Celebrating nochevieja (New Year’s Eve) in Barcelona can quite literally be a mouthful: eating 12 grapes on the 12 strokes of midnight is no mean feat. Like most celebrations in Barcelona, there are a number of traditions connected to ringing in the new year, and grape gulping is just one of them. Wearing red undies is said to bring good luck for the following year, as well as provide a little festive cheer, and don’t forget to toast at midnight with a ring in your glass of cava for wealth and prosperity. Let this schedule guide you through the festivities. 10...9...8...7...
5.30pm La Cursa dels Nassos
Kick off 2018 with Barcelona’s fun and flat 10km Sant Silvestre run. With various races being held around Spain, it’s a tradition that gives everyone the opportunity to burn off some calories before the feast later on. The event was given its name by the home dels nassos (the man of noses), a Catalan mythical figure who parades around the streets of Barcelona on December 31st, and is said to have as many noses as there are days left in the year. Thankfully, on the last day of the year, the nose count is at one. The race will begin just outside the Selva de Mar metro station. Registration costs €14.
9pm Tradition-fuelled food
Spain is more family-orientated when it comes to New Year’s Eve than many other parts of the world. Tradition dictates that the hours leading up to midnight are spent enjoying a huge dinner with family and friends. The meal is brought to an end at the stroke of midnight, when the grapes are eaten.
12am Happy New Year!
Hosted at Montjuïc’s Magic Fountain, Barcelona’s official New Year’s Eve event features performing arts starting from 11pm, followed by a 30-minute firework display at midnight. The event is free and will place you at the heart of the festive atmosphere before either heading home or plunging into the city’s nightlife.
2am Dance until dawn
It’s no secret that Barcelona knows how to party and the city doesn’t disappoint when it comes to New Year’s Eve. It’s best to book tickets as soon as possible as events sell out quickly. Dance until dawn at these parties across town.
NEW YEAR’S DAY
12pm Primer Bany de l’Any
What better way to start the new year fresh than with a plunge into the Med? People of all ages are welcome to join the 400 happy swimmers as they rush into the icy waters at Sant Sebastià beach. Registration is free, and includes a hot shower at the Club Natació Atlètic-Barceloneta and, most importantly, a certificate for your brave efforts.