New Year’s Eve is a momentous occasion celebrated with great zeal around the world. It is a time when people bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new one with open arms.
If you’re planning to be in Madrid, Spain, on New Year’s Eve, you might be wondering what time the celebrations begin. Well, wonder no more! In this article, we’ll discuss what time New Year’s Eve starts and some of the traditions that go along with it.
What Time is New Year in Madrid?
The stroke of midnight marks the beginning of the new year in Madrid. Just like in many other parts of the world, people gather together to count down to midnight and share a toast as soon as the clock strikes twelve.
But before midnight arrives, there are some interesting traditions that take place leading up to it. One such tradition is eating 12 grapes at midnight.
The Tradition of Eating 12 Grapes at Midnight
In Spain and many Spanish-speaking countries, it’s common for people to eat 12 grapes at midnight on New Year’s Eve. This tradition dates back to the early 20th century when grape growers in Alicante had an excess harvest and came up with this idea as a marketing strategy.
The idea is simple: eat one grape for each chime of the clock at midnight. Each grape represents good luck for each month of the coming year. This tradition has become so popular that even those who don’t believe in superstitions participate in it just for fun.
Other Traditions on New Year’s Eve
Apart from eating grapes at midnight, there are other traditions that take place on New Year’s Eve in Madrid. For instance, it’s customary to wear red underwear on this day as it symbolizes good luck and prosperity.
Another popular tradition is watching fireworks displays which light up the sky all over Madrid. In Puerta del Sol, people gather to watch the clock tower strike midnight and then celebrate with fireworks and music.
Conclusion
In conclusion, New Year’s Eve in Madrid is a time for celebration and traditions. The stroke of midnight marks the beginning of the new year, and people eat grapes, wear red underwear, and watch fireworks displays to welcome it. If you’re planning to be in Madrid on New Year’s Eve, make sure to join in the festivities and experience these traditions for yourself!