Hundreds brave waters in New Year's Day swims in Sitges and Sant Feliu de Guíxols

Thousands of people up and down the Catalan coast braved chilly waters of around 13°C in traditional New Year's Day swims on Thursday.

More than 600 – and almost as many Santa hats – gathered in Sitges as the seaside town hosted its Capbussada, a festive cold-water plunge that has quickly become one of its most popular winter traditions.

The sun was shining at Sant Sebastià beach, as locals and visitors from across Catalonia and beyond gathered for the fifth edition with the highest number of registrations yet. 

Participants of all ages dived into the cool Mediterranean before warming up with cups of hot chocolate.

In the case of Claire and her partner, both originally from Australia but living in Sitges, cava rather than hot chocolate was the tipple of choice.

Were they not cold? "A little bit, but the sun is out, so it's all good," Claire told the Catalan News Agency. "With the sun and some cava, perfect."

For Mireia and Gemma, the swim is all about "starting off on the right foot, full of energy, projecting everything we want for 2026."

"And it's even better with all these people. Apart from being great fun, it's super symbolic."

What began in 2020 as an improvised dip by four friends has since grown into a major fixture on Sitges' festive calendar.

"So good. So good," was Maria's verdict. I'm a little drunk on endorphins, she added, laughing."

Ramon admitted the first few minutes in the water were "really intense, but after that you start enjoying it and honestly, it feels great. Right now, I feel freaking amazing," he said.

Sant Feliu de Guíxols

Further north, hundreds of people welcomed 2026 with a traditional New Year’s Day swim in Sant Feliu de Guíxols on the Costa Brava.

Organised annually by the town council alongside the Montclar hiking club and Aquàtic Club Xaloc, the event drew a festive crowd to the sand, many wearing Santa hats and winter coats before swapping them for swimsuits shortly after midday.

For many participants, the dip is a long-standing tradition. Teresa Feliu, who has taken part for two decades, said the icy shock is always the same. "When you go in, it feels like needles," she said. “But once you're in, it's fantastic."

The event attracted participants of all ages, including children. Brothers Marc, eight, and Nil, six, said the New Year's swim was a family tradition, though they quickly abandoned plans to swim out to the buoys.

"We put our feet in and the water was freezing," Marc said.

Once back on shore, the swimmers were offered hot broth or hot chocolate to warm up.

"It's better than therapy," said regular swimmer Josep. "The water was cold, but it was worth it."