Monday following Saint Anthony's Day

📣 Traveler notes

Spain is known for its welcoming atmosphere, vibrant culture, and rich history. It boasts a high number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is celebrated for its diverse culinary scene, lively nightlife, and traditional festivities.

• New Year's Eve (Nochevieja) tradition involves eating 12 grapes at midnight.
• One grape is eaten for each of the 12 chimes of the clock.
• The main celebration takes place in Puerta del Sol, Madrid.
• Chimes are broadcast live on national television.
• A fireworks display follows the final chime.
• Special packs of exactly 12 grapes are sold for this tradition.
• Spaniards are generally warm and expressive; physical contact during conversation is common. While social interactions can be informal—including the use of friendly insults among friends—it is best to remain polite as a visitor. Respect local customs regarding religion (especially during Holy Week and Christmas), family values, and regional sensitivities like Catalan or Basque independence. When dining, wait for everyone to be seated before eating and expect to split bills equally. In social settings, it is customary to offer gifts or drinks multiple times, as initial refusals are often a polite formality.