Yesterday, I asked a group of Spanish teenagers what they typically do on New Year´s Eve and it seems to be a fair consensus that most enjoy the evening at home with family… although, when the clock strikes twelve, they run off to be with their friends. Even with the crisis looming over Spain, many Spaniards still march on and savor their holidays by spending time with family and friends.

For the most part, New Year´s is similar to that of America. Some families stay at home, eat a traditional meal and ring in the new year together. While in other parts of Spain, like the northern region Asturias (17 regions in Spain), they meet at local restaurants and then go dancing. Some return to their villages while others head to the big city to catch firework displays in town centers like Madrid, Barcelona or Valencia. The dichotomy between the traditional versus modern ways of living in Spain are never so apparent as it is seen on New Year´s Eve. There´s a divide between the familiar ways versus the electric events of music and partying.

So, if you´re in Spain here are a few year-end festivities including some Spanish traditions that have lasted for hundreds of years.

December 28: el Día de los Santos Inocentes/ Day of the Innocents

Historically this day is known in the bible as the Massacre of the Innocents when King Herod the Great ¨ordered the execution of all young male children in the village of Bethlehem.¨ According to legend, he was afraid that Baby Jesus was among them and would grow up to be his arch-rival. It turns out that he was not and King Herod was foolishly wrong. Today, it´s known as the Spanish April Fools´ Day and it´s a time when people play practical jokes on each other including the mass media. There´s usually a story written in the newspaper or spoken on the radio that is false! So be careful.

• Ibi, Alicante: Els Enfarinats is a day long celebration including a mock military overthrow in which children take control of the town and choose a new mayor for their city. This chaotic celebration includes fireworks, egg throwing and flour bombs. bbc.co.uk
• Malaga: La Fiesta Mayor de Verdiales: This 51 year-old celebration of the winter solstice is a battle of traditional fandango (folk) music and dance groups. youtube.com

December 31: New Year´s Eve/Noche Vieja

Literally translated as ¨Old Night,¨ many spend New Year´s Eve with their families having a traditional feast including seafood, jamón (ham), eggs, and grapes. Afterwards, many young people go out to meet friends after midnight to local bars and go dancing until the early morning.

A fun tradition at midnight for Spaniards is Las doce uvas de la suerte (The Twelve Grapes of Luck). As Spaniards gather around their televisions to watch Madrid´s Puerto del Sol tower clock just 12 seconds before midnight, they follow a tradition since 1895 of eating one grape for each 12 rings (or each month of the next year). If you do so, it will bring you prosperity and good luck for the new year. Usually, the last five grapes are still in your mouth by the end of the rings! Another good luck tradition is to wear red, particularly underwear must be red for good luck also.

It´s usually difficult to wing it on New Year´s anywhere and Spain is no exception. You should reserve ahead if you´d like to have dinner out as most places will have set menus. Call ahead of your trip and ask your concierge. They are usually more than happy to help you.

Madrid:

People gather at Puerta del Sol to watch the countdown to the New Year, very similar to Time Square. This is broadcasted throughout Spain. If you are daring to adventure there, be careful as the metro is limited, closes early and taxi´s are hard to find.

• Hotel Parties: Ring in the New year at The Ritz with a six-course New Year´s Eve Gala Dinner ritzmadrid.com; The Westin Palace will be celebrating their 100 year anniversary with music by The Big Band Santiago and renowned two Michelin star chef, Diego Guerrero.
• Mozart: Real Orquesta Filarmonica De Madrid: Or for quite the opposite experience go to see Mozart Dances, a ballet production by Mark Morris Dance Group at Teatro Real Sala Principal.
  
• Cotirock: Starting after midnight, buy tickets early on ticketmaster.es for this multi-group event at Círculo de Bellas Artes cotirock.com

Barcelona:

Join in the crowd at Plaça de Catalunya as people from around the world ring in the New Year together with champagne, their 12 grapes and fireworks. The good news is that the Metro is open all night in Barcelona, but watch out for your pockets.

• Hotel Parties: Check out Le Méridien Barcelona¨s Gala Dinner with dinner at Centonze restaurant and a party later in the Liceo room; W Hotel is featuring a few parties including a Gala Dinner at Salt, Bravo and Wave. During the day, they will have a live performance by Black Rock. centonzerestaurant.com w-barcelona.com
• Tent Party: If you are in for a wild night under a tent in the Plaza Mayor, there´s a huge party at Poble Espanyol, but you must buy tickets in advance. nocheviejabarcelona.com
• Jazz: Celebrate the 115th anniversary of this famous jazz restaurant designed by Modernist architects, 4 Gats on New Year´s Eve 4gats.com
• Dom Perignon: Try a gala dinner and party with the official Dom Perignon New Year´s Eve Party 2013 at CDLC Barcelona. cdlcbarcelona.com, facebook.com

Valencia:

The Plaza de Ayuntamiento or the City of Arts and Sciences is where people spend midnight with firework and light show celebrations.

Seville:

Hang with locals at the Plaza Nueva.

La Font de la Figuera

A village near Valencia, Spain´s third largest city, has been celebrating the New Year for the last thirty years in their red underwear! Visitors are welcome to join locals and run through the streets in their underwear.

A few extra things in December:

Throughout December, I found a few more fun events that look quite fascinating. Ticketmaster.es is a great resource to see what events are going on in any major city. Two events I found to be special are:

• Madrid: Enjoy Russian ice skaters in a theatrical adaption of Peter Pan on Ice at the Teatro Nuevo Apolo (Dec 25-Jan 6, 2013). You can buy tickets online at ticketmaster.com. Check out: summummusic.com, youtube.com
• Barcelona: Enjoy this long-lasting musical of Peter Pan at the spectacular Cúpula de las Arenas from December 22-January 6, 2013. cupulalasarenas.com

January 1: Año Nuevo:

• All the shops are closed, but you can find some restaurants and bars open to cater to tourists. Usually, Spanish families celebrate together with a traditional lunch.
• Most hotels will be featuring a special New Year´s Day brunch so ask your concierge. Próspero Año Nuevo to all!