Barcelona, renowned for its vibrant spirit and cherished traditions, becomes a captivating haven during celebrations, and New Year’s Eve in Barcelona is no exception.
Welcoming the new year in this extraordinary city involves immersing oneself in various customs and lively celebrations. From embracing timeless traditions to exploring beloved local spots, Barcelona offers the chance to have a truly memorable New Year’s Eve experience.
Let’s take a look at how you can welcome the new year in Barcelona like a true local!
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New Year’s Eve Local Customs and Traditions in Barcelona
The charm of celebrating New Year’s Eve like a Barcelonian lies in embracing age-old customs that promise luck, love, and prosperity in the coming year.
Indulge in the 12 Grapes Tradition
As the clock strikes midnight, locals gather to consume 12 grapes, each eaten with every chime of the clock. This tradition is a must-do for a promising year, as it is believed to bring good fortune for each month of the new year.
Wear Red Underwear
Another New Year’s Eve custom is to wear red underwear, as this is said to symbolize the love and romantic adventures that you will experience in the forthcoming year.
Add Gold to a Glass of Cava
To invite prosperity into the new year, it is customary to place a piece of gold, like a ring or coin, into a glass of cava before midnight strikes. Drinking the cava, and thereby retrieving the golden item, is believed to bring abundance and success.
Savor a National Dish
Indulging in traditional dishes such as botifarra amb mongetes, a Catalan dish consisting of sausage and white beans, is thought to usher in happiness and prosperity into homes for the new year.
Activities and Events for New Years in Barcelona
Barcelona transforms into a bustling hub of excitement on New Year’s Eve, offering various activities and events across the city, making it a truly remarkable celebration.
Plaça d’Espanya
Plaça d’Espanya comes alive on New Year’s Eve, especially along Avinguda de la Reina Maria Cristina, where the ‘big event’ unfolds. This must-see destination attracts both tourists and locals, guaranteeing an atmosphere full of excitement and anticipation. Here, you can witness an incredible fireworks display and usher in the new year, surrounded by incredible live music and an unbeatable atmosphere.
Plaça Catalunya
Plaça Catalunya, located just off Las Ramblas, is a lively hub where visitors and locals gather to celebrate the New Year. With an abundance of bars, pubs, and clubs nearby, you have a plethora of choices to dance your way into the new year and continue celebrating long after the countdown.
Poble Espanyol
For the past three decades, this enchanting open-air museum has captivated locals and become one of the top destinations for New Year’s Eve. Here, the festivities span three indoor venues featuring live music and many beverages. Admission is priced at €40, which includes four drinks, grapes and novelties, promising a night to remember!
Clubbing
For partygoers, Barcelona has an abundance of clubbing options. The city’s youth head to renowned establishments like Razzmatazz, Opium, and Shoko, where the vibrant nightlife is synonymous with energetic dancing and festive revelry. It is also common to find locals extending the celebration to the beach, relishing the sunrise after a night of lively entertainment and dancing.
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New Years in Barcelona is not just about welcoming the new year, it is also about embracing centuries-old traditions, immersing in local customs, and relishing the infectious energy that fills the city’s streets. Now that we’ve uncovered the secrets to celebrating New Year’s Eve in Barcelona like a local, you can create memories that will last a lifetime!
Related: Celebrating Christmas in Barcelona Like a Local
