The tradition of the 12 grapes in Spain

Visiting any Spanish supermarket at this time of year, you will have noticed that many of their stands promote one fruit in particular: grapes.

And no, it's not that Spaniards are crazy about its particular flavour and that's why they keep buying it. The cause of this is one of the Spanish Christmas traditions that most attracts the attention of those abroad: the twelve lucky grapes on New Year's Eve. In case there is anyone who is more clueless and doesn't know about this tradition, in this post we will see what it really consists of and what its curious origin is.

Twelve grapes, one for each stroke of the bell So what exactly does this custom consist of? On the night of 31 December, Spaniards get together to welcome the new year. Normally, at home with the family or in one of the country's main squares. As soon as dinner is over, everyone rushes to prepare the lucky grapes so as to be ready when the clock strikes twelve. At this moment, one grape is eaten at a time in time to the rhythm of the chimes. Once the grapes have been eaten, it is time for toasts and hugs to celebrate the beginning of the new year. It is said that one grape is eaten as a symbol of luck for each month.

Traditionally, this fruit has been associated with positive symbols such as joy, togetherness or pleasure. In general, white grapes are eaten, although there are those who are not a fan of the taste and opt for 12 chocolate bars. This is a very sweet option, but we do not know to what extent it can be said to bring luck. What was its origin? There is no clear theory as to the origin of this deep-rooted tradition.

Some argue that it dates back to New Year's Eve 1909. After a surplus of this fruit in crops very close to Valencia, in Alicante, the producers managed to promote their product by associating it with luck and Christmas. Of course, we could say that they unwittingly ran a very successful marketing campaign.

However, there are earlier testimonies in which they are already mentioned. It seems that this custom was carried out by the wealthiest families in Madrid, who copied the French bourgeoisie, who already used to drink champagne with grapes as an accompaniment on New Year's Eve.

The Puerta del Sol, the place par excellence

The most famous place on the night of 31 December in Spain is the Puerta del Sol in Madrid. Every year, thousands of people from all over Spain gather here to welcome the new year and celebrate the tradition of eating grapes together. The country's most important television channels travel to this spot to broadcast the chimes live. The reason for the prominence of this place also has its answer in history.

In 1892, the then mayor of Madrid prohibited Christmas celebrations in the street. The upper classes had no problem with the measure, as they had enough money and resources to hold private parties. However, the lower classes were so dissatisfied that, taking advantage of the fact that it was still permitted to gather at the Puerta del Sol to listen to the chimes, they began to eat grapes as a protest against the measures and as a mockery of the elite's custom.

During the years immediately following this event, the custom continued to maintain a certain burlesque and defiant component, but little by little it became normalised and spread to more parts of Spain until it became the tradition as we know it today. It is curious that the newspapers of the time described it as ephemeral and imperishable, and even complained that it had become so popular in society when in fact it came from the lower classes. It is clear that they were a little mistaken about this passing custom.

Now that you know more about this famous tradition, you can't help but incorporate it into your New Year's ritual. The point is to attract luck, so from Costa de Valencia, Spanish language school, we encourage you to experience it from Spain, its country of origin, while learning the language from the best professionals. Don't hesitate to contact us, we are waiting for you!