--- title: "🥳 Spain New Year’s traditions: Grapes, red underwear & lots of good luck!🥂" description: "Discover Spain’s New Year’s traditions: the 12 lucky grapes, New Year’s Eve rituals, New Year’s Day customs and fun cultural insights. 🎉🇪🇸" image: https://blog.soyguiri.com/hubfs/Imagen%20-%20Post%20-%203%20best%20ways%20(1)-Dec-17-2025-01-35-43-9415-PM.png --- [![logo-soy-guiri](https://blog.soyguiri.com/hubfs/logo-soy-guiri.svg) ![logo-soy-guiri](https://blog.soyguiri.com/hubfs/logo-soy-guiri.svg)](https://soyguiri.com/) - [Our Method](https://soyguiri.com/#methodology) - [Our Courses](https://soyguiri.com/#our-courses) - [About us](https://soyguiri.com/#about-us) - [Impact](https://soyguiri.com/impact/) - [Blog](https://blog.soyguiri.com) - [Contact](https://soyguiri.com/#contact-us) [My Account](https://soyguiri.com/wp-login.php) - [Our Method](https://soyguiri.com/#methodology) - [Our Courses](https://soyguiri.com/#our-courses) - [About us](https://soyguiri.com/#about-us) - [Impact](https://soyguiri.com/impact/) - [Blog](https://blog.soyguiri.com) - [Contact](https://soyguiri.com/#contact-us) [My Account](https://soyguiri.com/wp-login.php) [New blog](https://blog.soyguiri.com/tag/new-blog) [Spanish Lifestyle](https://blog.soyguiri.com/tag/spanish-lifestyle) [Learning Spanish](https://blog.soyguiri.com/tag/learning-spanish) # 🥳 Spain New Year’s traditions: Grapes, red underwear & lots of good luck!🥂 [Marina Bonillo](https://blog.soyguiri.com/author/marina-bonillo) December 29 2025 New Year's Eve in Spain is more than just a party — it's a **cultural extravaganza** full of exciting traditions! From the famous *12 grapes* at midnight to delicious food and great company, there’s no better place to celebrate the arrival of the New Year. 🎇 Curious about how the Spanish ring in the new year? 🤔 In this blog, you’ll learn about their most beloved traditions, common phrases to use, and what you should expect if you ever spend New Year’s Eve in Spain. Ready to dive into the Spanish New Year experience? ¡Vamos! 🥳 ![Imagen - Post - 3 best ways (5)-Dec-17-2025-01-45-16-4833-PM](https://blog.soyguiri.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imagen%20-%20Post%20-%203%20best%20ways%20(5)-Dec-17-2025-01-45-16-4833-PM.gif?width=856&height=447&name=Imagen%20-%20Post%20-%203%20best%20ways%20(5)-Dec-17-2025-01-45-16-4833-PM.gif) ## 🍇 What is the tradition of the 12 grapes in Spain? One of the most famous traditions in Spain on New Year's Eve (known as *Nochevieja*) is the **12 grapes**. At the stroke of midnight, Spanish people eat **one grape for each chime of the clock**, making a wish for every grape they eat. 🎉 **Where does this come from?** The tradition started in 1909 in Spain to get rid of a grape surplus from that year's harvest. It's now become a **beloved tradition** that spans across the country, especially in cities like Madrid, where people gather at the famous **Puerta del Sol**. 🕛 **Tip**: If you want to join in, make sure you have **12 grapes** ready — but **don’t forget to chew fast**. The tradition can be a little tricky, especially if you’re trying to eat them in time with the 12 *campanadas* (clock chimes)! 😅 Sounds easy? 😂 WRONG. You have about **1 second per grape**, so you’ll see people choking, laughing, crying, panicking… It’s chaos, but it’s tradition! **Example:** 👉En España comemos doce uvas a medianoche para tener buena suerte. *In Spain we eat twelve grapes at midnight to bring good luck.