Spending New Year's Eve in Madrid is the choice of more and more Brazilians and Portuguese. Thinking about those who are planning to travel at this time of year, we have prepared this text with some important information. See also the texts Christmas in Madrid and what to do in Madrid on January 1st, with information about this period of the year, right before New Year's Eve.
INFORMATION ABOUT NEW YEAR'S EVE IN MADRID
1. What is the weather like during New Year's Eve in Madrid
In the text When to visit Madrid, we explain in detail what the weather is like in the last month of the year.
At the end of December, winter begins in Madrid, which is generally marked by intense cold. December is the second coldest month of the year in Madrid. The average maximum temperature for the month is 10°C and the minimum is 3,6°C. It is important to bring a good coat at this time of year. Most hotels and apartments are equipped with heating, which helps to face the winter cold. December is the third wettest month of the year, with 51 mm of rain during the period. Historically, the month records an average of 7 days of rain and 7 days without a cloud in the sky.
If you intend to go out at night, especially on the night of December 31st, you will need to dress very well and, if the wind is blowing, the thermal sensation can drop many degrees, being below zero. In very cold winters, it can snow in Madrid.
2. New Year's Eve Traditions in Madrid
Madrid has the most traditional and famous New Year's Eve street party in Spain. It takes place at Puerta del Sol, where thousands of people gather to welcome in the new year. The beginning of the new year is marked by the bells (the sound of bells announcing midnight) from the clock on top of the seat of government of the Autonomous Community of Madrid. It is traditional to eat a grape at the sound of each bell, until you have a total of 12 grapes.
In recent years, due to the large number of visitors who wish to receive the Puerta del Sol year round, the number of people who can access the square has been limited and controlled. To get in, you'll have to arrive early. It's a celebration for anyone who likes crowds crammed into a small space.
See other New Year's Eve traditions in Madrid:
- December 28th is the day of the Holy Innocents. In Spain, it is equivalent to our 1st of April, and the traditional day is “spending innocent”, small games. The media often publish fake news.
- the dinner on the 31st of december does not have any traditional ingredients and is usually held either at home or with friends. After dinner, people gather in the streets to welcome the new year.
- the beginning of the new year is marked by bells, the sound of bells announcing midnight. It is traditional to eat a grape at the sound of each bell, until you have a total of 12 grapes. The tradition of la suerte grapes is very much alive. If you want to have fun, supermarkets sell small packages with the 12 grapes already skinned and seedless.
- There is no tradition of wearing white on New Year's Eve in Madrid. Those looking for luck in love will wear red underwear.
- On the afternoon of January 5th, the “Cabalgata de Reyes” takes place, the Epiphany parade, a mass event that can gather up to half a million children along the streets of Madrid.
- on January 6th, Kings Day is celebrated, when children traditionally receive Christmas presents. Fortunately for the children, the tradition is changing and, more and more, the little ones receive their gifts on Christmas Day, with enough time to play a lot during the school holidays.
3. Getting around on New Year's Eve
Contrary to what happens in Barcelona, the metro in Madrid does not run uninterruptedly during the early hours of January 1st. But if you're staying in the central region of Madrid, you shouldn't have too many problems getting back to your hotel on foot.
4. Tourist attractions during New Year's Eve in Madrid
See the list of unmissable attractions in Madrid and how it will work during the period.
- Prado Museum. Closed on December 25th and January 1st. Reduced hours until 14pm on December 24th and 31st and January 6th.
- Reina Sofia Museum. Closed on December 24th, 25th and 31st, and January 1st and 6th.
- Museo Thyssen Bornemisza. Closed on December 25th and January 1st. Reduced hours until 15pm on the 24th and 31st of December.
- CaixaForum Madrid. Closed on December 25th and January 1st and 6th. Reduced hours until 18pm on December 24th and 31st.
- Royal Palace of Madrid. Closed on December 25th and January 1st and 6th. Reduced hours until 15pm on the 24th and 31st of December.
- Retiro Park. Open until 22:XNUMX throughout the period.
- CentroCentro. Closed on December 24th, 25th and 31st, and January 1st and 6th. On the 5th of January, open until 14 pm.
- Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. Closed on December 25th and January 1st.
- Theme park. Closed on December 24th, 25th, 31st and January 1st.
5. Trade during New Year's Eve
Stores should open on the 31st until the end of the afternoon. Much of the trade will remain closed on January 1st, reopening its doors on the 2nd. Many stores are also expected to close on January 6th.
6. Round trips during New Year's Eve
Winter in Madrid is cold and also snowy. All day trips from Madrid can be easily completed during this time of year. We only recommend not scheduling any return trips for the 1st, due to limited transportation and the chance of finding several places closed.
