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In recent years, the Town Hall of Marchena, together with Radio Televisión Marchena, has been organizing a pre-campanadas party held a few days before New Year’s Eve. This event simulates the traditional New Year’s Eve “campanadas” (chimes). It is also a charitable event, as the proceeds from the sale of grapes are donated to an organization that supports Alzheimer’s victims. Lasting over five hours, it began at 5:30 PM and included performances for kids, artificial snow, a DJ, and at 10 PM, the “campanadas,” complete with fireworks. This year, the event was held in Plaza de la Constitución, in front of the child’s fountain. It is a fantastic initiative that brings joy and life to the town.
For those visiting from other countries who may not be familiar with Spain’s New Year’s Eve campanadas tradition, it is one of the most iconic rituals that unites Spaniards. As the clock strikes twelve midnight on December 31st in the famous Puerta del Sol square in Madrid, people eat one grape for each chime. This ritual symbolizes wishes for good luck in the coming year and brings families and friends together in a shared moment of celebration, joy, and hope. It ends with a hearty “Happy New Year!” and a toast with champagne, cava, or whatever each family prefers.
By the warmth of the bonfire and beneath the imposing presence of the centuries-old monument Arco de la Rosa, we enjoyed a magnificent performance of flamenco carols (traditional Christmas songs adapted to the flamenco style). The evening featured the Asociación Cultural El Roete, with Miguel Ángel Talaverón – who will portray King Melchior in the 2025 Marchena Three Kings Parade. In the second half, the flamenco zambomba group Vivencias de la Avenida, composed of Calé Roma, left us in awe.
The audience spontaneously joined in with dances, and at one point, we saw Lole Ortiz, who will take on the role of King Gaspar, and Agustina Galán, King Balthazar, dancing alongside Miguel Talaverón.
It was a performance I truly enjoyed.
Santa Claus paid a special visit during the Christmas lights switch-on in Marchena for the 2024-2025 season. He arrived in a sleigh pulled by two people! I couldn’t stop laughing! What happens in Marchena doesn’t happen anywhere else!
© 2026 Francisco González SOLEMNITY