As midnight strikes on New Year’s Eve, many people around the world celebrate in various ways. One unique tradition involves eating 12 grapes at the stroke of midnight.
This custom, going strong for over a century, is believed to bring good luck and prosperity for the coming year. Each grape represents a month, and you must eat them all within the first minute of the new year.
Some take it up a notch by trying to eat grapes with every chime of a nearby bell. That means you have to consume one grape every second, which can be a choking hazard! “The trick is to just bite and swallow—no chewing!” says Jeff Koehler from NPR. He adds that focusing on the bell’s chimes is key to success, especially as laughter often kicks in during this fun challenge.
Michael Di Giovine, an anthropology professor, noted that in some towns, bell ringers deliberately slow their chimes to help people enjoy this quirky tradition.
### Different Ways to Celebrate
People celebrate this grape-eating tradition in various settings. Some munch on grapes with family at home, while others gather in town squares. A fun twist is the practice of wearing red underwear for good luck—another Spanish custom.
Though this tradition began in Spain, it’s now popular in countries like Argentina, Colombia, and Mexico. The origin story is a bit murky but may be linked to grape growers in Alicante. Some believe it started in the late 1800s when merchants distributed grapes in Madrid’s Puerta del Sol, hoping to create a new custom.
Interestingly, past newspapers indicated that wealthy individuals used to enjoy grapes on New Year’s, leading to speculation about the origin of this tradition. It’s said that Spain might have borrowed this custom from the French, where eating grapes and enjoying champagne was common.
While special tins with 12 grapes can be bought in Spain, you’re unlikely to find them at stores elsewhere.
Overall, this tradition highlights how diverse and quirky New Year’s celebrations can be, blending fun with hopes for a prosperous year ahead.
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