Guide to Barcelona

New Years Eve in Barcelona

Tuesday, 25 October 2011 09:15

In and Around Barcelona

New Years Eve is renowned worldwide as a party night where you can celebrate the arrival of a New Year. As you would expect, Spain and Barcelona is not different and there are a number of celebrations in the city as the clock strikes 12 and a new year is welcomed. New Year is "nochevieja" or "Fin de Año" in Spanish and "Cap d'Any" in Catalan.

Many locals will eat their last meal of the year at home with their families and some will not leave their homes until midnight and after. A large number of people gather in the main central areas of the city to see the New Year foregin visitors. The best places to go and be part of the crouwd are the main square of Plaça Catalunya, La Rambla or Barcelona`s beaches. There are always large gatherings of people but Barcelona does differ from other large European cities as it does not have a large public firework display. The Torre Agabar tower in Barcelona does however have a brief light show to commemorate the New Year although the majority of people will already be in the centre.

It is a Spanish tradition to eat 12 grapes at midnight. Eating one grape on every chime of the clock as the year is ending. This is considered good luck for the year ahead with each grape representing one month for the year ahead. There are many places selling bags of 12 grapes as it is a very popular tradition, failure to eat the 12 grapes is considered bad luck however. In Barcelona, the most popular drink to toast in the New Year is the locally produced Cava.

After the clock has struck 12 then Barcelona really comes to life as everyone floods the street en route to their destination of choice for the evening. All of the main clubs in Barcelona hold special New Year parties but as is tradition in Spain, the clubs do not open until 1 or 2 so arriving early is not always advisable. As with most large clubs, it is best to look at pre-ordering tickets as New Year is a very popular night and you do not want to get in or have to que for ages. Check out the website of the club of your choice for more information.

Similar to most nights in Spain, the party goes on to the early hours of the morning and most people will celebrate until the sun rises again in the morning before finding soemwhere to enjoy a "Churros" before finally heading home having seen the New Year in in style.

One of the great things about New Years in Barcelona is that like every saturday night in the city, the Metro continously runs all through the night and it is the most cost-effective and quick way to move around the city and get from place to place. Bring a metro map with you and know where the nearest station is and you will be able to travel from place to place with ease.

Barcelona is renowned as one of the biggest party cities in Europe and New Years Eve is a great time to experience the cities nightlife. A great way to say goodbye to the previous year and celebrate the arrival of the new year. One of the best ways to see and enjoy Barcelona at new year is by renting a apartment. Check out our Barcelona Apartments for a great selction.

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