At midnight on December 31, as the clock strikes the last strokes of the year, millions of people in Spain and other countries are preparing to carry out a ritual that promises good luck and prosperity: eating 12 grapes to the rhythm of the chimes.
This act, which became a symbol of the celebration of New Yearhas an origin that mixes tradition, history and, possibly, commercial strategies. This custom, deeply rooted in Spanish culture, spread to Latin America and other places in the world, although its meaning and practice vary by region.
The ritual consists of eating a grape for each chime that strikes the clock at midnight, symbolizing the 12 months of the year. Each grape represents a wish or purpose for the coming year, and tradition dictates that they must be eaten to the beat of the chimes to guarantee a year full of fortune. Although the exact origin of this practice is not completely clear, there are several theories that explain its birth and evolution.
One of the most popular theories places the beginning of this tradition in the year 1909when a bumper grape harvest in Spain led farmers, especially in the region of Alicanteto look for creative ways to market the surplus. Thus, they began to sell packages of 12 grapes under the name “lucky grapes,” associating them with the arrival of the New Year.
However, this hypothesis was questioned by experts such as Luis Gonzalezdirector of the Regulatory Council of the Denomination of Origin Bagged Table Grape of Viñalopó, who pointed out Europa Press that, due to the technological limitations of the time, it was unlikely that a significant surplus of fresh grapes could be preserved until the end of December.
Another theory dates back the tradition to the end of the century XIXwhen the Spanish bourgeoisie adopted the custom of eating grapes and toasting with champagne during New Year’s Eve dinners, a practice that would have been imported from France o Germany.
According to this version, some people from Madrid from the popular classes decided to imitate this custom in an ironic way, meeting in the Gate of the Sun from Madrid to eat grapes to the sound of the bells. This action, which began as a mockery of the elites, would have evolved to become a national tradition.
The press of the time also offers clues about the development of this custom. Already in 1882 the practice of eating grapes on New Year’s Eve was mentioned, and to 1894the newspaper The Future Century published an article titled “The Beneficent Grapes,” highlighting the growing popularity of this tradition. For its part, The Military Mail He described how families gathered to eat grapes to the sound of the bells, celebrating the arrival of a new year with a collective cry of “One more year!”
The custom soon spread beyond Madrid. According to National Geographicin 1903 Similar celebrations were already recorded in Tenerifeand by the beginning of the century XXthe ritual had been consolidated throughout Spain. Later, the tradition crossed the Atlantic and reached countries of Latin America as Mexico, Argentina, Colombia y Peruwhere it was adapted to the cultural particularities of each region. In some places, for example, they use raisins instead of fresh.
The grapes, rich in vitamins A, C and Eand in minerals such as potassiumhe soccer and the matchstrengthen the immune system and improve mood, according to reports from the American Heart Association and the United States National Institute of Health.
These nutrients also help maintain high energy levels naturally, thanks to the easily digestible carbohydrates they contain, according to a study published in the scientific journal Nutrients.
The antioxidants in grapes, such as resveratrol and flavonoids, combat oxidative stresswhich damages cells and accelerates aging, according to the Mayo Clinic.
A study led by Dr. Zhaoping Li in the University of California showed that regular consumption of grapes, in addition to reducing LDL cholesterol (“bad cholesterol”) levelsincreases the diversity of beneficial intestinal bacteria and reduces bile acids by 40.9%factors that are related to a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases and other effects of cellular aging.
Especially white grapes provide antioxidants and vitamins beneficial for visual health, such as vitamin C and quercetinwhich protect the eyes from oxidative damage, according to Baviera Clinic in Germany. These substances not only reduce the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration, but also help maintain the lining of the eyes.
An article from the American Academy of Ophthalmology supports that the consumption of foods rich in antioxidants contributes to ocular health, by preserving the integrity of the arteries that nourish visual tissues.
Grapes have a high content of fiber and folic acid, which makes them an ideal food for intestinal transit and cell production, according to research by the American Heart Association. However, its high sugar content requires moderation for people with diabetes or carbohydrate-restricted diets.
According to recommendations of the American Heart Association and the World Health Organizationthose at risk of diabetes or metabolic problems should limit their intake of fruits with a high glycemic index, such as grapes, to avoid complications related to high blood sugar levels.
