Ringing in the New Year in Medellin: Traditions, Fireworks, and the Best Parties

There is no place on earth that welcomes the New Year quite like Medellin. Imagine standing on a rooftop in El Poblado, looking out over the Aburrá Valley, and watching as the entire city erupts in a 360-degree ring of fireworks. Unlike other cities with a single official display, Medellin’s celebration is a massive, collective explosion of joy where every neighborhood participates. The energy is palpable, the weather is perfect, and the party lasts well into the sunrise of January 1st.

But to truly experience a Paisa New Year, you need to do more than just watch the lights; you need to embrace the unique local traditions. First, forget the champagne toast—here, it’s about the 12 Grapes. As the clock strikes midnight, you eat one grape for each month of the coming year, making a wish with each bite. Want to travel more in 2025? Grab an empty suitcase and run around the block at midnight; it’s a beloved local ritual you’ll see happening on every street corner. And for those seeking prosperity, the secret is in your wardrobe: wearing brand-new yellow underwear is said to guarantee wealth for the year ahead. Yes, really—you’ll see yellow underwear sold on every street corner in December!

When it comes to the party, you have two distinct options. Option one is the “Public Spectacle.” The rooftop bars of Provenza and Las Palmas (like Envy or The Click Clack) host lavish, ticketed parties with open bars and front-row seats to the fireworks show. These sell out months in advance. Option two, and the choice of most high-end travelers, is the “Private Villa Fiesta.” Since local New Year’s is traditionally a family affair until after midnight, hosting a private dinner and party at your luxury villa allows you to control the vibe, music, and food, avoiding the chaotic traffic and crowds. You can watch the fireworks from your own terrace and then head out to the clubs like Perro Negro or Gusto after 1:00 AM, when the real city-wide party begins.

There is no place on earth that welcomes the New Year quite like Medellin. Imagine standing on a rooftop in El Poblado, looking out over the Aburrá Valley, and watching as the entire city erupts in a 360-degree ring of fireworks. Unlike other cities with a single official display, Medellin’s celebration is a massive, collective explosion of joy where every neighborhood participates. The energy is palpable, the weather is perfect, and the party lasts well into the sunrise of January 1st.

But to truly experience a Paisa New Year, you need to do more than just watch the lights; you need to embrace the unique local traditions. First, forget the champagne toast—here, it’s about the 12 Grapes. As the clock strikes midnight, you eat one grape for each month of the coming year, making a wish with each bite. Want to travel more in 2025? Grab an empty suitcase and run around the block at midnight; it’s a beloved local ritual you’ll see happening on every street corner. And for those seeking prosperity, the secret is in your wardrobe: wearing brand-new yellow underwear is said to guarantee wealth for the year ahead. Yes, really—you’ll see yellow underwear sold on every street corner in December!

When it comes to the party, you have two distinct options. Option one is the “Public Spectacle.” The rooftop bars of Provenza and Las Palmas (like Envy or The Click Clack) host lavish, ticketed parties with open bars and front-row seats to the fireworks show. These sell out months in advance. Option two, and the choice of most high-end travelers, is the “Private Villa Fiesta.” Since local New Year’s is traditionally a family affair until after midnight, hosting a private dinner and party at your luxury villa allows you to control the vibe, music, and food, avoiding the chaotic traffic and crowds. You can watch the fireworks from your own terrace and then head out to the clubs like Perro Negro or Gusto after 1:00 AM, when the real city-wide party begins.

Your New Year, Your Way

New Year’s Eve in Medellin is legendary, but it’s also one of the busiest nights of the year. Logistics can be a nightmare if you don’t plan ahead.

When you book your holiday stay with MedellinVillas.com, our concierge team ensures your night is flawless. We can secure those impossible-to-get VIP rooftop tickets, or we can bring the party to you—arranging a private chef for a midnight feast, a DJ for your villa, and even your own supply of “lucky grapes” and yellow underwear! Whether you go out or stay in, we handle the drivers and the details so you can ring in the New Year in style.

Contact our concierge team to start planning your 2025 New Year’s Eve celebration.

Your New Year, Your Way

New Year’s Eve in Medellin is legendary, but it’s also one of the busiest nights of the year. Logistics can be a nightmare if you don’t plan ahead.

When you book your holiday stay with MedellinVillas.com, our concierge team ensures your night is flawless. We can secure those impossible-to-get VIP rooftop tickets, or we can bring the party to you—arranging a private chef for a midnight feast, a DJ for your villa, and even your own supply of “lucky grapes” and yellow underwear! Whether you go out or stay in, we handle the drivers and the details so you can ring in the New Year in style.

Contact our concierge team to start planning your 2025 New Year’s Eve celebration.