Limited Capacity Puerta Del Sol To Ring In New Year

Despite the record infection rate due to the surge in Covid-19 cases being seen in the capital, the traditional ringing in the New Year celebrations will go ahead tonight in the Puerta del Sol.

Madrid´s City Hall has announced that capacity will be limited to 7,000 people – down from the usual 20,000 revellers who head down to enjoy the festivities.

Last year the event was cancelled due to the then pandemic restrictions.

The limited numbers will allow for social distancing ( 1.5 metres apart) in the 9,500 square metre zone in front of the Real Casa de Correos.

The eighteenth century Correos building has been the epicentre of the country´s New Year´s Eve celebrations since the 1920´s with millions of households tuning in for the ringing of the Correos bell and eating of ” las doce uvas del suerte.”and TV broadcasts.

Access is only permitted on foot, with all traffic stopped and the Sol Metro and mainline cercanias train stations closed from 9pm.

In addition some 600 police and emergency personnel will be on duty in the area.

Madrid´s mayor, José Luis Martínez-Almeida, appealed to revellers to enjoy the festivities with “responsibility.”

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