Most popular New Year traditions in Spain

Discover the deeply rooted customs that mark New Year's Eve in Spain, from the iconic tradition of the twelve grapes to other unique practices. Explore how Spanish families gather to celebrate the end of the year and welcome the new one with hope and joy. Learn about the rituals that attract good luck and prosperity, which are shared throughout the country. Immerse yourself in the festive Spanish culture and its New Year celebrations.

0100% verified
  1. 1

    Eating the twelve lucky grapes (1909)

    0 Global Votes
    • Brings good luck for the coming new year

      (+2)

    This is the most iconic and deeply rooted tradition in Spain to welcome the New Year, uniting families and friends in a collective ritual. It is believed that eating one grape with each chime brings good luck and prosperity for each month of the coming year.

  2. 2

    Wearing red underwear (Middle Ages)

    0 Global Votes
    • Brings passion, love, and prosperity

      (+2)

    It is a widespread superstition and a fun ritual that is part of the festive atmosphere of New Year's Eve in Spain. It is believed that wearing red underwear, preferably new and gifted, attracts love, passion, and good fortune.

  3. 3

    Toast with champagne at midnight

    0 Global Votes
    • Toast with champagne and celebration continues into the night

      (+4)

    It is a gesture of celebration and good wishes shared by most Spaniards, symbolizing the collective welcome to the new cycle. Often, a gold ring is placed in the glass to attract wealth and economic success.

  4. 4

    New Year's Eve family dinner (December 31)

    0 Global Votes
    • Celebrated with family and friends

      (+4)

    It is a fundamental moment of family togetherness and culinary enjoyment before the chimes, although the trend is that it is less strictly family-oriented than Christmas Eve. The evening begins with a copious dinner featuring traditional dishes.

  5. 5

    Attending New Year's parties or galas (After midnight)

    0 Global Votes
    • Experience great fun

      (+4)

    It is a very popular way to continue the celebration and welcome the new year with joy and in the company of friends. After the chimes, many Spaniards attend organized parties that last until the morning.

  6. All the rankings you can imagine

    Thousands of verified votes to discover the best. Your vote here counts

  7. 6

    Gathering in public squares (December 31)

    0 Global Votes
    • Energetic and festive atmosphere

      (+4)

    It offers a vibrant and multitudinous experience to welcome the year, with a unique festive atmosphere. Millions of people gather in emblematic squares to collectively eat the grapes.

  8. 7

    Writing wishes for the new year (New Year's Eve)

    0 Global Votes
    • Allows making silent wishes for the future

      (+2)

    It is a personal way to project optimism and set goals for the future, contributing to creating a special atmosphere of renewal. This intimate ritual invites reflection on the resolutions for the coming year.

  9. 8

    Opening doors and windows at midnight (December 31)

    0 Global Votes
    • Lets the old year out and the new year in

      (+1)

    It is a small gesture that accompanies the change of year and brings a sense of renewal and purification. It symbolizes leaving the old behind and allowing the new to enter, expelling bad energies.

  10. 9

    Keeping a coin in your pocket (New Year's Eve)

    0 Global Votes
    • Invites money and prosperity

      (+3)

    It is a symbolic gesture that accompanies the moment of the chimes, seeking to attract good economic fortune. It is interpreted as a wish for economic stability and financial prosperity for the coming year.

  11. 10

    Eating chocolate with churros (January 1)

    0 Global Votes
    • Crispy cinnamon covered sticks served with hot chocolate for dipping

      (+4)

    It is a comforting and traditional way to start the first day of the year after New Year's Eve celebrations. This tradition is typical in areas such as Castile and León, Madrid, and La Mancha.

  12. 11

    Taking an empty suitcase out to the street (New Year's Eve)

    0 Global Votes
    • Invites travel, adventure, and prosperity

      (+4)

    It is a popular ritual to attract travel opportunities in the coming year. For travel lovers, an empty suitcase is walked around the house or the street in the hope of a year full of adventures.

  13. 12

    Hugging loved ones (After midnight)

    0 Global Votes
    • Symbolizes good fortune for the year

      (+4)

    An emotional and universal gesture of affection and togetherness to celebrate the beginning of the new cycle. It is a widespread custom to hug and kiss close people as a symbol of affection and good wishes.