Spain Rings in 2026 with Vibrant Celebrations Across Major Cities
Spain’s major cities celebrated the arrival of 2026 with traditional and modern festivities, including large crowds, fireworks, and cultural events in Madrid, Barcelona, and Córdoba.
- • Madrid hosted 15,000 people at Puerta del Sol for the traditional New Year's countdown with performances by Chenoa and Estopa.
- • Barcelona’s celebrations featured a grand show with music, fireworks, drones, and lights at Avenida de la Reina María Cristina.
- • Córdoba celebrated in Las Tendillas square with fireworks, the San Silvestre Cordobesa race, and focus on economic reindustrialization.
- • Córdoba’s mayor expressed hopes for a 'cinematic' 2026, highlighting optimism for the city's future.
Key details
Spain welcomed the arrival of 2026 with lively and large-scale celebrations in its major cities, each offering unique festivities that highlighted local culture and community spirit.
In Madrid, approximately 15,000 people gathered at the iconic Puerta del Sol for the traditional New Year's Eve countdown. The festivities featured a spectacular light and sound show, broadcast by TVE, with beloved artists Chenoa and the band Estopa hosting the customary eating of grapes—a moment when many expressed their hopes for the new year.
Meanwhile, Barcelona marked the new year with an extravagant event along Avenida de la Reina María Cristina in Montjuic. The city’s celebration combined music, fireworks, fire displays, drones, and dazzling light effects to create a memorable atmosphere for attendees.
In Córdoba, thousands filled Las Tendillas square to welcome 2026. The traditional bell tolls concluded 2025, followed by a stunning fireworks display symbolizing life, family, and friendship. The San Silvestre Cordobesa race also wrapped up with David Palacio and Nazha Machrouh as the winners. Córdoba’s Alcalde José María Bellido expressed optimism for a “cinematic” year ahead. The city also focused on economic progress, highlighting the BLET initiative aimed at boosting reindustrialization.
These celebrations showcased Spain’s rich blend of tradition and modernity as the country embraced the new year with joy and anticipation.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
