With the approach of New Year's Eve, excitement is mounting among Spaniards for one of the year's most emblematic moments: the countdown on December 31. The tradition states each of the twelve chimes must be accompanied by the eating of one grape, marking the arrival of the new year. Major television networks are gearing up to compete for viewership, promising shows featuring live broadcasts from the country's most iconic locations, such as the famous Puerta del Sol in Madrid.
This year, the roster of presenters is fresh and noteworthy. TVE has chosen David Broncano and Lalachus, who are set to deliver a humorous and lively broadcast from the Puerta del Sol. Nia Correia and Roberto Herrera will make sure those in the Canary Islands also partake, ringing in 2025 at local midnight.
Antena 3 retains its classic duo of Cristina Pedroche and Alberto Chicote, who will be on screen for the eleventh consecutive year. Their broadcast from the Puerta del Sol is always highly anticipated, especially concerning Pedroche's stunning gown, which this year is expected to be quite 'grand.' Notably, Antena 3 won’t be hosting any specific programming for the Canary Islands.
Meanwhile, Telecinco and Cuatro, under the Mediaset umbrella, will collaborate on their special broadcast from the elegant Castillo de San José in Lanzarote, with Blanca Romero and Ion Aramendi leading the celebrations on the mainland. Their Canary Islands counterparts, Ángeles Blanco and Ricardo Reyes, will handle the local transmission one hour later.
La Sexta is also poised to join the festivities, with Cristina Pardo and Dani Mateo serving as hosts from the Puerta del Sol, similar to Antena 3, without localized coverage for the Canary Islands.
For those leaning toward local traditions, regional channels will air their own renditions of the countdown. Catalonia's TV3 will feature singer Miki Núñez and influencer Laura Escanes as they grace the screen alongside local viewers, ensuring their participation is joyous and culturally relevant.
Meanwhile, ETB, broadcasting for the Basque Country, will have Leire Martínez, Africa Baeta, and Egoitz Txurruka (better known as Txurru) at the helm. Telemadrid will be represented by actress and presenter Mónica Martínez alongside humorist Miguel Lago, keeping the Madrid audience entertained.
À Punt from Valencia will again have Ximo Rovira and Àlex Blanquer guiding their viewers through the night, promising comfort and festivity. TVG from Galicia will be hosted by Rocío Durán, Noelia Rey, and Xosé Ramón Gayoso, who will translate the joy of the countdown with their distinct regional charm.
Those tuning to TV Canaria can look forward to renowned hosts Wendy Fuentes, Dani Calero, Elvis Sanfiel, and Eloísa González, who will bring the excitement of New Year's Eve starting at midnight local time.
This diversity of programming options has ignited the age-old debate across Spanish households: which channel should you watch for the countdown? Some opt for the charisma of Pedroche, others for Broncano's humor, or perhaps the intimacy of regional networks. Regardless of the choice, December 31 promises to be yet another memorable night filled with emotion for millions of families as they usher in the year 2025 together.
