12 Grapes, 12 Months, 1 Lucky Year

Traditions Around the Globe

Happy New Year!  How is it 2017 already?  At our house, ringing in the New Year with champagne (and sparkling cider for the kiddos) is a must!  Singing, laughing, and waiting for that ball to drop is at the top of everyone’s to-do list!  But, around the world, some countries ring in the New Year with unique traditions that can surprise us…

Spain, for example, celebrates in a much quieter and symbolic way.  For the first 12 seconds of the New Year, everyone focuses on eating 12 of the “miraculous grapes” which symbolize the 12 lucky months of the New Year ahead!

This may sound easy, but it definitely takes some courage to get all those grapes down!  To add some traditional flare, each second of the countdown is heard broadcasted on TV or you can open your windows to hear the bell of the church chime.  While we have our eyes glued on the New York ball drop, Spaniards watch their friends and family eat grapes to the chime of church bells!

Whoever is successful in grape-eating is promised a blessed New Year, full of happiness, love, and... well, grapes!  

If you’re in the mood to try this holiday tradition, make sure you’re prepared.  

1. For the kids, cut the grapes in half (choking would definitely not be lucky!).
2. In order to be the most successful, practice makes perfect!  There are many strategies to do this, so find your favorite.
3. There are many apps out there that will play the 12 traditional chimes that Spaniards hear.  Get in the mood with one of these... and ¡Bueno suerte!

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The title “12 uvas” means 12 grapes in Spanish.  This tradition is so well-known in Spain that they sell packs of 12 grapes for the occasion! One of our Spanish friends told us he didn't know the rest of the world DIDN'T do this until he was much older and traveling. Funny!

Along with eating your 12 grapes if you are celebrating New Year's in Spain, don't forget to wear your red underwear...yep, that's another tradition of Spainards to ring in the new year that also brings you luck.

Get Festive with Grapes!

In honor of the Spanish New Year tradition, "GRAPES" is our theme for January. So, if stuffing 12 grapes down isn’t quite your thing, you can still be festive with one of our grape-themed products! 

Check these out!
NATURAL LIP BALMS in Grape, Champagne, Merlot, or Chadonnay flavors...made with the oils of Jojoba, Avocado, and Castor plus a touch of beeswax and flavor.

Our limited edition RED WINE ARTISAN SOAP made with red wine and a sprinkling of gold mica is decadent!

Signature  FLUFF SOAP or SUGAR FLUFF SOAP in Pink Sangria scent.

However you plan to celebrate ringing in the New Year, we hope it's one of your best years yet...
Welcome 2017!