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New Years Eve Seville – Celebrations and Traditions NYE
New Years Eve Seville – Celebrations and Traditions NYE
Guide to Spending New Years Eve in Seville – Places to Visit and Sevilla Traditions
Wondering where to celebrate the New Year in style? Seville, with its vibrant traditions and lively celebrations, offers an unforgettable experience for saying goodbye to the old and welcoming the new. Find out how to make the most of New Year’s Eve in this charming Spanish city.
In Seville, like in many other parts of Spain, New Year’s Eve is often a family affair—at least to start. Many people have a special dinner with their family members before heading out to celebrate with friends. The dinner usually includes traditional Spanish holiday foods and, of course, the 12 grapes at midnight.
Where to Celebrate Seville New Years Eve
One of the most popular spots for gathering on New Year’s Eve is Plaza Nueva, which is centrally located and easy to get to. This square becomes a buzzing hub of activity as the night progresses, with large screens set up to show the countdown. It’s a great place to feel the energy of the city and be part of a large, cheerful crowd.
Another noteworthy location is the area around the Seville Cathedral and the Giralda Tower. These iconic landmarks serve as a picturesque backdrop for the fireworks, making it a favourite spot for both locals and tourists.
In both locations, you’ll find vendors selling snacks, drinks, and of course, the 12 grapes for the midnight tradition. These spots are also within walking distance to some of the city’s best bars and restaurants, so you can easily move on to the next phase of your celebration. If you’re interested in something a bit more formal, various hotels around these areas offer rooftop parties. These events usually require tickets, but they provide a more exclusive experience with stunning views of the fireworks.
For those who prefer being by the water, the banks of the Guadalquivir River offer another great viewpoint for the fireworks. The riverside has a more relaxed atmosphere compared to the bustling squares, but it’s equally beautiful and festive. After the fireworks, people often head to the Triana district, known for its vibrant nightlife, to continue the celebrations.
These gathering spots are usually very crowded, so it’s a good idea to arrive early if you want to secure a good spot to watch the fireworks and partake in the grape-eating tradition.
New Years Eve Traditions in Seville – 12 Grapes
The 12 grapes tradition is a fun and unique way to ring in the New Year in Spain, including Seville. The custom is to eat one grape at each stroke of midnight, as the clock rings 12 times. The idea is that each grape will bring you good luck for one month of the coming year. It’s actually harder than it sounds to get all 12 grapes in, and people have a lot of laughs trying to do it.
The tradition is said to have started in the early 1900s and has been going strong ever since. You’ll see families gathering around their TVs or radios to listen to the clock chimes if they’re celebrating at home. If you’re out and about, like at Plaza Nueva or by the river, you’ll notice vendors selling small containers of grapes ready for the countdown. It’s a good-natured, festive way to kick off the New Year and a must-try experience if you’re in Seville or anywhere else in Spain for the celebrations. Just remember to be careful and eat safely when trying this – it’s not as easy as it sounds!
Restaurants New Years Eve Seville
If you’re in Seville for New Year’s and want to skip the family dinner vibe, finding a restaurant for a special New Year’s Eve meal is a popular option. Many restaurants in the city offer special multi-course menus, often including drinks like wine or champagne, to celebrate the occasion. Just keep in mind that places can book up fast, so making a reservation well in advance is highly recommended.
You’ll find a range of options, from traditional Andalusian cuisine to more international fare. Usually, restaurants also participate in the 12-grape tradition, providing grapes for diners as midnight approaches. After dinner, you can head to a local plaza or bar to continue the festivities. So, eating out can be a great way to ring in the New Year in Seville.