Celebrations In Barcelona
New Year’s Eve in Barcelona. Let’s begin with the classics. The 12 grapes at midnight. A ubiquitous tradition throughout Spain. So ubiquitous in fact that the majority think the popular ritual goes back to pagan times, but its roots are basically quite modern and represent a selling marvel. 1909 was a massive crop year for Spanish winemakers, and a group of savvy businessmen came up with acreative plan to sell their excess grapes. Listen up, everyone! Grapes are good luck! It succeeded beyond all expectations…and turned out to be so much fun that folks welcomed it as an element of their annual New Year’s Eve practices. These days it’s not possible to fantasize New Year’s Eve in Spain without a handful ( and mouthful ) of grapes. Look for location barcelone to spend your holidays in the Catalan city.
Eating the grapes is done in numerous techniques : folks gather in public squares or location barcelone ( Plaza Catalunya and the Torre Agbar are local favorites ) or around a radio or TV set and wait for the countdown to midnight. Before the countdown begins, everyone is given 12 grapes, which are eaten, one at a time, to coincide with the chimes. If youare new to this convention, two words of advice : seedless grapes! Eating the grapes in the street is less typically found in Barcelona than in other parts of Spain. Although folks do gather in town squares, most locals prefer to eat the grapes at home or at a party. For the fourth year in a row, the chimes will be broadcast by TV3 and Catalunya Rdio from the iconic Agbar Tower. The event is a 21st century version of the standard church bells, using a flashy, colourful light show and electronic music to herald the New Year.
One thing you won’t see is an official fireworks display. Unlike other cities, Barcelona has not got a tradition of New Year’s Eve fireworks ( they give you 3 night’s worth during La Merc instead ). You might see some here and there, as well as masses of firecrackers, but anyone expecting a grand fireworks spectacular will be disappointed.
Many restaurants offer special dinner menus on New Year’s Eve, and the majority of the upscale parties include dinner and grapes. Folk opting for dinner at home or location appartement barcelone sometimes leave the house right after midnight. As far as parties go, Barcelona is a place that caters to almost every preference, from sublime balls to mega-parties at sports arenas to personal affairs. The classic event is the gala dinner and ball - called a cotilln in Spanish - customarily held at swank hostels, a sublime evening of cava ( Catalan champagne ), beautiful dining, cocktails, dancing and - for the die-hard night owls - churros ( a variety of fried pastry ) and chocolate at dawn.
Getting around is no problem : the underground, FGC trains and night buses run all night on New Year’s Eve.
eventually the five January, the evening before twelfth Night ( Epiphany, 6 Jan ) the Thee Kings ( or 3 smart Men of the New Testament ) arrive by ship at the waterfront of Barcelona ( Moll de la Fusta ) to be greeted by the Mayor of the town and conducted to the nearby park of Ciutadella. From there the 3 Kings depart in their carriages, the principal part of a grand parade that proceeds slowly thru the streets and avenues of the centre towards the Olympic Stadium. The Kings and other participators in the parade throw barley sugar candy and other sweets to the children lining the route.
Book your location appartement barcelone to spend your holidays in Barcelona.