{"id":13957,"date":"2024-12-31T13:47:24","date_gmt":"2024-12-31T12:47:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/strasbourg.eleusal.com\/?p=13957"},"modified":"2024-12-31T14:02:02","modified_gmt":"2024-12-31T13:02:02","slug":"why-do-spaniards-eat-12-grapes-on-new-years-eve","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/strasbourg.eleusal.com\/en\/why-do-spaniards-eat-12-grapes-on-new-years-eve\/","title":{"rendered":"Why do Spaniards eat 12 grapes on New Year’s Eve?"},"content":{"rendered":"

The tradition of eating twelve grapes in sync with the twelve chimes at midnight on New Year’s Eve<\/strong> is one of the most iconic customs in Spanish culture.<\/strong> Every December 31,<\/strong> millions of people prepare to welcome the New Year with this ritual, which symbolizes hope, good luck, and prosperity<\/strong> for the twelve months ahead.<\/p>\n

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The origin of the tradition<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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Although there is no definitive date marking the start of this custom, several theories explain its origins:<\/p>\n

– Grape surplus in 1909:<\/strong> One of the most popular explanations suggests that in 1909, Spanish grape growers faced an exceptionally abundant harvest.<\/strong> To sell the surplus, they promoted the idea of eating twelve grapes during the twelve chimes at midnight, branding them as “lucky grapes.”<\/strong> This marketing strategy was a success, and the practice quickly spread across the country.<\/p>\n

– Satire of the aristocracy in the late 19th century:<\/strong> Another theory claims that around 1882, Madrid\u2019s bourgeoisie adopted the French custom of celebrating the end of the year with grapes and champagne.<\/strong> As a parody, groups of Madrile\u00f1os began gathering at the Puerta del Sol to eat grapes in sync with the chimes, imitating and mocking the elite. Over time, this became a popular tradition.<\/p>\n

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\"Curso-de-espan\u0303ol-en-Estrasburgo_Tradicio\u0301n-Nochevieja-12-uvas_Puerta-del-Sol-de-Madrid\"<\/a>

Pueta del Sol square, circa 1870. Detail from a photograph by J. Laurent.<\/p><\/div>\n

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The meaning of the twelve grapes
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Each of the twelve grapes represents a month of the upcoming year.<\/strong> According to popular belief, eating them in sync with the twelve chimes brings luck and prosperity<\/strong> for each month. Timing is crucial; finishing all the grapes in time is considered a good omen for the New Year.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Why Grapes?
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Grapes have traditionally been associated with good luck, positivity, and spirituality.<\/strong> Eating twelve grapes at the start of the year symbolized good fortune. Moreover, grapes were inexpensive<\/strong> and often produced in surplus, making them an accessible choice for this custom.<\/p>\n

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The celebration at Puerta del Sol
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The Puerta del Sol in Madrid<\/a>is the epicenter of this tradition. <\/strong>Every December 31, thousands gather in front the clock at the Real Casa de Correos<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0to follow the chimes live. This event has become a media spectacle, with live broadcasts allowing Spaniards worldwide to participate simultaneously in this ritual.<\/p>\n

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\"Curso-de-espan\u0303ol-en-Estrasburgo_Tradicio\u0301n-Nochevieja-12-uvas_Real-Casa-de-Correos-Madrid\"<\/a>

View of the Real Casa de Correos in Madrid (Spain) from the north-west corner.<\/p><\/div>\n

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Other traditions and associated Ritual
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In addition to the twelve grapes, other Spanish New Year\u2019s rituals aim to attract good fortune:<\/p>\n

– Red or yellow underwear:<\/strong> Wearing these colors is believed to bring love and prosperity in the coming year.<\/p>\n

– Gold ring in a champagne glass:<\/strong> Dropping a gold ring into the glass during the midnight toast symbolizes wealth and fortune.<\/p>\n

– Eating lentils:<\/strong> In some regions, eating lentils is a tradition symbolizing abundance and prosperity.<\/p>\n

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The tradition today
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Today, the custom of eating twelve grapes is deeply ingrained in Spanish culture and has even spread to other Spanish-speaking countries.<\/strong> The celebration has adapted to modern times with events like the “pre-grapes” at Puerta del Sol,<\/strong><\/a> allowing people to rehearse the New Year\u2019s Eve celebration on December 30 in a more relaxed atmosphere.<\/p>\n

In summary, this tradition combines history, symbolism, and a sense of community,<\/strong> reflecting the shared hope for starting the New Year with optimism and good fortune.<\/p>\n

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We end the year by remembering how the Puerta del Sol looked in the past through the painting “La Puerta del Sol en Madrid” by Castilian artist Luis Paret (1773).<\/strong> The painting highlights the now-vanished Church of Buen Suceso (at the center of the composition), along with the Mariblanca fountain and the Convent of Nuestra Se\u00f1ora de la Victoria on the right. This artwork is housed at the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes in Havane (Cuba).<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

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\"Curso-de-espan\u0303ol-en-Estrasburgo_Tradicio\u0301n-Nochevieja-12-uvas_La-Puerta-del-Sol-en-Madrid'-Luis-Paret\"<\/a>

The Puerta del Sol in Madrid\u2019 by the Castilian painter Luis Paret (1773).<\/p><\/div>\n

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Curious New Year\u2019s traditions around the world<\/h2>\n

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– Colombia:<\/strong> Leaving suitcases by the door is believed to attract travel opportunities.<\/p>\n

– Peru:<\/strong> Wearing yellow underwear inside out is said to ensure prosperity in the New Year.<\/p>\n

– The Philippines:<\/strong> Wearing polka-dotted clothing and serving twelve types of round fruits during dinner symbolizes wealth, as the round shape resembles coins.<\/p>\n

– Denmark:<\/strong> Jumping off a chair to \u201cleap into the New Year\u201d is common, as is smashing plates at friends\u2019 and neighbors\u2019 doors to bring good luck.<\/p>\n

– Japan:<\/strong> In Buddhist temples, 108 bells are rung to symbolize the cleansing of 108 human flaws such as envy or anger. This tradition is called Joya no Kane.<\/p>\n

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To see this Spanish tradition in action, here are the twelve chimes of 2023\u20132024 with Ram\u00f3n Garc\u00eda, Ana Mena, and Jenni Hermoso!<\/strong><\/p>\n

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