Funny New Year's custom in Spain - 12 grape grains

Sweet New Year's Eve

Every 31st December on the square Puerta del Sol in Madrid, bell strikes the last 12 seconds of old year, and during that period people should eat 12 grape grains, one grain for every stroke. According to belief, if they succeed, they will have luck in the next year. It is assumed that the number 12 was taken because of the number of months of the year


By MARIJA GUDURIĆ
Cooperation with magazine "REFLEJO"


This tradition comes from 1909 as a result of abundant harvest of grapes, when the viticulturists, who did not know what to do with the stock, shared the grapes to people saying they will bring them luck. With 2009 leaving, this custom was celebrated 101st birthday.

Every year people eat more than 500 million grains of grapes. Some manufacturers have figured out, so since several years ago you can buy cans with exact number of grains, cleaned of seeds and peeled. The most commonly used is variety from the county Vinalopo.

"12 grains of grapes" is celebrated also in other cities across Spain, as well as in many Latin American countries, with more or less changes. For example, in Argentina people eat raisins instead of fresh grape.

There were many deaths during this ritual earlier. Thus, in 1997 many Spaniards suppressed with grains, trying to catch up crazy rhythm of clock that was finishing 12 beats in just 17 seconds! Today, period between the first and the last beat is 36 seconds.

Anyway, if you find yourself in a position to meet New Year with 12 beats of the clock and sweet grapes in your hands, do not hurry with luck, you will have a whole year to find it.


(Published: 15.01.2010.)