Nochevieja

aka New Year's Eve

In Spain, the most widespread New Year's tradition is the twelve grapes tradition.



The tradition is believed to origin in Elche in 1909, a year in which some farmers of the district of Alicante in the Bajo Vinalopó initiated it to give exit to a surplus of harvest.  You have to eat 12 grapes, one at each time the clock strikes 12 at midnight. It is said that whoever does not eat the 12 grapes before the end of the bell will have a year of bad luck. THE bell is in
Puerta del Sol in Madrid and the bell hitting 12 is broadcasted in the national tv.



Elche is right next to us. Actually Santa Pola is surrounded by the sea and district of Elche. So this is very local tradition which is followed all over Spain now days.



We actually ate our grapes already.



You're also supposed to wear red underwear on the last day of the year for good luck. We did not do that either. I guess they had surplus of red underwear too...



Happy New Year to all with or without superstitions.