Well, not for all of Spain, but one town has turned a turn of bad weather 28 years ago into a new tradition of celebrating New Years in mid-summer. In the Andalusian village of Bérchules, the celebration comes in early August
It all started a few hours before midnight on Dec. 31, 1993 when power failed under adverse weather, leaving the village in the dark and canceling all of the usual celebrations, including a count-down to midnight and the ceremonial eating of grapes, and costing the town of 700 a chunk of hospitality spending.
In part to make up those losses and in part just to have fun, the village held its celebration the following August 6, and, apparently, a good time was had by all and it was decided to continue with it, stocking up all the traditional December goodies for a summer festival.
Over the years, the popularity has grown (why not? A chance to celebrate twice!) and up to 10,000 visitors flood the town for the day.