* [![test + free lesson](https://hubspot-no-cache-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/144185739/interactive-185741846769.png)](https://blog.soyguiri.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLIIxsBe7HQrMy%2BmIrxH4U0r%2BStfLmYKw1dMiV1MBMQhCFsXnSu56LW%2BlGOF7dGU8aDRsxl8igtiStXVjVxAIGpy4LDKu3WnP7RInVJtIO6itoMk%2BpFWwhJnrtV2jyPtp2MjZMielJfdEhZ1gfQkIZT8gujoKXCzQckGtef4%2F5oLRHDzGEXqvwQSscKcRGGE2kV7rbImOH8SCfvv2G4v&webInteractiveContentId=185741846769&portalId=144185739) ### **🎆 What do Spanish people do on the 31st of December?** On **December 31st**, the Spanish gather with family and friends to **celebrate the final moments of the year**. The evening starts with a **big family dinner** and often lasts until **late at night**. ### **What’s on the menu?** Spanish people enjoy **traditional New Year’s Eve dishes**, including: **Turrón** (a sweet nougat made of almonds, perfect for dessert) 🍯 ![Turrones únicos que combinan la mejor selección de ingredientes. Turrón Duro, Blando, Yema Tostada, Frutas, Nata Nuez y Coco. bit.ly/1mUqlHG](https://i.pinimg.com/564x/3e/6b/c6/3e6bc66f2124bc947df3edfd1ae8056f.jpg) **Cava** (sparkling wine, perfect for toasting 🥂) ![El cava, un vino típico de la Comarca del Penedés.](https://www.lechepuleva.es/documents/13930/203222/cava_g.jpg/ab82aaa0-837a-4456-ad95-f5e404af85a1?t=1432897813000) **Mariscos** (seafood, such as prawns and clams) 🦐 ![Recetas de marisco típicas para Navidad](https://www.mariscosogrove.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Recetas-de-marisco.jpg) **Jamón ibérico** (Iberian ham, one of Spain’s finest delicacies) 🐖 ![Cómo presentar un jamón ibérico envasado al vacío en la mesa? - Jamones Blázquez](https://jamonesblazquez.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/plato_jamon.jpg) As the clock nears midnight, people start preparing for the **big countdown**, and everyone heads to the living room or gathers in a public square to join in the fun. 🎇 **Example:** 👉 Los españoles cenan con sus familias y luego celebran hasta la madrugada. *Spanish people have dinner with their families and then celebrate until the early morning.* ## 🎉 What happens on January 1st in Spain? After the *12 grapes* and the celebrations, **January 1st** is a day for **recovery** and **relaxation**. The Spanish call it '**El Día de Año Nuevo'** (New Year’s Day), and it’s typically spent with **family** and **close friends**. ### **What do people do?** Many people enjoy a **quiet meal**, often with **more traditional Spanish food** like **cocido** (a Spanish stew) 🥘 or **lentejas** (lentils) 🍲. **The day after the big celebration**, most **shops and businesses are closed** as people continue to enjoy the festive atmosphere. People often take the time to **rest** after the intense celebrations of the night before. ## **🍽️ What do they eat in Spain for New Year's Eve?** Food is a **big part** of Spanish New Year’s Eve celebrations! Spanish families gather around a **feast** filled with delicious treats. Here's what you can expect to see on the table: ### **Traditional dishes:** **🍾 Cava**: The traditional sparkling wine  👂 0:00 **🍯 Turrón**: A rich, almond-based nougat that’s a must for dessert  👂 0:01 **🍪 Polvorones**: A type of shortbread cookie, which melts in your mouth  👂 0:01 **🦐 Mariscos**: Seafood is a typical starter  👂 0:01 **🐖 Jamón ibérico**: This delicious cured ham is a classic at any Spanish celebration. 