WHEN the clock heads towards midnight on December 31, most people celebrate 2024 turning into 2025. In Spain, ‘Nochevieja’ is a huge public event. Whether you’re planning to attend your town’s municipal ‘carpa’ (tent), revel in a local bar, dance at an outdoor rave, or eat a huge meal at your Spanish friend’s house, surviving the night requires some forethought. Unless you’re quietly going to bed, which removes any “issues” related to this night.
Here are 10 essential tips from South of Granada to ensure that New Year’s Eve is a positive start to 2025, and not a public debacle you’ll regret for the whole year…
1. Don’t start too early
Brits, in particular, are infamous for their heavy drinking tendencies and “pre-gaming” (starting before the event). Conversely, the Spanish know how to pace themselves. Most avoid turning up “seven sheets to the wind” at ‘Casa Mama’ for the traditional Nochevieja meal, or for the party in the plaza. Why not follow their lead? While a lunchtime beer (or two) is fine, followed by a ‘siesta’, don’t start downing the local ‘vino’ like water. Or, even worse, partaking in ‘chupitos’ of anis, ‘Sol y Sombras’ (brandy and anis), or spirits. Start too early, and you’ll be asleep on the sofa before midnight. If you stay awake, you might humiliate yourself by falling over (or asleep) in the bar. Perhaps you’ll rant at the major that you “hate the horrible fiesta techno the DJ is playing”.
2. Avoid overeating – and carry stomach meds
The Nochevieja family dinner is a highlight in Spain, with people gathering for elaborate meals. These commonly feature jamón, seafood, and endless desserts. Rather like at Nochebuena’ (Christmas Eve), the rich treats have been lovingly prepared by the women. Although it might be tempting to stuff yourself to the gills, remember the bloated feeling after visiting a Wok “all you can eat” buffet or Toby carvery in the UK. Excessive greed will have you clutching your stomach before the midnight ceremony with the 12 ‘uvas’ (grapes) even begins. Why not carry some trusty indigestion meds (such as Simeticone, antacids or chalk tablets) to skip a ‘windy’ and painful experience’?
3. Plan a place to crash out and your way home
With celebrations spread across towns and ‘campo’ (countryside), getting home can be tricky. Public transport is limited after dark, unless you live in cities, while taxis are scarce on Nochevieja. If you’re partying at a remote rave or ‘cortijo’, figure out your logistics first. No one wants to start 2025 lost on a mountainside, or wandering several km along a dusty riverbed with sore feet. Alternatively, you won’t want to sleep in the bushes in 3C temperatures. Tempting though it seems, don’t jump into a car with random strangers heading to a remote party, then get stranded, because they left you asleep in a dark corner.
4. Don’t be arrested for drink or drug driving
The winding roads of La Alpujarra can lull motorists into thinking there are very few rules. However, Guardia Civil Trafico controls have been increasing phenomenally over the last year. The patrols are out in force on New Year’s Eve, with checkpoints to catch unsuspecting revellers. This includes anyone over the breath alcohol limit of 0.25mg/l (about to be reduced in 2025). It also counts if you’ve taken drugs during the last five days, as traces remain in the saliva. Arrange a designated driver, walk to the party, or stay close to home. A New Year’s hangover is sufficient ‘castigo’ without adding a huge ‘multa’ and points on your driving license.
5. Dress in layers for outdoor events
The weather in rural Granada can be deceiving. While it can be warm in the daytime, temperatures plummet after dark. If you’re attending an unheated outdoor celebration – whether it’s DJs in the local plaza or a mountain rave – dress in multiple layers. It’s always good to have an extra sweatshirt tied around your waist, a hoodie, gilet and fleece jacket. There’s nothing fun about shivering uncontrollably for hours. Ask in advance if an outdoor party has a marquee or, at very least, a fire pit.
6. Respect Spanish customs
New Year’s Eve traditions in Spain are taken seriously. It’s rude not to join the mass consumption of 12 grapes – one for each stroke of midnight. This is supposedly for luck. You should also wish your Spanish friends a prosperous new year (‘Feliz Año Nuevo’). Avoid embarrassing faux pas, like eating the grapes too early because you’re drunk, making crass jokes about Spanish timekeeping, lecturing your host family about how fireworks and bullfighting should be banned, or telling a party promoter exactly why commercial Reggaeton is “sh*t”.
7. Learn how to perform the Heimlich Manoeuvre
Speaking of grapes, they’re potentially dangerous when ingested quickly. Canal Sur ran a news bulletin about definitely not giving them to under-fives for the midnight cramming-down ceremony (this sounds like basic common sense!). You want to avoid choking at all costs! Brush up on the Heimlich manoeuvre that releases stuck material from a person’s throat. You never know when you’ll need to save someone. It’s not just grapes – it could be a chunk of meat from dinner or a large sweetie.
8. Scout for toilets at public events
If you’re at a bustling party in a busy plaza, with hundreds of people, finding a bathroom is challenging. Many public events are short on facilities, and bars typically have long queues. Make a mental note of facilities early in the evening, and don’t leave it until the last minute, for obvious reasons. Also, remember that several beers drunk in the freezing cold are more toilet-inducing than an occasional sip of Pacharan.
9. Prepare for fireworks and noise
Spaniards love fireworks, and New Year’s Eve is no exception. Especially if you’re in a large town or city, expect a cacophony of bangs and explosions. These start before midnight and continue into the early hours. If you have pets, ensure they’re safely indoors and can’t escape if they hear bangs. If you hate fireworks when you’re out partying, consider earplugs!
10. Keep your wits and don’t lose your personal items
Remember that New Year’s Eve is a marathon, not a sprint. Pace yourself. Stay hydrated, look out for friends, and be mindful of your surroundings. Maybe take a packet of ibuprofen or paracetamol in your pocket. Use your common sense so you begin 2025 (hopefully not in a bush or firepit) with nothing worse than a slight headache. Try to avoid: “Oh no, I’ve lost my mind / bag / phone / identity cards / purse / reputation / friends.”
With these top tips in mind, you’ll start the new year on the right foot – not flat on your face. Whatever you’re doing (even if it’s early to bed), we wish you Feliz Año Nuevo from South of Granada!