The holiday season is cherished in Spain for its warmth and family traditions, offering moments of joy and togetherness. Following the festive days of Christmas, people begin to set their resolutions for the upcoming year. A recent study by TheFork, based on responses from over 9,000 Spanish participants, sheds light on these traditions, preferences, and anticipated behaviors as they transition from one year to the next.
According to the survey, a significant 63% of Spaniards are prioritizing travel and culinary experiences as their goals for 2025. This desire to explore and indulge markedly surpasses other common resolutions, such as saving money, favored by 17%, and committing to health through gym memberships and dietary improvements, chosen by 14%. Although peace and strong relationships matter, finding common ground with spouses seems less urgent, as only 6% of respondents highlighted it as their main focus.
On the subject of ideal companions for the New Year’s Eve celebrations, the survey revealed interesting preferences. A noteworthy 31% of participants would choose to ring in the New Year alongside a sportsperson like Rafa Nadal, Pau Gasol, or Carolina Marín, viewing them as the perfect match for such festivities. Following closely, 27% indicated they would prefer the company of Spanish singers such as Dani Martín, Aitana, or Lola Índigo, bringing songs and cheer to the occasion. Humor also plays a part, with 19% of respondents opting for the light-hearted atmosphere brought by content creator Xuso Jones. Television personalities David Broncano and Pablo Motos complete the list, chosen by 17% and 6% respectively.
When it’s time for Christmas melodies, certain songs have deep-rooted popularity. The endearing tune, "Mi Burrito Sabanero," appears to be this season’s anthem, with 30% confirming its presence at family gatherings. Another classic, Raphael’s "Mi gran noche," evokes nostalgia and invites everyone to sing along. Despite the charm of these established hits, modern influences emerge as well; the participation of Karol G with her song "Si no te hubiera conocido" resonates with 26% of the audience, showcasing the intersection of tradition and contemporary pop culture. Interestingly, 14% of respondents expressed their preference for music-less gatherings, emphasizing the importance of conversation over tunes.
Despite the pleasantness of the season, certain topics can spark discomfort at the dinner table. Consistently, 62% of those surveyed mentioned the most annoying question revolves around weight gain during the festivities. Other prickly inquiries include those about having children, bothering 14% of the participants, and questions about relationship status tormenting 13%. For those who are already paired, marriage-related queries take the spotlight as unwelcome discussion, with 11% acknowledging it as irritating. Such sensitive topics can stir unnecessary tension during what is intended to be harmonious occasions.
The survey also revealed which subjects are avoided to maintain the festive spirit intact. Politics emerged as the most off-limits topic, with 63% of respondents affirming it should be avoided for peace. Following closely, discussions about celebrity lives and religious matters also rank low on the priority list, with 12% and 11%, respectively. Football, often regarded as a national pastime, leads to discomfort for 9% of participants. Curiously enough, only 4% noted discussions about the weather as problematic, underscoring its innocuous nature.
TheFork's study draws a colorful picture of Spanish holiday traditions, priorities, and social dynamics during family meals and celebrations. It highlights how individuals navigate the balance between enjoyment and harmony during these special times, offering insights relevant to the cultural fabric of Spain.
