Best place to celebrate New Year in Colombia?
If you are looking for a perfect place to celebrate New Year Eve, then Cartagena should definitely be on your list. Ideal weather, fireworks, dancing in the streets and live music everywhere. Families get together, dress in white and go out to dine. Seems like every restaurant or hotel in the city organize a special New Year’s Eve dinner – the streets are lined with tables and stages. After the midnight party continues with live bands, DJs and dancing throughout the city streets and clubs.
The City's Vibrant Spirit
As the sun dips below the horizon and the Caribbean breeze sweeps through the historic streets, Cartagena comes alive with anticipation. The city’s vibrant spirit, a blend of indigenous, African, and Spanish influences, sets the stage for a New Year’s Eve celebration like no other.
Dinner in Cartagena
The festivities typically begin with a sumptuous dinner. Cartagena boasts an array of restaurants that cater to every palate. Whether you’re indulging in a traditional Colombian feast or savoring international cuisine with a Caribbean twist, dining in Cartagena is a sensory experience that sets the tone for the night ahead. Just make sure to book a table in advance as this is a night when everyone is going out.
Midnight Mass and Spiritual Reflection
For those seeking a more spiritual start to the New Year, Cartagena offers the opportunity to attend Midnight Mass at one of its historic churches. The grand cathedrals, illuminated by candlelight and filled with hymns, create a serene and reflective atmosphere. It’s a beautiful way to mark the beginning of a new chapter.
The Vibrant Street Parties
However, for many, the real heart of the celebration lies in the streets. As the clock ticks closer to midnight, Cartagena’s plazas and avenues transform into lively street parties. Locals and visitors alike come together to dance, sing, and celebrate the passing of the year.
Cartagena’s plazas and streets come alive with parties that never seem to end. One of the most iconic spots for New Year’s revelry is Plaza Santo Domingo. This historic square, surrounded by charming restaurants and bars, becomes the epicenter of excitement. Live music fills the air, and as the night progresses, it’s not uncommon to see impromptu dance-offs among enthusiastic revelers.
Fireworks Over the Caribbean
As the clock strikes midnight, Cartagena ignites the night sky with a breathtaking display of fireworks. Imagine colorful explosions painting the heavens over the Caribbean Sea, casting a magical glow over the city. It’s a spectacle that leaves you in awe and sets the tone for a year filled with wonder.
Las Doce Uvas: Twelve Grapes of Good Luck
Colombians have a unique New Year’s tradition known as “las doce uvas” or the “twelve grapes.” As the clock chimes twelve times, it’s customary to eat one grape for each stroke of the bell, making a wish with each grape. This tradition is believed to bring good luck and prosperity for each month of the coming year.
Champagne Toasts by the Sea and Dancing Until Dawn
After the fireworks and grape-eating festivities, it’s time for champagne toasts. What could be better than raising a glass of bubbly to the New Year with the sound of waves lapping against the shore in the background? Whether you’re on a beachfront terrace or a charming rooftop bar, the champagne flows freely as you share laughter and dreams with fellow revelers.
The celebration doesn’t stop at midnight; it simply evolves into a night of dancing and revelry. Cartagena’s music scene is diverse, offering everything from sultry salsa to infectious reggaeton. Dance clubs and bars stay open well into the early hours, ensuring that the party continues until the sun rises over the Caribbean.
