Skip to main content

Spain: 8 months to New Years

 

Well, not for all of Spain, but one town has turned a turn of bad weather 28 years ago into a new tradition of celebrating New Years in mid-summer. In the Andalusian village of Bérchules, the celebration comes in early August

It all started a few hours before midnight on Dec. 31, 1993 when power failed under adverse weather, leaving the village in the dark and canceling all of the usual celebrations, including a count-down to midnight and the ceremonial eating of grapes, and costing the town of 700 a chunk of hospitality spending.

In part to make up those losses and in part just to have fun, the village held its celebration the following August 6, and, apparently, a good time was had by all and it was decided to continue with it, stocking up all the traditional December goodies for a summer festival.

Over the years, the popularity has grown (why not? A chance to celebrate twice!) and up to 10,000 visitors flood the town for the day.

The best part of every trip is realizing that it has upset your expectations

Add Comment

Comments (0)

Post
×
×
×
×
Link copied to your clipboard.
×