In most places, New Year’s Eve falls on the 31st of December, not in Bérchules, a little town in the Alpujarra mountains of Granada.
Here, the big countdown happens on the first Saturday of August, complete with grapes, champagne, artificial snow and even the ringing of twelve bells. It may sound a bit odd celebrating in shorts and sunglasses, but for Bérchules, it’s a tradition that’s been going strong since 1995.
Accidental New Year’s Eve in Bérchules
It all started rather accidentally back in 1994, when the town was plunged into darkness on New Year’s Eve thanks to a power cut. Not their first blackout, but certainly the most inconvenient. Instead of fireworks and music, the townsfolk welcomed the New Year by candlelight, nibbling their grapes in the gloom. Shops and businesses lost a fortune, tempers ran high, and in the aftermath a meeting was called.
During the heated discussion, one local businessman joked, “We’ll have to celebrate New Year’s Eve in August at this rate.” A journalist present shot back, “You wouldn’t dare.” Well, as it turns out, they did dare!
What began as a tongue‑in‑cheek protest quickly grew into something much bigger. The residents decided that if they couldn’t enjoy their New Year in December, they’d simply make their own.
Today, the festival feels every bit like a winter celebration, only in the middle of summer. Streets are decked with nativity scenes, Christmas carols float through the air, the Three Wise Men put in an appearance, and artificial snow drifts across the squares.
The Andalusian Regional Government officially recognised the festival as being of Tourist Interest in 2020. If you visit, don’t forget your grapes for the midnight chimes. And if you find yourself sweating under the “snow,” just remember, it’s all part of the magic of celebrating New Year’s Eve in August.
New Year’s Eve… in August? Only in Bérchules. Image: Nochevieja en agosto Bérchules “Abnea” La Alpujarra.
