The most important nights of the Christmas season in Spain
On December 24th, Spain celebrates La Nochebuena (Christmas Eve), one of the most significant festivities of the Christmas season. In Catholic tradition, this date marks the birth of Jesus, although it was the Church that designated this day as such.
It is customary to gather with family to share an abundant and festive dinner, often featuring dishes such as lamb, seafood, turkey, or suckling pig. Traditional sweets like turrón, marzipan, and polvorones are essential on this occasion. After dinner, it is also customary to sing Christmas carols (villancicos), creating a joyful and festive atmosphere.
New Year’s Eve, celebrated on December 31st, is a night full of celebrations, traditions, and good wishes, where families and friends come together. However, it is less family-oriented than Christmas Eve (Nochebuena).
The most important tradition of the night is the so-called "lucky grapes" (uvas de la suerte), which involves welcoming the New Year by eating 12 grapes in sync with the midnight chimes, often from the clock at Puerta del Sol in Madrid.
This custom is relatively modern, dating back to the early 20th century, when a surplus grape harvest led to the creation of this playful tradition. Over time, it has become a symbol of good luck and prosperity for the coming year. It is said that if you manage to eat all 12 grapes, the year ahead will be full of good fortune.
After the grapes, the celebrations continue with dancing and parties, either at home, in the streets, or at organized events.
