10 Interesting New Year’s Traditions from Around the World

2. Spain

One of the most fun and unusual New Year’s traditions comes from Spain. Known as las doce uvas de la suerte (the 12 lucky grapes), this tradition involves Spaniards popping grapes into their mouths as soon as the bells strike midnight on the 31 of December. If they can chew and swallow 12 grapes before the bells stop ringing, they’ve brought themselves luck for the whole year.

Proud of their national produce, Spaniards gravitate towards a late-harvested grape varietal called Aledo, which are small, sweet green grapes harvested in November and December. Their fine skin also makes them easier to swallow. Just be careful not to choke.

Larisa Blinova / Shutterstock

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