How New Year's Eve is celebrated throughout Spain, beyond Puerta del Sol
No one in Spain misses the Campanadas on New Year's Eve or Nochevieja in Spanish. This celebration consists of eating a grape with every chime (12) of the first seconds of the new year. It is a tradition that is said to bring good luck for the entire year. Everyone follows the Campanadas on the television with their families and some go to the actual locations.
But New Year's Eve Campanadas have their own name in Spain: Puerta del Sol in Madrid. Its fame is such that most national broadcasts focus on this central point of Spain's geography. However, there are several interesting celebrations throughout the country similar to Madrid's. From original events, such as the Coín carnival, to other more classic but spectacular ones, such as that of Zaragoza, we review some of the best places to experience New Year's Eve beyond Sol.
9 great places to celebrate New Year's Eve in Spain
Barcelona
The Avenida de María Cristina separates the Montjuic fountains from Plaza España in Barcelona. This long street is the one that holds the greatest welcome to the new year in the city. Its location is exceptional and makes use of all the elements provided by the place. Fireworks, water, screenings, fire... This celebration has everything necessary to leave those who come with their mouths open.
Santiago de Compostela
The Plaza del Obradoiro in Santiago de Compostela does more than just welcome pilgrims on 31 December. It becomes the nerve centre of the Galician New Year's celebrations. The Berenguela Tower is in charge of ringing the bells. It has a curious clock and a legend directly associated with New Year's Eve. If instead of ringing 12 times it rings 13 times, the devil will have an hour to play his tricks. Be that as it may, the end of the Way to Santiago is also a great alternative option to the Sol celebration in Madrid.
Salamanca
In this part of La Mancha, the most famous literary heroes of the region are the protagonists of the New Year's Eve Campanadas. The town hall's chime clock is in charge. During the culminating moment of New Year's Eve, the automatons of Don Quixote, Sancho Panza and Cervantes make an appearance to the sound of the chimes. This is a much loved show in Ciudad Real and prepares people to go on all night long.