From expressive, filled-with-passion flamenco dancing to the solemn Semana Santa, Spanish culture can only be described as rich, colourful and diverse. They have many different traditions for many different occasions, so what did they do for the New Year? 

 

LAS DOCE UVAS DE LA SUERTE  

Meaning the twelve lucky grapes in Spanish, one is eaten on every chime on New Years’ Eve in Spain. You have to make one wish each time you eat a grape for each month of the new year. This – year old tradition is supposed to bring good luck, prosperity, and happiness in the new year. 

 

EL GORDO Y EL NIÑO 

El Gordo and El Niño are the names of Spain’s biggest lotteries. El Gordo, meaning the fat one, takes place in December with the largest prize being a whopping €4 million. El Niño, which means the child, is held on 6 January, with a slightly smaller but still massive jackpot of €2 million. The total money distributed for el Niño is around the large sum of €770 million.

 

DIA DE LOS REYES MAGOS   

Dia de Los Reyes Magos, or Three Kings Day, is widely celebrated in Spain on 5-6 January, and marks a significant biblical event called the epiphany. The epiphany depicts the arrival of the three wise men who visited the baby Jesus when he was born. 

In Spain, on the evening of the 5th, the three Magi arrive to start the celebrations. Their modes of transport differ from region to region: by horse in Madrid, and by boat in Valencia. They come bearing gifts for lots of excited children and there are many colorful parades with sweets tossed to spectators. 

On the morning of January 6th children wake up early to open their presents. Rather than receiving them on Christmas, many get most of their gifts on this day. ​It features many traditions, one where a figurine is hidden inside a special bread called Roscan, and whoever finds it is brought luck in the new year. The day is filled with family gatherings and festivities, showcasing diverse customs but sharing a common thread of honoring this significant biblical event.​