12 lucky grapes, one for each month of the forthcoming year. |
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New Year’s Eve
Possibly you thought the Christmas season was over on New Year’s Eve, but in Spain this is just the mid-point of all the celebrating. In this country, the tradition is to have a rather late dinner with your family – just one more rich, elaborate dinner, of course, complete with all the pastries, dried fruits and nuts and mountains of turrón that finish every meal at this time of year.
Just before midnight, the ubiquitous television transports the whole of Spain to Madrid’s central Plaza Mayor where glitzy presenters are watching the clock and preparing to down their traditional 12 grapes. Have yours ready – some cheat by taking out the seeds or using the special canned variety on sale everywhere at this time of year – and down them one by one with the chimes of the clock. Eat them all without chocking to death and you’ve earned yourself a dose of good luck for the coming year!
The 12 Lucky Grapes
The 12 Lucky Grapes (Las doce uvas de la suerte) are an old Spanish tradition, each one is eaten in harmony with the 12 chimes of the clock at midnight on the 31st of December. The whole process is not as easy as it looks, especially to keep up with each chime in sequence. According to folklore, the grapes will bring you 12 months of good luck for the forthcoming year. The 12 lucky grape tradition dates back to 1895 and in 1909 there was a bumper grape harvest in Spain, every year since, the whole country has joined in. New year in Spain is just not the same, without the 12 grapes.
Top Tips for your 12 lucky grapes
Preparation
- Choose seedless grapes: Opt for small, seedless grapes for easier eating.
- Wash and dry thoroughly: Ensure they’re clean and not slippery.
- Chill for freshness: Serve the grapes slightly chilled for a refreshing bite.
During the Countdown
- Be ready before midnight: Have your grapes prepared and within reach.
- One grape per chime: Eat one grape with each chime of the clock.
- Set intentions: Think of a wish or goal for each grape as you eat it.
Presentation
- Use skewers or bowls: Arrange grapes on skewers or in small bowls for easy handling.
- Add festive touches: Decorate with edible glitter or colorful accents to make them look special.
Alternatives
- Cut grapes for children: If celebrating with kids, cut grapes in half to avoid choking hazards.
- Substitute with other fruits: Use blueberries or raisins if grapes aren’t available.
Mindset
- Don’t stress about perfection: It’s okay if you don’t finish all 12 grapes; focus on the fun and meaning of the tradition.
- Share the moment: Enjoy the tradition with friends or family to make it even more memorable.
May the 12 grapes bring you good luck and happiness in the New Year! 🎉
After midnight
After midnight the young and free head out into the night to celebrate into the early hours of dawn whereupon they return home to crash before – you guessed it – another huge family meal.
If you are in Marbella this New Year or just interested for future years'. Here is a Marbella 2024/5 New Year’s Eve experience overview from BRIGHT.
We wish you a very happy and healthy New year, don't forget the grapes!
