New Year’s Day Holiday in Spain ― Date, History, and Details
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Let's dive deeper into learning more about the history of New Year’s Day Holiday in Spain and why people celebrate or observe it.
History of New Year’s Day Holiday in Spain and How to Celebrate/ Observe It
New Year’s Day in Spain is celebrated on the 1st of January. It is a public holiday and marks the start of the year. The celebration of New Year’s Day in Spain can be traced back to ancient Roman times, when people celebrated the coming of the new year with festivities. Over time, this celebration has evolved into what it is today – an important holiday that signals the end of one year and the beginning of another.
In Spain, New Year’s Day is traditionally celebrated with family and friends. People gather together for a meal, often sharing a traditional Spanish dish like paella or tortilla de patatas. After dinner, Spaniards celebrate with music and dancing, often staying up until midnight to welcome in the new year. At midnight, everyone cheers “¡Feliz Año Nuevo!” (Happy New Year!) and kisses each other on the cheeks.
In addition to the traditional celebrations, many cities in Spain also host special events for New Year’s Eve. These events usually include fireworks, parades, and concerts, and are attended by thousands of people. In Madrid, there is even a special event called the Puerta del Sol, which features a massive clock that counts down to midnight and is broadcast live on television. No matter how they choose to celebrate, Spaniards are sure to have a wonderful time ringing in the New Year!