How To Say New Years Eve In Spanish

In many parts of the Spanish speaking world New Year’s Eve is called “la nochevieja” — literally “the old night.” But here in Colombia it is called “el treinta y uno” (the 31st).

Most “discotecas” (night clubs) are closed on New Year’s Eve in Colombia.

But a couple of the “discotecas” were open.

Unlike in the States, in Colombia most people do not go out to celebrate New Year’s Eve. They usually spend New Year’s Eve at home with “familia” (family) eating “natilla” and “buñuelos.”

“Natilla” is a pudding or custard. “Natilla” is the traditional dessert that Colombians serve for Christmas Eve dinners and New Year’s Eve dinners. “Buñuelos” are fried cheese balls that are also served for Christmas Eve “cenas” (dinners) and New Year’s Eve “cenas.

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This year I spent New Year’s Eve at home with my “novia” (girlfriend/fiancée ). But
I usually spend New Year’s Eve at a friend’s home here in Medellin, Colombia where they will cook “sancocho” outside their home in a huge “olla” (pot) over an outdoor “fogón de piedra” (stone stove) with “leña” (firewood) in the center of the “fogón de piedra.”

“Sancocho” is a traditional soup (often considered a stew) that is served in many Spanish speaking regions or countries — not only Colombia but also the Canary islands, Puerto Rico, Honduras, Mexico, Ecuador, Panama, Peru, Dominican Republic, and Venezuela.