Day of Asturias

📣 Traveler notes

Spain is famous for its welcoming culture, vibrant nightlife, distinctive cuisine, and rich history, featuring the second-largest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites globally. Visitors should prepare for an informal social atmosphere characterized by physical touch and spirited conversation.

• New Year's Eve (Nochevieja) involves the tradition of eating twelve grapes as the clock strikes midnight.
• The New Year celebration traditionally takes place at La Puerta del Sol in Madrid.
• The countdown sequence involves the chimes (Las Campanadas) which signify the start of the new year.
• Following the New Year chimes, a fireworks display typically occurs.
• Expect casual, physical greetings (kisses on both cheeks for friends; firm handshake for men). Punctuality is appreciated, though arriving up to ten minutes late is acceptable. When visiting homes, bring slippers, as bare feet are considered unsanitary. Spaniards are generally accepting of various lifestyles and faiths, though respect for Catholic traditions remains important. Topics such as political independence, the monarchy, and the colonial past are considered sensitive and should be approached with caution.