Getting ready to welcome in the New Year with our Spanish students

New Year’s Eve (Nochevieja in Spanish) is fast approaching, bringing with it the excitement of the possibilities of 2012. Now is the time to make New Year’s resolutions; if you’re stuck for ideas, you could always decide to improve your Spanish. Many of our Spanish students that are here over the Christmas period tell us that this is at the top of their “to do list” for 2012.

So, how is New Year’s Evecelebrated in Spain? With a big party, full of fun and traditional celebrations which are kept alive every year. The most popular, and one which will take place in every home in Spain, is the tradition of the twelve grapes.

This event is so important that it’s broadcast live on tevevision: and so as the Puerta del Sol clock tower in Madrid tolls midnight, Spaniards eat a grape for each of the 12 “bongs”.

With this ritual, Spaniards hope to secure good luck for the coming year. For those of our students who are in Spain for the New Year, it will be an exciting opportunity to take part in one of the most deeply-rooted customs of the Spanish culture. And for those students who have gone home for New Year, why not try out this celebration and see in the New Year “a la española”?

And don’t forget to make a toast and wear red underwear. We’re sure that 2012 will be a great year for everyone, and we can’t wait to share it with you.

Happy New Year!