The Costa Blanca, a stunning coastal region in southeastern Spain, is not only famous for its sun-soaked beaches and scenic landscapes but also for its rich culinary traditions. When it comes to celebrating New Year’s Eve, or Nochevieja as it is called in Spanish, the towns and cities of Costa Blanca come alive with festive gatherings, unique customs, and, of course, delicious food. Each town has its own twist on the festive menu, blending traditional Spanish dishes with local flavors. Let’s explore what people eat during New Year’s Eve across some of the most iconic towns of the Costa Blanca.
Alicante: A Feast of Tradition
Alicante, the heart of Costa Blanca, is known for its vibrant New Year’s Eve celebrations, and the food served here is a reflection of its coastal identity. Families and friends gather for a cenar de Nochevieja, a lavish dinner that usually includes seafood, rice dishes, and indulgent desserts.
One of the most popular dishes on Alicante’s New Year’s Eve table is arroz a banda, a flavorful rice dish cooked with fish stock, saffron, and a variety of fresh seafood such as prawns, squid, and mussels. The dish is a nod to Alicante’s maritime heritage and is often paired with alioli, a garlic mayonnaise that adds an extra layer of flavor.
Seafood platters are also a highlight, featuring delicacies like gambas rojas de Denia (red prawns from Denia), clams, and lobster. For those who prefer meat, cochinillo asado (roast suckling pig) is another traditional choice, symbolizing prosperity and abundance in the new year.
To end the meal on a sweet note, locals enjoy turrón, a nougat-like dessert made from almonds and honey. Alicante is famous for its high-quality turrón, particularly the turrón de Jijona, which is soft and creamy, and turrón de Alicante, which is hard and crunchy.
Benidorm: A Cosmopolitan Celebration
Benidorm, often referred to as the “Manhattan of Spain” due to its skyscrapers and lively nightlife, hosts one of the most dynamic New Year’s Eve celebrations on the Costa Blanca. Its diverse population and international visitors bring a cosmopolitan flair to the holiday menu.
While traditional Spanish dishes are served in many households and restaurants, international influences are also present. However, one staple dish that locals and visitors alike enjoy is paella de marisco, a seafood paella made with a rich blend of rice, shellfish, and spices. This dish embodies the essence of Benidorm’s coastal identity.
For appetizers, Benidorm’s residents often serve jamón ibérico (Iberian ham) with Manchego cheese and olives, alongside croquetas filled with ham or seafood. These bite-sized delights pair perfectly with a glass of cava, Spain’s sparkling wine, which is a must-have for New Year’s Eve toasts.
When the clock strikes midnight, the tradition of eating doce uvas (twelve grapes) takes center stage. As in the rest of Spain, participants eat one grape for each stroke of the clock, symbolizing good luck for the twelve months ahead.
Denia: A Gastronomic Haven
Denia, a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, is a foodie’s paradise, and its New Year’s Eve menus reflect this reputation. The town is famous for its high-quality seafood, and it plays a starring role in the festivities.
A signature dish in Denia during New Year’s Eve is gamba roja de Denia (red prawns), often served grilled or simply boiled to let their natural sweetness shine. These prawns are considered a delicacy and are a must-have for celebrating in style.
In addition to seafood, Denia’s festive meals often feature fideuà, a dish similar to paella but made with noodles instead of rice. Cooked in a large shallow pan, fideuà is prepared with cuttlefish, squid, and prawns, then seasoned with paprika and saffron for a rich, comforting flavor.
Desserts include pastissets de boniato, sweet pastries filled with a spiced sweet potato filling, and roscos de vino, wine-flavored cookies often dusted with powdered sugar. Both are accompanied by a glass of local Moscatel wine.
Calpe: Coastal Simplicity
Calpe, known for its iconic Peñón de Ifach rock and picturesque coastline, celebrates New Year’s Eve with an emphasis on simplicity and high-quality ingredients. Seafood is again a central focus, with dishes like arroz caldoso con bogavante (soupy rice with lobster) making an appearance on many tables.
Locals also enjoy grilled fish like dorada (sea bream) or lubina (sea bass), seasoned with olive oil, garlic, and parsley. These dishes are often accompanied by escalivada, a roasted vegetable salad made with red peppers, eggplants, and onions.
For dessert, polvorones and mantecados, crumbly almond-based cookies, are popular choices, along with flan de turrón, a custard made from the famous local nougat.
Torrevieja: A Blend of Tradition and Modernity
Torrevieja, with its salt lagoons and vibrant expat community, combines traditional Spanish dishes with modern international influences. On New Year’s Eve, locals often prepare caldero de pescado, a hearty fish stew made with rice, peppers, and saffron. This dish reflects the town’s fishing heritage and is a comforting addition to any festive table.
Tapas are also a big part of the celebration in Torrevieja, with dishes like pulpo a la gallega (Galician-style octopus), patatas bravas, and tortilla española served as appetizers. These small plates create a convivial atmosphere as families and friends share food and memories.
For dessert, many enjoy rosquillas de anís, anise-flavored doughnuts, and local wines or cava to toast the arrival of the new year.
The Heart of the Celebration: The Grapes of Luck
Across all of Costa Blanca’s towns, the most important culinary tradition is the eating of the twelve grapes of luck. As the clock counts down to midnight, families and friends gather around, each with twelve grapes in hand. With every chime of the clock, a grape is eaten, a challenging yet fun tradition that symbolizes prosperity and good fortune for the coming year.
From Alicante’s seafood feasts to Denia’s gourmet traditions and Benidorm’s international flair, New Year’s Eve in Costa Blanca is a culinary celebration that brings together history, culture, and community. Each dish tells a story of the region’s rich heritage, making the last meal of the year truly unforgettable.
