Last Updated on November 16, 2025 by Emily Hopkins
One of the most eagerly anticipated nights of the year, New Year’s Eve in Spain is celebrated with lively traditions and festive parties. This night holds special importance, especially coming just after Christmas while families are still together. As a new expat, you might be curious about how Spaniards like to ring in the New Year.
In this article, we’ll explore both the typical and uniquely Spanish New Year’s festivities. Known as Nochevieja, it’s more than just a celebration, it’s a heartfelt farewell to the past year and an enthusiastic welcome to the one ahead. Keep reading to discover traditions you might want to embrace when you relocate to Spain.
The Countdown to Midnight
The most exciting part about New Year’s anywhere is the countdown to midnight, hands down. In Spain, the most popular location is Puerta del Sol in Madrid, where thousands gather to celebrate together.
Although it’s not the only spot to watch fireworks, many people in Madrid wait for hours just to catch the display. Other cities have their own celebrations as well, such as the Plaça de Catalunya in Barcelona and Plaza del Ayuntamiento in Valencia.
As you wait for it to strike twelve, enjoy some turrón polvorones with your loved ones. You’ll find street vendors add more excitement to the atmosphere and sell snacks and drinks.
Twelve Grapes Tradition – Las Doce Uvas
Perhaps the most definitive Spanish New Year’s tradition is Las Doces Uvas or the Twelve Grapes. As the clock chimes twelve times at midnight, Spaniards eat one grape for each chime. This practice is believed to bring good luck and prosperity and dates back to the late 19th century.
The tradition began in 1909 when grape farmers in Alicante encouraged it as a way to manage a surplus harvest. Since then, it has grown into a nationwide custom. Each grape represents a month of the coming year, and eating all twelve in time is believed to bring happiness and good fortune for the year ahead.
The challenge lies in eating each grape in sync with the chimes, which can be tricky for new expats. Many people opt for seedless grapes to make the task easier. Families often prepare the grapes in advance, placing them in small bowls or skewering them for convenience.
Family Dinners and Festive Feasts
Continuing the excitement from Christmas break, there are a bunch of family gatherings, even for New Year’s. Whether you choose to hang out with friends or family, you’ll have an exciting night for sure!
New Year’s Eve in Spain begins with a family dinner, with a hearty home-cooked meal served fresh. Common dishes include roasted lamb, seafood platters, and stews, often accompanied by the finest wines. And, of course, some delicious desserts to finish off.
Some families have their own traditions, some might plan a small gift exchange activity, or simply just watch TV and enjoy each other’s company.
Spain’s Special Cava and Toasts
A glass of Cava is raised as the celebration continues after the grapes are eaten and the clock strikes twelve. One of the mainstays of New Year’s Eve celebrations is this sparkling wine. Cava, which is mostly produced in Catalonia, is consumed with the grapes and is a part of every celebration.
The toast is a symbol of hope and gratitude. As friends and family share warm wishes and clink glasses, they pray for happiness, success, and good health in the year ahead. In some traditions, a piece of gold, such as a ring, is even dropped into the glass as a symbol of prosperity.
Wearing Colors for Good Luck
This one might surprise you a little bit. But remember to welcome new traditions with an open mind!
It’s customary to give red underwear as a gift rather than buy it for oneself, adding a charming, thoughtful touch. In December, retailers often stock festive red clothing, with many brands creating special seasonal styles.
It’s a fun way to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Spain, regardless of whether you believe in its power or just like the celebratory atmosphere . Whether you believe in its power or simply enjoy the festive spirit, it’s a lighthearted way to embrace New Year’s Eve in Spain.
Although less common than red, some people in Spain wear yellow underwear to attract financial success and abundance, as the color symbolizes gold, sunshine, and prosperity.
Regardless of the color, dressing with intention on New Year’s Eve reflects the joyful spirit of the holiday and has become a cherished part of the celebration.
- Read also: Weather In Spain: Best Time To Visit
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Fireworks and Celebrations Across Cities
No New Year’s celebration is complete without fireworks, and Spain is no exception! Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia host some of the most spectacular shows, and all age brackets are there to witness the magic.
Local councils often organize community events in smaller towns and villages featuring fireworks, music, and dancing. Many events continue into the early hours of the day, with live music, DJs, and impromptu street dancing.
Some cities, like Valencia, have more traditional festivities, like a cultural performance, to keep everyone engaged till it strikes 12.
Regional Variations
Spain’s diverse regions each bring their own unique touch to New Year’s Eve celebrations. In the Canary Islands, the warm weather makes it possible to enjoy outdoor parties, late-night concerts, and even beach gatherings. Locals and visitors often head to spots like Las Canteras to watch fireworks light up the sky and reflect over the ocean, creating a completely different atmosphere from the cozy indoor celebrations in northern Spain.
In Catalonia, New Year’s Eve comes with an energetic twist. Many towns host San Silvestre community runs where people dress up, jog through the streets, and celebrate the end of the year in a fun way. It’s a reflection of the region’s emphasis on starting the new year with renewed motivation and healthy habits. After the run, families still share dinner at home, but the mood tends to be lively and centered around community spirit.
In Galicia, food takes the spotlight, especially when it comes to fresh seafood. While seafood is common across Spain, Galicia’s coastal traditions make it a central part of the New Year’s feast. Families often prepare octopus, clams, mussels, and other dishes pulled straight from the Atlantic.
It’s also common to see small good-luck rituals, such as placing a gold ring in a glass of cava before the midnight toast or opening windows to symbolically release the old year.
Even the way the twelve chimes are counted varies across the country. In big cities, people gather in public squares or watch the countdown broadcast from Puerta del Sol. But in many rural areas, residents still rely on the town’s church bells to mark each stroke of midnight. The experience feels more intimate and traditional, with neighbors gathering outside wrapped in scarves, sharing grapes and wishing each other a happy new year.
Popular Spanish Regions to Celebrate New Year’s
Whether you’re seeking vibrant city life, coastal festivities, or a cozy countryside retreat, there’s a perfect spot for everyone to celebrate a happy new year.
- Madrid
- Barcelona
- Seville
- Valencia
- Granada
- Canary Islands
Do You Want To Relocate To Spain?
Does New Year’s Eve in Spain sound like something you would like to be a part of every year? If the answer is even the slightest bit of yes, let’s explore your options.
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