New Year's Eve - Spanish Style

I've always found that the holiday season is a wonderful time to discover a country's traditions. In Spain, for example, we have the ever-present 12 grapes of luck (Las 12 uvas). The tradition, dating back over a century (exact year is up for debate, but the dates range from the mid 1880s to 1909), is in many ways the perfect tradition for an agricultural economy like Spain's. In fact, given that it boast the most land dedicated to vineyards in Europe, it's easy to see why grapes were chosen. The popular story tells us that it was due to a particularly exceptional harvest, and to celebrate (and get rid of the excess grapes), the tradition started of eating a grape for each stroke of the clock. 

Since 1962, the Spanish television has shown the Puerta del Sol clock striking 12 and the ensuing celebration tips off the grape eating. A cava toast comes only after you finished the grapes (and you are supposed to finish them before the last bell chimes, a feat made slightly more complicated in that usually the grapes still have the seeds). 

For those people lucky enough to be in Madrid, the Puerta del Sol is the place to be on Friday night!

For more information or to arrange a private guided tour in Spain, contact The Spanish Touch.