Spain and Latin America stop every December 31 at twelve o'clock at night to receive a new year.All homes focus their attention on the clock that indicates the twelve bells that mark a new beginning.The desired moment has arrived but, before providing and hugging relatives, the time comes for the twelve grapes "of luck".But where does this tradition arise that in Madrid takes us to the Puerta del Sol?What symbolize grapes?

The collective imaginary leads us to think that the twelve grapes on New Year's Eve began to eat in Spain on the night of December 31, 1909, what motivated this event?That there was a surplus in the harvest of this fruit in Alicante and, therefore, the producers tried to increase sales with an innovative Christmas campaign, relating the grapes to good luck.From that moment on, the white grape variety became a symbol of Christmas and its sale in packages of twelve ready to consume was popularized to consume.

However, there are records that this custom was previously practiced, which means that the 1909 surplus simply served to extend tradition but did not create it.Eating the twelve grapes on the last day of the year has been carried out in Madrid since 1880 as a way of protest and satirical action, why?At that time the high bourgeoisie had copied the French custom to hold private parties at Christmas where champagne drank and ate grapes while the City Council banned street celebrations.Therefore, the chulapos, who had been taken away from their Christmas fun, decided to take advantage that it was still allowed to meet at the Puerta del Sol to listenProtest signal against City Hall restrictions.

In 1896 there are already documents that collect the custom of drinking champagne and eating grapes of the wealthiest social classes in Madrid on the last day of the year.A little later, in 1902, this custom had extended to other corners of Spain among the richest of those places.But, as we have said at the beginning, it was in 1909 when this custom was generalized due to the surplus of grapes in Alicante production.

But why did you choose the grapes?

Traditionally, grapes is a fruit that is usually associated with positive symbols such as brotherhood, union, joy and pleasure or spirituality.At present, the tradition marks that twelve grapes are placed in front of each diner to symbolize the twelve of the year.Each grape food after the corresponding midnight bell will involve good luck in the corresponding month.If you are not able to finish the twelve grapes you will have bad luck, check what grapes you get in.

Gate of the Puerta del Sol de Madrid

Today, in all homes, at twelve o'clock on December 31 and following the rhythm of the bells of the Clock of the Puerta del Sol de Madrid, the Spaniards are eating one by one twelve grapes, which symbolize luckthat will bring you each of the twelve months of the year that is about to start.There are also hundreds of people who approach the Madrid square to live that moment from the most famous clock in the capital of Spain.

With young children, the last night of the year it becomes an opportunity to celebrate as a family in an extraordinary way: special clothing, special food, games ... get the twelve grapes of luck to the sound of the twelve bells and to bed later ofThe usual thing is an indisputable incentive for children on New Year's Eve.

More New Year's Traditions

The twelve grapes is a tradition, as we have already seen, very Spanish, but it is not the only.With different purposes there are numerous rites and traditions, they are usually to start the year with good footing, some literally.The four main objectives, attract good luck, economic prosperity, travel and get love have some curious rites: