Across Spain and parts of Latin America, a distinctive tradition marks the arrival of the New Year: the 12 grapes ritual. Observed at the stroke of midnight on 31 December, this symbolic custom is believed to bring good fortune, prosperity, and happiness for the year ahead.
The ritual is simple in concept but demands careful timing. As the clock strikes midnight, participants eat one grape for each of the 12 chimes, with every grape representing a wish, hope, or intention for one of the coming year’s months. Completing all 12 grapes before the final chime is considered essential to ensuring the ritual’s success.
Traditionally, the practice takes place among family and friends and is often accompanied by fireworks, music, and festive meals. In Spain, one of the most iconic settings for the ritual is Madrid’s Puerta del Sol, where thousands gather to watch the clock tower mark the New Year. Live television broadcasts allow people across the country to follow the chimes in perfect synchronisation from their homes.
The origins of the 12 grapes tradition date back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in the Spanish region of Alicante.
Historical accounts suggest that grape growers, facing an unusually abundant harvest, promoted the idea of eating grapes at midnight to increase sales. Over time, the practice evolved beyond its commercial roots and became a deeply embedded cultural tradition.
As the custom spread, it crossed borders and took hold in many Latin American countries, including Mexico, Argentina, and Colombia. While local variations exist, the underlying symbolism of hope, renewal, and intention remains the same.
Often combined with other New Year beliefs—such as wearing red to attract love or keeping money in one’s pocket to invite wealth—the 12 grapes ritual reflects a universal desire to welcome a new beginning with optimism and shared celebration.
