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!

Related: Christmas and New Year in Barcelona

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.

New Year's Eve in Barcelona - adding gold to Cava

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.

New year's eve in Barcelona

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.

New Years in Barcelona, Spain

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 in Barcelona after a night of lively entertainment and dancing.

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Clubbing in Barcelona for New Years Eve

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

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  • Apartment Barcelona

    We are an expert agency in the tourism sector based in Barcelona, Catalonia. For over 10 years, we have offered holiday apartments and long-term apartments in Barcelona, to anyone wanting to visit or spend some time in the Catalan Capital.