The Alpujarran town of Bérchules is preparing to experience its mythical August New Year's Eve this Saturday, August 1st, marking its 33rd edition. This event, which has become a significant tourist attraction, aims to commemorate the 1994 blackout that prevented the town from celebrating the midnight chimes.
The festival is expected to multiply its usual population tenfold, reaching 7,000 attendees. This year's program highlights female protagonism, with Moïra Markey designing the poster for festivities that pay tribute to the participation and dedication of women in the municipality.
Attendees can enjoy a Christmas atmosphere with shortbread, anise, and grapes, despite the high temperatures. The day will include a parade, the visit of the Three Wise Men, a children's New Year's Eve celebration at midday, and a grand party. The lucky grapes will be eaten at midnight to the sound of the chimes that could not be heard 32 years ago.
As is tradition, there will be a Christmas facade contest and a parade with a donkey, along with the distribution of anise and shortbread. A tour of the nativity scenes and the opening speech, minutes before midnight, complete the offerings. The Mujeres Fuente de las Carmelas Association will provide the grapes and party favors.
The festival is organized by the Berchulera Association of New Year's Eve in August (ABNEA) and the municipal council. It is expected to surpass 7,000 participants, multiplying by ten the usual population of around 700 residents.
This festivity began in 1994 following the blackout experienced on December 31, 1993, turning a setback into an opportunity that gathers thousands of people every summer.
