The University's New Year's Eve (Nochevieja)

The University's New Year's Eve, also known as "Nochevieja", is one of the most well known parties in Spain. It takes place on the Thursday before the Christmas holidays start in Salamanca and people, including students, from all over Spain travel to be there. This year, 2013, it will take place on the 12th of December. There are usually fourteen or fifteen express buses leaving from Valladolid to go Salamanca for "Nochevieja" and you can get a return bus ticket for 20€ which can also include party supplies. At midnight, the bell rings 12 times in the Plaza Mayor of Salamanca, which is packed with people, so you need to arrive a little bit before to get yourself a space. There are police cordons all around the plaza, so that people can't bring in glass bottles or big two litre bottles with the aim to avoid any problems. You can go in with plastic glasses or small bottles, as long as they don't have a lid on them. Once midnight has passed, or at around 1 am, people start to leave the plaza to head to bars around Salamanca. The most popular bars fill up quickly so if you know anyone in Salamanca, ask what bar they would recommend you go to. In general, there are special offers and discounts, but many charge you an entry fee with or without commission. There's a lot of people walking around so I'd recommend avoiding any trouble and that you be aware of potential pickpockets.

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A friend of mine had her phone stolen and no matter how much you try, you won't be able to find it as there are so many people in the city. If you have a car and want to travel to Salamanca from Valladolid, take your time and be careful and I would recommend the same for the journey back. If you're going to drive, sleep as much as you can and need to, because there will be a lot of traffic control and it's not a good idea to go through them looking like a zombie. It's always cold so make sure to wrap up warm.

Have a good time and enjoy the experience!