👂 0:01   And of course, **the 12 grapes** 🥂 must be eaten at midnight, right after the clock strikes twelve! **Example:** 👉 En Nochevieja comemos marisco, jamón y las uvas de la suerte. *On New Year's Eve we eat seafood, ham and the lucky grapes.* ### 🎁 Extra traditions you’ll love Spain is full of fun and quirky traditions that make *Nochevieja* (New Year's Eve) a magical time! 🥳 Here are a few more **extra** Spanish traditions that you won’t want to miss. Ready for the fun? Let’s dive in! 🇪🇸✨ ### ❤️ **Wearing red underwear: A secret of love and passion** Spaniards believe that wearing **red underwear** on New Year's Eve will bring **love** and **passion** for the coming year. 💋❤️ But here’s the catch: It’s **bad luck** if you buy it yourself — it must be given to you by someone else. So, **don’t forget to ask for that special gift!** 🎁 **Fun fact:** Red is seen as a lucky color in Spain. Not only does it symbolize love, but it also helps ward off evil spirits. 💫 ### **💍 Putting a gold ring in your cava: A toast to prosperity** This is one of those traditions that combines **luxury** with **good fortune**. In some Spanish families, it’s customary to drop a **gold ring** into your **cava** (Spanish sparkling wine) at midnight, just before the clock strikes twelve. 🥂💛 The idea is that by doing so, you are **inviting prosperity and wealth** into the new year. The lucky person who drinks the cava with the ring is said to have **financial success** throughout the year. 🤑 Imagine the fun! 😆 **Cheers to love, success, and plenty of cava!** ### **🧹 Starting the year with a clean house: A fresh start** In Spain, **cleaning the house** on the 31st of December is more than just tidying up — it’s a **symbolic gesture** to start the new year **fresh** and free from any **negativity** or bad vibes. ✨ It’s like a way of “sweeping out” the old year and **welcoming in the new one** with open arms and a clean slate. 🧼🧹 Some families even go so far as to **open all windows** and doors to **let the bad energy escape**. 🌬️ ### 🌊 **New Year’s dip: For the brave and the lucky!** In coastal cities like **Valencia**, **Malaga**, and **Barcelona**, there’s a tradition that might just be for the bold! 🌊 On January 1st, some **daredevils** jump into the **freezing sea** for good luck. ❄️ The **New Year’s dip** is thought to purify the body and bring **good fortune** for the upcoming year. So, if you ever find yourself in Spain on New Year's Day and are up for the challenge, grab your swim trunks! 🏖️ ### 🥐 **Chocolate con churros: The classic post-party breakfast** When the clock strikes **7 a.m.**, Spaniards know that it’s time for a **classic Spanish breakfast**: *Chocolate con churros* 🍫🍩. This is a popular **post-party treat**, especially after staying out late celebrating. The **thick, creamy chocolate** is perfect for dipping your **crispy churros**, making it a warm and sweet way to start the new year. 😋 **Fun fact:** *Churros* are so beloved that you’ll find **chocolate con churros** shops open all night long in Spain on New Year’s Eve. 🕖 [![CTA grande - Clase gratuita](https://hubspot-no-cache-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/144185739/interactive-185746953443.png)](https://blog.soyguiri.