In Spain, celebrating New Year’s Eve isn’t just about fireworks and festivities. It’s about grapes—12 of them, to be precise, one for each chime from the clock in Sol at midnight. Known as uvas de suerte, or lucky grapes, these bite-sized delights are thought to bring good fortune if you can manage to eat them all in sync with the midnight chimes.

The History Behind the Tradition

This quirky tradition began in 1909, when a bumper grape harvest led to the clever branding of grapes as “lucky.” Some believe the tradition also has roots in chulapo culture. These spirited, working-class Madrileños delighted in poking fun at the upper-class French-inspired habits, which included sipping champagne at the New Year. In true chulapo style, they adopted the grape-eating ritual, turning it into a tradition with their own spin.

How to Survive the Grape Challenge

For many Spaniards, tackling 12 grapes in 12 seconds isn’t easy. Families often peel their grapes and remove the seeds in advance, making the task a little easier. Gathered around the TV, they watch live footage of the famous clock tower at Puerta del Sol, waiting for the ball to drop to ring in the New Year. Each chime signals a grape—eat quickly, and you’re promised good luck for the coming year.

Raise a Glass of Spanish Bubbly

No New Year’s Eve celebration in Spain would be complete without a glass of bubbly. In keeping with local pride, many Madrileños skip the traditional French champagne in favor of cava or even sidra (Spanish cider), making a toast to the year ahead. Whether you’re celebrating New Year’s Eve in Madrid or trying it at home, join in the tradition of the uvas de suerte. It’s a fun, slightly frantic way to start the year—and you might just find yourself hooked on this quirky slice of Spanish culture.

If you’re visiting Madrid and need someone to show you around, you can hire me, the writer of this blog and of Lonely Planet’s new Madrid series for a tour. Get in touch for dates and prices.