The countdown to the New Year is something special in Spain. Every 31 December, the main clocks in the big cities mark the last 12 seconds of the year with the famous ‘campanadas’ (chimes). But before toasting, it is necessary to eat the 12 grapes!
What is this tradition? It is a popular custom in Spain, where people eat twelve grapes at midnight, one for each chime of the clock, symbolising good luck and prosperity for each month of the coming year.This is known as ‘Las Doce Uvas de la Suerte’ (Twelve Lucky Grapes).
How to become an expert in this tradition?
Regardless of how it is done, there are two rules you must respect:
- Each grape represents a wish for the 12 months to come, so don’t forget to make yours!
- You must finish eating the 12 grapes before the clock strikes 12:01, or your wishes will not come true.
Sources: https://www.spain.info/en/discover-spain/new-years-eve-spain/
This Spanish tradition is celebrated in cities and towns all over the country, especially in Madrid, where thousands of people gather in Puerta del Sol (the central square) to watch the countdown and eat grapes. The atmosphere is fantastic! Confetti and streamers everywhere, music, party blowers, people dressed up in wigs, hats and masks and, above all, a lot of fun.
If you’re planning to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Madrid’s Puerta del Sol, it’s essential that you get there early. The square, with a capacity for 20,000 people, fills up quickly. To secure a good spot, many people start arriving in the afternoon, as the area fills up as midnight approaches. Note that there will also be security checks, so arriving early will help you avoid long waits and miss the unforgettable experience of watching the clock strike midnight as everyone eats their grapes and prepares to toast.
Sources: https://madridinforma.eldiario.es/adios-2024-madrid-se-prepara-para-comerse-las-uvas-de-otra-manera-en-la-puerta-del-sol-esta-nochevieja/
The tradition of the 12 grapes in Spain is believed to have originated in the early 20th century. According to a popular theory, in 1909 winegrowers in Alicante faced a harvest surplus and promoted the custom of eating twelve grapes at midnight to bring good luck.
The idea soon caught on and, in the following years, it became a nationwide tradition. Over time, it became a central element of New Year’s Eve celebrations, especially in Madrid’s Puerta del Sol, where thousands of people gather to celebrate.
Sources: https://www.foodrepublic.com/1296466/12-grapes-at-midnight/
