Nochevieja

Nochevieja, literally Old Night, is the final night of the calendar year in Spain and many Spanish-speaking countries. It marks the transition from December 31 to January 1 and is part of the broader holiday season that includes Christmas and New Year celebrations.

The evening typically centers on a late dinner with family and friends, followed by a countdown to midnight. A widely observed ritual is las doce uvas, in which each of the twelve clock chimes is paired with a grape, one grape per chime, believed to bring good luck. Sparkling wine or cava is commonly raised in a toast.

In Spain, public celebrations gather spectators in major squares, notably the Puerta del Sol in Madrid, where the clock display accompanies the grape ritual. People often wear new clothing and sometimes red underwear for luck. At midnight, fireworks and music are common, and the festivities often continue past midnight.

Across Latin America and other regions, traditions vary, but the central ideas are similar: family meals, festive rituals at midnight, and expressions of hope for the new year. Some countries also burn effigies of the old year (Año Viejo) or engage in regional customs such as fireworks and dancing. Overall, Nochevieja is considered a time for reflection, celebration, and carrying forward hopes for the year to come.