Little by little, and without us even realizing it, the year is coming to an end. Very soon the end of 2024 will arrive, and we will begin 2025.
The arrival of a New Year always deserves to be celebrated. Each country, each culture has its own special way of celebrating it. Did you know that in Italy it is a tradition to eat lentils on the last night of the year? And that in Colombia it is customary to go out with suitcases, as an omen of good trips?
But if there is a truly endearing and fun custom, it is the Spanish tradition of the twelve grapes. The whole family, all the friends, get together and come on! eat a grape with each chime.
Experience the Chimes at Puerta del Sol: A Unique Spanish Tradition
Although it is not known for sure how this charming custom began, the most deeply rooted theory is that it originated one year when there was an extraordinary grape harvest and the farmers saw a good way to sell them, selling them as “lucky grapes”. In this way, eating a grape with each chime would be a sign of good omens for the coming year.
Whatever the case, it is a tradition deeply rooted in Spanish culture, and no table can be without them at the last dinner of the year.
But if there is a truly special place to eat grapes, it is at Puerta del Sol itself, where the clock that marks the chimes is and the center of all attention. Entire families, residents and those from outside, do not want to miss the great atmosphere that we can experience in this place. Make the most of your visit to Madrid and experience the New Year in good company.
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Last Plans of the Year: What to do before Midnight
The last day of the year is a day of much movement and animation. There is some last-minute shopping to do, dinner to prepare, and of course, take advantage of this day to have experiences.
A good option for all sports lovers is to take advantage of the day to go ice skating. You can practice this exciting activity on any of the rinks that have been installed throughout the city, and thus burn off the extra calories accumulated with Christmas lunches and dinners.
And speaking of sports, we cannot forget the San Silvestre Vallecana. This popular race, which this year celebrates its 60th anniversary, which usually starts near Santiago Bernabéu and ends in the Vallecas neighborhood, is a Christmas classic. You can go and cheer on the participants, and if you are in good shape, you can also try your luck and participate in this popular race.
New Year’s Eve Dinner: Exclusive Options in Restaurants and Rooftops
And naturally, to start the night we must have a good dinner. An excellent option is the D Corazón restaurant, located in the heart of Madrid, in the Plaza Mayor of Madrid. Also, being very close to Puerta del Sol, you can take advantage of the opportunity to go and eat the grapes after dinner.
And if you want to welcome the New Year with spectacular views of Madrid, La Catorce Sky Bar, located at 14 Gran Vía, offers you a party with a live DJ and drinks all night long, while you dance to the best music and toast the New Year.
Party and Rest: How to Celebrate and Recover at Vitium Urban Suites
And naturally, to be able to celebrate and live New Year’s Eve in Madrid, you need a good place to stay. Our boutique hostel, located at 61 Gran Vía, in the heart of the city, is the perfect place you are looking for. With excellent transport links, from Vitium you can travel to all the points of the city that interest you and fully enjoy these festivities. Vitium is also the perfect place to rest. Our comfortable rooms, with a double bed, two beds, depending on whether you are travelling as a couple or with friends, as well as triple rooms ideal for families, and our rooms with a jacuzzi, ideal for a romantic New Year’s Eve with your partner, make our hostel the best place to rest and recover energy after the party. To book, just call 91 116 41 44, where our staff will be happy to assist you.
Happy New Year!