Ready to raise your glass and say Happy New Year?
But… how do you do that en español?
In this beginner-level episode of Spanish Quickie, you’ll learn essential vocabulary to celebrate New Year like a true latino.
Ready? ¡Vamos! 🥂
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Listening Activity Transcript
In the episode, you’ll hear words and phrases related to New Year’s celebrations. Here’s the transcript for extra support:
| En Nochevieja, la gente celebra. | On New Year’s Eve, people celebrate. |
| Algunas personas hacen una cena con la familia y los amigos. | Some people have dinner with family and friends. |
| Otras personas esperan la medianoche en la calle o en una plaza. | Others wait for midnight in the street or in a square. |
| A las doce, la gente ve los fuegos artificiales. | At twelve, people watch the fireworks. |
| La gente se abraza, brinda con champaña y dice: “¡Feliz Año Nuevo!” | People hug, toast with champagne, and say: “Happy New Year!” |
Spanish New Year Vocabulary
Here are some key words from the episode:
Nochevieja = New Year’s Eve (literally “old night”)
Medianoche = Midnight
Fuegos artificiales = Fireworks (literally “artificial fires”)
Champaña = Champagne
Brindar = To toast
Celebrar = To celebrate
Feliz Año Nuevo = Happy New Year
Traditions Around New Year
Spanish-speaking countries have unique traditions and rituals to bring prosperity and good wishes for the year ahead:
🍇 Las doce uvas: In many countries, people eat 12 grapes at midnight, each one symbolizing luck and prosperity for every month of the year.
🟡 Ropa interior amarilla: Wearing yellow underwear represents prosperity, good luck, and money.
🔴 Ropa interior roja: Wearing red underwear is said to bring good luck in love.
New Year’s Flashcards
Time to put your memory to the test! How many words from the episode can you remember? Practice with these flashcards:
I hope you have fun celebrating Año Nuevo with your amigos. Wear the right underwear for good luck and my best wishes for the year ahead. ¡Feliz Año Nuevo!
Marco Fierro — Your Latino Spanish Tutor
¡Hola! I’m an enthusiastic Spanish teacher passionate about making my language accessible to YOU.
When I’m not teaching, I love traveling and rocking out on my electric guitar.
Let’s have fun learning ESPAÑOL together. ¡Vamos!
