdown at Puerta del Sol. The city does have parties and other events planned for a perfect New Year's Eve, but a traditional Spanish festivity will make your night quite fascinating and unforgettable. Join the crowd in grape eating and square dance at the venue, and admire the night in its most dazzling and vibrant beauty.
You can start the evening by exploring the nightclubs or the bars, groove with the music, and enjoy the feast. The street is filled with a plethora of dining restaurants and clubs that are just perfect for experiencing the nightlife and enthralling New Year’s Eve’s celebration in Spain. Later as the clock strikes 11:30 PM, make your way to the Puerta del Sol, the famous attraction in Spain for being a part of their traditional celebration. The countdown is hosted at the Casa de Correos building, as soon as the ball drops.
Location: Plaza de la Puerta del Sol, Madrid, Comunidad de Madrid 28013
Date: 31st Dec 2023
Suggested Read: Fancy Places To Celebrate New Year’s Eve 2022 In Doha, Qatar
2. Plaça Catalunya Street Party for Barcelona New Years’ Eve 2023
Barcelona, a city brimming with nightclubs, cafes, and restaurants, is one of the best destinations for New Year in Spain. The happening and enthralling vibes of the city have already made it the best honeymoon destination in the world, but New Year’s Eve here is quite an experience that you must not miss.
Places like Plaza Espanya and Font Màgica de Montjuïc, known as the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc are famous for a grand celebration with the public. The street party is organized on the Eve- 31st Dec and people gather to catch the impressive sight of fireworks, laser show and more, that lasts for 30 minutes. You could see more than a thousand people standing on Avinguda de la Reina Maria Cristina between the two squares. The countdown begins as soon as the bell rings. People also come with their traditionally made Cava, and after having their drink at midnight, they throw bottles into the center of the square. It is a tradition of celebrating the New Year in Barcelona, Spain that is followed in the city every year. Here are a few places to celebrate the new year in the most happening way:
- El Palace Barcelona- gala dinner at the Rooftop Garden
- Razzmatazz- Live music by world class DJs and musicians
- Pacha Barcelona- Beach front dance club
- Bling Bling- Nightclub with cocktail bars
Location: Plaça de Catalunya, 1, Barcelona, Catalonia 08002
Dates: 31st Dec 2023
3. The Old Town Vibe of Barrio del Carmen in Valencia for New Year
Valencia offers you endless choices for planning the best New Year, thanks to the vintage beauty and charismatic vibes of the city. With top malls and cafes, historic attractions, and churches, this is among the top Honeymoon destinations in Spain and a perfect holiday place. From shopping to movies and music, the city celebrates the festivity with every fun and thrill. While the celebration starts from Christmas, the city enjoys every moment before and after the bell rings for the countdown of New Year in Spain.
For the party people, the old town of Valencia, Barrio del Carmen is the most happening corner where one can find the best bars and clubs to experience the best of the eve. New Year here is celebrated with DJ nights, Booze, and food that won't leave you disappointed for years. You can get a ticket for Coco Bongo Club in advance as the place gets crowded quickly for its electrifying vibes and ambiance. The beaches along the town are also famous for fireworks experiences and more. There are many other places in Valencia, one can witness the celebration of new year.
Plaza de Ayuntamiento- Large Christmas tree, holiday lights galore, an ice rink, and shopping malls.
Barrio del Carmen- restaurants, bars, and nightclubs where you can enjoy iconic paella and a glass of Agua de Valencia cocktail.
Dates: 25th Dec to 31st Dec 2023
Suggested Read: Gorgeous Places To Go For New Year In The USA For A Grand Celebration
4. Flamenco Show in Seville For A Perfect New Year Eve in Spain
Nothing can be better than a Flamenco Show in Seville Spain for a perfect new year. Seville is one of the best places in Europe to host musical shows, defining the traditional art and culture of Spain. When the whole world is busy planning the eve at some fancy cafes, or luxury hotels, the Flamenco show in Seville comes as an exceptional yet the best option you can choose to make the evening memorable.
Seville city is known for its vibrant beauty and charm. Hiding an array of treasures and offering you ample opportunities for experiencing the best celebration of the year, Seville is a perfect place to welcome New Year 2024 in Spain. The Flamenco Show in Seville represents the beauty of Spanish folk dance and music. Many cafes and theaters host such shows to make the event special and luxuriating for the crowd.
Other things you can do here are Bar hopping, or some old town tours, being a part of grape eating, and the Cava toast.
Location: Tablao Flamenco Pura Esencia, La Casa del Flamenco and Los Gallos Tablao Flamenco
Dates: 31st Dec 2023 (Dates and times of the show may vary as per the venue.)
5. Musical Experience for New Years’ Eve 2023 in Majorca
Spain indeed is a country with rich art and culture. You can make your New Year in Spain a bit musical and entertaining by visiting Majorca, a happening city for all festivities. Attending the magical performances and musical event night to your list of best things to do in Spain while you are in a festive mood.
