A handful of grapes at midnight, a glass raised by the sea or fireworks lighting up a harbour – welcoming the New Year can look a little different depending on where you are. From Cádiz’s Spanish traditions to the island celebrations of Antigua, Madeira and Gran Canaria, discover four places to see in the year ahead in style.
Cádiz, Spain
Known in Spain as Nochevieja, or ‘Old Night’, New Year’s Eve is rich in tradition. At midnight, it’s customary to eat 12 grapes, one with each chime of the clock, said to bring good luck for every month of the coming year. Wearing red underwear is believed to bring luck in love, while placing a gold ring or piece of jewellery in a glass of cava before raising a toast is said to bring prosperity for the year ahead.
St John’s, Antigua
The sunshine island of Antigua knows exactly how to welcome in the New Year – or Old Year’s Night as it’s known locally – with laidback celebrations in the tropical warmth. During a visit, there’s the chance to try local dishes such as pepperpot – a hearty meat and vegetable stew – and saltfish with ducana, a traditional sweet potato dumpling. Visitors can travel to English Harbour to wander round Nelson’s Dockyard and admire the yachts moored in the harbour. The Dockyard’s Old Year’s Night celebrations include live music, before fireworks launched from nearby Fort Berkeley light up the sky at midnight.
Funchal, Madeira
Funchal is perhaps best-known for its iconic fireworks display as the clock strikes midnight, with the bay’s natural amphitheatre and surrounding hills creating a dramatic backdrop. Fireworks are launched from various points around the city and bay, so watching the display from the decks of your ship offers a memorable view. At midnight, and much like Cádiz’s tradition of eating 12 grapes, locals have a custom of eating 12 raisins, making wishes for the coming year, often accompanied by a glass of espumante (Portuguese sparkling wine). Street illuminations and concerts add to the celebrations across the city.
Christmas Island-Hopping in the Canaries and Caribbean
Las Palmas, Gran Canaria
In Gran Canaria, New Year’s Eve combines Spanish traditions with the island’s mild winter climate. Pleasant daytime temperatures offer the chance to spend time on the beach or explore Las Palmas, before celebrations spill out into the streets and squares as evening arrives, with music and festivities leading up to the New Year. At midnight, locals follow the Spanish tradition of eating 12 grapes, las doce uvas de la suerte, one with each chime of the clock, for each month of the year ahead. Fireworks and celebrations at Las Canteras beach follow.
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