Hi! I heard that Spain has a tradition of eating 12 grapes at the chimes of midnight on new years, could you explain more? (People online keep arguing if it should start at 11.59-12.00 or from 12.00-12.01) Also are there any Catalan adjacent traditions?
yes! this is a tradition all over spain and it is very popular in catalunya too. you will sometimes hear it called "the twelve grapes of good luck" (las doce uvas de la suerte/el raïm de la sort).
basically, on new year's eve (nochevieja/cap d'any), it's common to get together with friends and family in your house or in a village square to celebrate. as the clock approaches midnight, there will be a countdown, starting with a series of warning bells (cuartos). and then the countdown starts. for each second of the countdown (or bell chime if you are outside), you are supposed to eat a grape, and you have to finish all of them before the chimes stop in order to have good luck for the next year. and if you already start after midnight in the new year, then you are too late! but the easiest thing is to turn on the tv or listen to the chimes wherever you are and follow along with them. 🔔
then everyone goes out to party afterwards! 🥳
here is an article in english that talks about this tradition specifically! and jenni got to be part of rtve's coverage last year! and you can watch how it works in real time with her here.