There are New Year singing concerts, and some other events like comedy shows and craft workshops being planned for the New year celebration. The Mallorcans assembled at the Plaza de Cort will host these spectacular events on December 31st, to keep you engaged with the best events to celebrate the New Year 2024 in Spain. After attending the event, you can visit the square and wait for the clock to stroke and the countdown to begin. With music and lights, the New Year celebration here means immense happiness. Mallorcans are also gathered on the coast to welcome the Biblical Magi from the east, who arrive in a boat with the traditional royal cavalcade. Some other places to enjoy the new year vibes are:
Nye Buffet Gala Dinner- Spanish Mediterranean seaside resort
Plaza de Cort square- Theatrical & musical performances
Suggested Read: New Year In Dubai UAE: The Best Tailored Plan For Your New Year Eve
6. New Years’ Eve in Resort Town Tenerife
If you are a party person and want to start your year with the same enthusiasm and vibe, Tenerife is the right place for you in Spain. There will be parties and fireworks in the resorts of the town. One can indulge in the dance and cocktails on the new years’ eve 2023 celebration. The bars and the restaurants offer the best dinner and celebration treats here. Few of the restaurants and bars that serve the best and give new year party are;
- Akustito Cocktail (Los Cristianos)
- Heads and Tails British Pub, Las Americas (Gala Meal, Kid’s friendly atmosphere)
- Racine Bistró Tenerife
- La Foret Restaurant, Santa Cruz de Tenerife
7. Ringing the Bell in Ibiza
If you enjoy partying, Ibiza is the place to go in Spain. Visit the party island for wild parties and an unforgettable New Year's Eve. The famous clubs are where most people enjoy the fantastic nightlife on this Mediterranean island. With several clubs located around the city, Ibiza provides a variety of entertainment alternatives for ringing in the new year while partying hard all night. Welcome the new year with breathtaking views from Ibiza's hills, exclusive cocktails, and delectable food. Join the theme parties at the Bambuddha club and have a good time.
8. Plaza del Obradoiro
The monuments in Plaza del Obradoiro are another excellent site to spend New Year's Eve in Spain. It is one of the most intriguing destinations in Galicia, with several possibilities for celebrating the New Year. Spend New Year's Eve in Galician fashion by eating 12 grapes as the clock strikes 12 on December 31st. Enjoy the fantastic atmosphere at the party that lasts all night. A number of renowned Galician orchestras add to the party's dynamic atmosphere. People participate in extraordinary fun-filled activities such as witnessing spectacular fireworks, following odd traditions, and more.
Book your Spain flights today and be ready to be a part of the most intriguing New Year’s Eve celebration in this European destination. The diverse beauty of Spain makes it a country of celebration and festivities. If you are planning a perfect New Year in Spain there is no dearth of places and events that can make your evening quite luxuriating and special. The cities here are all set to throw a grand party for every individual, desiring to spend a day full of entertainment and fun. Not just the parties and rich cultural shows, but the Spanish traditions are also luring travelers to be a part of their exclusive celebration.
FAQs
Yes, New Year in Spain is celebrated in a traditional manner, followed by the traditions that are believed for better fortune, a prosperous new year. From fireworks to musical events and social gatherings, the country experiences a happening night with a countdown to welcome a new year.
November to March is considered to be the best time for planning a holiday in Spain. If you want to be a part of their culture and tradition, you can plan your holiday in December and celebrate Christmas with New Year. The diverse culture, art, and music make the country famous for its festivities.
Traditional merrymaking in Spain is something that you won’t find elsewhere in the world. From raising a cava toast to popping the grapes, eating lenticels, putting the right leg first, wearing red garments, square dancing, and enjoying Hot chocolate and churros, these traditions are followed with some beliefs and superstitions.
Cava is a sparkling Spanish wine that is served during New Year’s Eve. As per the tradition, people raise a Cava Toast and put a gold object into the glass before drinking. This is done for prosperity. You can also add a strawberry or raspberry if you are looking for love.
To celebrate New Year in Madrid you can enjoy the parties and other events planned for the day. You can start the evening by exploring the nightclubs or the bars, groove with the music, and enjoy the feast. Later as the clock strikes 11:30 PM, make your way to the Puerta del Sol, for being a part of their traditional celebration. The countdown is hosted at the Casa de Correos building, as soon as the ball drops.
In Barcelona, a street party is organized on the Eve- 31st Dec and people will gather to catch the impressive sight of fireworks, laser show and more, that will last for 30 minutes. The countdown begins as soon as the bell rings. People also come with their traditionally made Cava, and after having their drink at midnight, they throw bottles into the center of the square.
People in Spain welcome the New Year with positivity and bliss. But when it comes to making the Eve grand and memorable, there are many events planned for the tourists and the locals. Join the laser show, the countdown, Flamenco Show in Seville, bar hopping in Barrio del Carmen, and more.
