With the turning of the calendar to 2025 just around the corner, residents of Jaén gathered to partake in one of the region’s most cherished traditions: welcoming the New Year with the right fanfare. This year, Canal Sur took the lead by broadcasting its annual New Year’s Eve special live from the picturesque Plaza de Santa María, right at the heart of the city.
The celebration, which began at 11:35 PM on December 31, 2024, was not just about marking time, but about embracing community and tradition. Hundreds of jiennenses gathered to count down the final seconds of the year, eating their twelve grapes—one for each chime of the clock as midnight approached. The vibrant atmosphere was electric, enriched by not only the excitement of the countdown but also by the illustrious backdrop of Jaén Cathedral, poised to become a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Canal Sur's broadcast was hosted by the dynamic duo of journalists, Modesto Barragán and Paz Santana, who engaged with the audience throughout the night. According to Diario JAÉN, "A night to frame. Jaén has been up to the task of celebrating the arrival of 2025 from Plaza de Santa María." This sentiment encapsulated the spirit of the evening as locals and viewers from afar tuned in to join the festive celebration from their homes.
Adding to the excitement, Canal Sur's technical team prepared extensively for the event, setting up impressive equipment to provide stunning visuals. With six cameras, including one mounted on a drone, the broadcast promised to offer breathtaking views of the city's nightscape. The station's investment was substantial, as "approximately 30 people have moved to Jaén to set up this technical device,” as stated by Canal Sur officials.
The broadcast was not limited to television; it was also streamed live on canalsur.es and available on Canal Sur Más, ensuring everyone had access to the festivities irrespective of their location. This hybrid approach reflected Canal Sur's commitment to inclusivity, allowing families and friends who could not be present to join virtually.
The event was marked not only by the expected revelry but also by the shared hopes and aspirations of the community for the new year. Concepts such as family, friends, tradition, and expectation played central roles throughout the night as people reflected on the past year and looked forward to what was to come.
From the grand setting of the Plaza de Santa María to the intimate gatherings families held at home, every ounce of energy was concentrated on these last moments of the year. The sight of cheerful faces illuminated by the lights of Jaén added to the warmth of the celebrations, making it clear this was more than just another New Year’s Eve; it was about keeping traditions alive, fostering connections, and sharing joy.
The impressive scene from the Plaza continues to reinforce Jaén's growing appeal as both a cultural and tourist destination. This New Year’s celebration not only highlighted local customs but also served to showcase Jaén’s broader ambitions, including its aspiration to secure UNESCO World Heritage status.
Events like this serve as poignant reminders of community values—among the fun, fireworks, and festive displays, lies the essence of collective hope and solidarity. While other networks presented their own broadcasts with famous personalities such as David Broncano and Cristina Pedroche, Canal Sur remained firmly grounded in the roots of its community. The presenters and production team exemplified what it means to celebrate every aspect of Andalusian culture.
At the stroke of midnight, as the last grape was swallowed, cheers erupted across Plaza de Santa María, marking not just the arrival of 2025 but also the culmination of months of planning and teamwork. The air was filled with wishes for health and happiness, ringing out louder than the bells above. It seemed every hope, dream, and aspiration poured out—a beautiful symphony of human sentiment.
Each year, Canal Sur’s presentation gains traction, drawing increasingly larger crowds and more significant viewership, as families return home for the holidays, creating magnificent moments worth cherishing. With this year’s coverage, it’s evident Jaén is carving out its niche not just as the center of festivities but also as the heart of tradition and family ties.