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLJebdo7zgX5fsI3kmkgun642iVvNzgUJsFNWeDqkItwVihpjCpHlEhKHIUOm2aMLzpQ0GAmjkV%2BWhLCSnoq%2BKa3jQovogZrH4TaUbGGWmxvbOffctgB25wqRNhYtCtNTo5rqo03oOLU6cekg93idp9nrpkUsVHXYiJs6unsq7vKiVODpJR%2Ffqtt6CUZiBxgBd80N7L35LJIFNCVEQU5&webInteractiveContentId=185746953443&portalId=144185739) ## 🧠 Useful vocabulary (fun & visual) **🍇 Nochevieja** – *New Year’s Eve* 👂 0:01 **🎉 Año Nuevo** – *New Year* 👂 0:00   **🔔 Campanadas** – *The 12 chimes* 👂 0:01 **🍇 Uvas de la suerte** – *Lucky grapes* 👂 0:01 **🍾 Cava** – *Spanish sparkling wine* 👂 0:00 **🎩 Cotillón** – *Party accessories (hats, confetti…)* 👂 0:00 **🥂 Brindis** – *Toast* 👂 0:00 **😵‍💫 Resaca** – *Hangover* 👂 0:00   ### 🗣️ Mini dialogue 👩: **¿Lista para las uvas?** *(Ready for the grapes?)* 👂 0:01 🧑‍🎤: **Sí, pero seguro que me atraganto.***(Yes, but I’ll probably choke.)* 👂 0:02   👨‍🦰: **¿Qué te pones esta noche?** *(What are you wearing tonight?)* 👂 0:01 👗: **Ropa elegante y ropa interior roja.**  *(Elegant clothes and red underwear.)* 👂 0:02 ## 📝 **Conclusion:** Now you know all about **Spanish New Year’s traditions** and the exciting ways the Spanish welcome the new year! From the **12 grapes** to the delicious food and the fun celebrations, you’ll be ready to take part in this festive tradition. 🎉🍇 Want to practice your Spanish and get more immersed in these traditions? Learn key words like **uvas** (*grapes*), **turrón** (*nougat*), and **cava** (*sparkling wine*) to sound like a true Spaniard this New Year’s! 🥳🎇 And if this year you want to go one step further and not only **celebrate New Year’s Eve like a local** 🎆🍾, but also **sound like one** 🗣️😉, don’t miss this article 👉 [https://blog.soyguiri.com/how-to-say-happy-new-year-in-spanish](https://blog.soyguiri.com/how-to-say-happy-new-year-in-spanish) 🎉🥂. You’ll discover how to say *Happy New Year* in Spanish 🇪🇸✨ — plus some very common expressions for making a toast 🥂, sending good wishes 💫 and starting the year on the right foot 🦶🍀. Perfect for impressing your friends just after the midnight countdown ⏰🍇😉! 🗣️ Practice time! Choose the correct option: ## 🎉 Test your knowledge on Spanish New Year's traditions! 🎇 Answer the questions below and check how well you know Spanish traditions! 🎆 1\. What is the tradition of the 12 grapes in Spain? Eat one grape for every chime of the clock at midnight 🍇🕛 Dance for 12 minutes 💃🕺 Drink 12 glasses of cava 🥂🍾 2\. What is a common dish served on New Year's Eve in Spain? Turrón (nougat) 🍯 Pizza 🍕 Burgers 🍔 3\. What color of underwear is worn for good luck on New Year's Eve in Spain? Red ❤️ White 🤍 Black 🖤 4\. What happens on January 1st in Spain? People rest and enjoy a quiet day with family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 They celebrate all day with another big party 🎉 They do a morning run 🏃‍♂️ 5\. What is the famous location where people gather to celebrate New Year's Eve in Madrid? Puerta del Sol ⏰ Parque del Retiro 🌳 La Rambla 🛍️ ✅ Check Answers     ### Keep learning Spanish: - [![Driving in Spain](https://blog.soyguiri.com/hubfs/Imagen%20-%20Post%20-%203%20best%20ways-Jun-09-2026-08-07-25-1462-AM.png)](https://blog.soyguiri.com/driving-in-spain) #### [🚗 Driving in Spain: what surprises foreigners the most?