Every chime, one grape on Tenerife as the clock strikes midnight: a tradition deeply embedded in the local culture.
The last day of the year, midnight, twelve chimes, twelve grapes… an ancient tradition, especially common in Spain. Every Spanish family that celebrates the transition from old to new year gathers around midnight to honor this age-old custom. A tradition believed to bring luck and prosperity for the year ahead.
Tin Can with Twelve Grapes
In 1962, TVE began broadcasting Las 12 Campanadas – the 12 chimes – from Puerta del Sol in Madrid, showcasing the tradition of eating grapes on television. In many Spanish households, people would tune in to watch the clock in the central square of Madrid announce the ‘magical hour.’ On Tenerife, this traditional moment is repeated an hour later by TV Canarias.
At that moment, people eagerly bring the doce uvas de la suerte or the twelve lucky grapes to their mouths. With each chime, one grape is eaten: one grape for each month… the twelve chimes are experienced as a traditional value. Special New Year’s Eve cans filled with exactly twelve grapes are available in stores.
The Origin of the Tradition
The custom of eating grapes began in 1909 in a village with the fitting name Viñalopó in the Alicante province of Spain. That year, there was an overproduction of grapes, and people were encouraged to help consume the surplus, or else the grapes would have to be destroyed. The plan worked: people bought grapes in large quantities and ate them one by one, saving many grapes from a tragic end.
And the tradition lives on: 115 years later, grape farming still has a significant buyer, with ‘winter’ ensuring a steady market.
First Grapes, Then Cava
Not everyone can eat so many lucky fruits in such a short time span, so a helpful solution was created. Instead of chewing, you can simply swallow them, though this seems like a disappointing, tasteless option. After the twelve grapes, the ceremony isn’t over. To wash everything down, bottles of cava are opened and poured generously to wash away the leftover grape pulp. Admit it, a delicious combination. Then, everyone must quickly head outside because, for safety reasons, the fireworks are fired outdoors.
Local Tradition Expands
The Spanish tradition was quickly adopted by Spanish emigrants in other countries, especially by the residents of Spanish-speaking Latin American countries. Thus, a local tradition soon became widespread around the world.
Whatever you do, Tenerife Connect hopes you’re heading into a beautiful, loving, healthy, and successful year!
We wish you all a happy and prosperous New Year.
¡Les deseamos un feliz y próspero año nuevo!
Pixabay © Photography
Every Chime, One Grape on Tenerife ©
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