Drink

Grapes New Year’s Eve

December 31 is a special celebration that is enjoyed until late at night. In this sense, to start the year on the right foot, the Spanish usually have a peculiar tradition that has become popular over the years, we refer to the 12 grapes at the end of the year.

New Year’s Eve in Spain is a popular party celebrated with family, friends and even strangers, as many decide to have a big night out on the street at midnight every year. In this way, people of all ages and social classes mix to celebrate the end of the year. However, the tradition of grapes was not always the same and there are some theories that could be quite different from the current custom.

Origin of the tradition of the 12 grapes

If you wonder where the tradition of the 12 grapes comes from, you should know that its origin dates back to the beginning of the 20th century. In 1909, Alicante wine growers had one of the best growing years they had ever had. In this sense, it was such an abundant time that they did not know what to do with the excess of the vintage. Therefore, some growers had a fun idea that would later become a tradition: eating grapes at midnight to bring luck and prosperity in the new year.

This activity that emerged in Alicante, capital of the Valencian Community, little by little spread throughout Spain and today it is almost unthinkable to celebrate the New Year in this country without trying to eat the 12 grapes at the end of the night.

However, according to some experts, the idea of ​​eating grapes at midnight to obtain fortune and happiness was created precisely to increase the production of grapes, which in this case would be one of the best advertising campaigns that have been carried out in Spain.

On the other hand, some theories indicate that New Year’s Eve dinners with grapes were already tasted at the end of the 19th century. Sometimes, people ate only 3 and others 12. At first, it was said that this tradition was brought by the aristocrats, since it was an elitist celebration that later the lower class people were transforming until it became the massive tradition that it is today. the present.

Importance of the tradition of the 12 grapes in Spain

One of the most popular New Year’s Eve traditions in Spain is that of the 12 grapes. If you have ever spent the end of the year with Spaniards, you know that it is a very important activity for them. So much so that there are few who dare to try their luck by skipping the ritual of the grapes.

For the Spanish, rushing to eat the 12 grapes in a minute helps them start the year with a good dose of excitement. Each grape is equivalent to each month of the coming year, and if it is possible to eat them all in time, then it means that it will be a year full of good times.

Although it is a tradition that can be difficult to understand for people from other parts of the world, the importance of the 12 grapes is that it is part of the Spanish culture. It is so essential for Spaniards that they even broadcast this activity on television throughout the country, which provides a feeling of brotherhood in which everyone eats together. In general, people usually accompany the grapes with champagne or wine. Once the time is up, you can see the excitement on their faces, and naturally, they start the New Year with a big smile.

New trends to eat the 12 grapes

It is true that traditions are modernized over time and the activity of the 12 grapes is no exception. These days, grapes are rarely eaten on flat plates anymore, as some are likely to fall off and roll on the ground when needed most. As a solution, many prefer to make a skewer of grapes by placing them on a stick, which can also make eating easier.

Similarly, some share the grapes with friends or family, placing them all in a wicker basket that is cheap and offers a very attractive presentation.

Where are the 12 New Year’s Eve grapes eaten?

It is important to note that the tradition of the 12 grapes migrated from Spain to Latin American countries over the years, due to cultural proximity and family ties. In this sense, among the countries that still celebrate this tradition are Venezuela, Mexico, Costa Rica, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, Puerto Rico, Bolivia and El Salvador. However, in some places in Latin America it is not the peak grape season during December, so many people tend to celebrate it by eating raisins instead of fresh grapes.

While it may seem like an easy task, since we are only talking about 12 grapes, the reality is that getting them all into your mouth before the bells stop ringing can be a difficult task for most people. For this reason, many Spaniards often accompany each other and support each other during the chimes.

Among the favorite places to meet on New Year’s Eve is the Puerta del Sol in Madrid. Every year, on New Year’s Eve, thousands of people from Spain and around the world gather in front of the clock to celebrate the arrival of the new year in a festive atmosphere full of music, streamers and confetti. In addition, many often dress up with wigs, masks and hats, reminiscent of carnival. Now, when it comes time for the 12 grapes, everyone hugs each other and makes a toast to the friends, family, and strangers around them.

To conclude, we can say that the 12 grapes on New Year’s Eve is a tradition that the Spanish have taken to many parts of the world, since it has a very deep meaning regarding the celebration of the present and good wishes for the future.

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