🇪🇸☀️](https://blog.soyguiri.com/driving-in-spain) [Read more](https://blog.soyguiri.com/driving-in-spain) - [![I think in Spanish](https://blog.soyguiri.com/hubfs/Imagen%20-%20Post%20-%203%20best%20ways%20(2)-Jun-18-2026-10-43-52-1643-AM.png)](https://blog.soyguiri.com/i-think-in-spanish) #### [🧠'I think' in Spanish: sound natural and confident in conversations💭](https://blog.soyguiri.com/i-think-in-spanish) [Read more](https://blog.soyguiri.com/i-think-in-spanish) - [![](https://blog.soyguiri.com/hubfs/pleased-good-looking-happy-man-with-ginger-hair-brislte-showing-thumbs-up-smiling-broadly-giving-positive-feedback-sharing-his-positive-opinion-grey-wall_176420-27439.avif)](https://blog.soyguiri.com/bueno-in-spanish) #### [More than "good": how to master the word "bueno" like a native 🌟](https://blog.soyguiri.com/bueno-in-spanish) [Read more](https://blog.soyguiri.com/bueno-in-spanish) - [![Spanish latte](https://blog.soyguiri.com/hubfs/Imagen%20-%20Post%20-%203%20best%20ways%20(1)-Jun-16-2026-09-41-39-0376-AM.png)](https://blog.soyguiri.com/spanish-latte) #### [☕ Spanish Latte: what is it and why is everyone talking about it?☝️](https://blog.soyguiri.com/spanish-latte) [Read more](https://blog.soyguiri.com/spanish-latte) 💬 And you? 🍇 Have you ever tried the 12 grapes tradition? 🍀 Would you wear red underwear for good luck? 🤩 Tell us in the comments! 👇 ![gif chica rosa](https://blog.soyguiri.com/hs-fs/hubfs/gif%20chica%20rosa.gif?width=792&height=488&name=gif%20chica%20rosa.gif) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) --- [Marina Bonillo](https://blog.soyguiri.com/author/marina-bonillo) --- #### Download our survival KIT in Spanish ![Mock up - Lead Magnets-1](https://blog.soyguiri.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Mock%20up%20-%20Lead%20Magnets-1.png?width=518&height=601&name=Mock%20up%20-%20Lead%20Magnets-1.png) #### Tags - [New blog](https://blog.soyguiri.com/tag/new-blog) (212) - [Learning Spanish](https://blog.soyguiri.com/tag/learning-spanish) (180) - [Spanish Lifestyle](https://blog.soyguiri.com/tag/spanish-lifestyle) (67) - [Spanish Grammar](https://blog.soyguiri.com/tag/spanish-grammar) (45) - [Difficulties](https://blog.soyguiri.com/tag/difficulties) (40) - [News in Spanish](https://blog.soyguiri.com/tag/news-in-spanish) (16) - [Spanish music](https://blog.soyguiri.com/tag/spanish-music) (8) - [Spanish for work](https://blog.soyguiri.com/tag/spanish-for-work) (5) - [Content](https://blog.soyguiri.com/tag/content) (3) - [History](https://blog.soyguiri.com/tag/history) (3) - [Best books in Spanish](https://blog.soyguiri.com/tag/best-books-in-spanish) (1) - [Spanish movies](https://blog.soyguiri.com/tag/spanish-movies) (1) ![Logo-ED-1-1024x131](https://blog.soyguiri.com/hubfs/Logo-ED-1-1024x131.jpg) ![logo-soy-guiri](https://blog.soyguiri.com/hubfs/logo-soy-guiri.svg) [Our Method](https://soyguiri.com/#methodology)[Our Courses](https://soyguiri.com/#our-courses)[About us](https://soyguiri.com/#about-us)[Impact](https://soyguiri.com/impact/)[Blog](https://blog.soyguiri.com/)[Contact](https://soyguiri.com/#contact-us) [Privacy policy](https://soyguiri.com/privacy-policy/) Soy Guiri © 2024 ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Marina Bonillo", "url" : "https://blog.soyguiri.com/author/marina-bonillo" }, "dateModified" : "2025-12-29T09:00:01.113Z", "datePublished" : "2025-12-29T09:00:01.000Z", "headline" : "🥳 Spain New Year’s traditions: Grapes, red underwear & lots of good luck!🥂", "image" : [ "https://blog.soyguiri.com/hubfs/Imagen%20-%20Post%20-%203%20best%20ways%20(1)-Dec-17-2025-01-35-43-9415-PM.png" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.soyguiri.com/spain-new-years-traditions", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.soyguiri.com/hubfs/soy_guiri_logo.png" }, "name" : "SOY GUIRI" } } ```