Spain is one of the most mysterious and interesting countries in Europe. It attracts millions of tourists every year with its ancient history, magnificent architecture and pristine beaches. Until now, the daily afternoon fiesta continues to operate throughout the country. The Spaniards honor and cherish their national traditions. This also applies to traditional holidays: the national day of the Hispaniads, All Saints' Day, Christmas, and, of course, the New Year.
New Year in Spain is celebrated noisy, on a grand scale, because the Spaniards are an exceptionally temperamental people. It is not customary to stay at home on New Year's Eve; big noisy companies take to the streets and squares of cities, where various festive processions and carnivals are held with scattering of sweets. Fireworks are launched, laser shows are arranged.
The festivities continue until the morning. The Spaniards treat each other with national sweets, in which almonds, honey and cava are necessarily present (the Spanish analogue of champagne). You should definitely celebrate the New Year in Spain in red clothes: then luck will accompany you all year. Some Spaniards, instead of traditional Christmas trees, prefer to decorate the house with a poinsettia flower, the flowering season of which just falls on the New Year period. The flower resembles a star in shape, therefore it is also called the "Star of Bethlehem".
The Spaniards have their own counterpart to Santa Claus, whose name is Papa Noel. He wears a handmade national costume, and throws gifts on the balconies. Instead of a staff, he is holding a canteen of wine. On the New Year's table, there are the most beloved national dishes - festive paella with seafood, turkey stuffed with mushrooms, snacks in the form of jamon with pieces of melon, pies and, of course, a bottle of excellent Spanish dry wine.
Some urban residents of Spain come to the city church at midnight and recall the most interesting events of the outgoing year. Then young boys and girls draw lots with names and New Year's couples are formed. It is believed that the happiest couples are those who met in this way.
Another ancient merry New Year's tradition in Spain: to the chimes, with each blow you need to eat one grape and make one wish. Thus, 12 strokes, 12 wishes and 12 grapes eaten. For those who managed to eat all the grapes, the year will be especially successful.
After midnight, it is imperative to congratulate those who are nearby, even strangers. The Spaniards present each other with special handbags - "cotillion", in which there are various New Year's paraphernalia - streamers, confetti, balloons and carnival masks. In the morning, after noisy festivities, the Spaniards go to newly opened pastry shops and cafes to taste festive hot chocolate with national donuts "churos".
