¡Madrid! – El Gordo and the twelve grapes of midnight
Whilst Bertha was having her “surgery”, we had a chance to visit the beautiful capital of Spain. I love Madrid, with its’ wide avenues, pretty squares and numerous green spaces. We stayed in a cheap, clean hostal, chosen for location, rather than luxury. If Madrid is the centre of Spain and Plaza Sol is the centre of Madrid, then our accommodation, just off the Plaza, was about as central as you could get!
We arrived just before Christmas and (more importantly!) just before the “El Gordo” (literally, “the Fat One”) National Lottery. We stopped to look at a shop with a queue of more than a hundred people. An Apple store perhaps, at the launch of their latest iPhone? No, it was the famous “Doña Manolita” lottery ticket shop, which has had a number of winners over the years! As Rocío (my Spanish Statistician friend) pointed out – the sheer number of tickets the shop sells increases the chance of a win – but still, if I was buying a ticket, I know where I would be queuing!
Lottery fever builds up until the day of the draw itself, which is shown on National TV for hours. Children sing the numbers as they are drawn and the amount of the prize money. The draw was on December 22nd and the kids’ angelic voices gave the whole event quite a festive feel. No denying that somewhere in Spain, there were some lucky winners who were going to celebrate a VERY Happy Christmas!
So on to another Spanish custom, the origins of which seem rather vague. It is tradition to eat twelve grapes as the clock strikes midnight on December 31st, to bring good fortune in the coming year. Everyone is ready with their dish of grapes already counted out as midnight approaches, then the aim is to try and swallow one before each “bong” finishes. I decided that I would try it myself this year, but, being a complete novice, I thought that raisins would be a good introduction (rather than the whole grapes). In spite of an attempt by Dave to ruin my good luck for the year (he gave me a mini sausage roll to chew with a minute to go!) I managed to “down” my raisins in the required time frame – so I’m looking forward to a rosy year ahead!
Love the sound of that New Year tradition. Looks like you’ll have 12 happy months ahead of you! Great to read your blog!
Thanks Monica. x
Thank you for sharing your adventures! Love it!
Happy and rosy 😉 new year to you 🍾
Happy New Year to you both too!x
When An & I went to Madrid the Plaza del Sol was being renovated and had a massive hording in the middle. But looking at the picture I remember that walkway behind Dave.
Not sure what it was like before, but Plaza del Sol was very pedestrian-friendly. 🙂
Love your post Franny, if the 12 raisins don’t work, Feb 5 is the start of Chinese New Year and this is the year of the Pig. A very lucky (so buy that lottery ticket quick!), happy and auspicious animal. Last year was the Monkey, full of mischief and chaos so you can make your own mind up if there’s anything in it… Have big fun, hope you’re heading for warmer climes. We had our first snow in Nott. Just a sprinkle so far but it’s well cowd. Cowd enuf for penguins. Hugs to you both.
First raisin seems to be working, but I’ll cover my options and adopt a pig too!😊 Stay warm.x
Hiya both of you. Madrid sounds fun. I hope Bertha is better soon. Enjoy – hugs xx
It is definitely a nice place to visit.
Bertha has made a full recovery.😊
Hugs to you and Pete.x
thought you were coming to see us. Hope all is well with Big Bertha. and hope we might see you soon
Sorry Rosemary. We got distracted by the Picos – and then the rest of Spain! Hope to see you on the way back! x
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Glad you enjoyed it!
Your photographs are first class Francine … some magnificent places you have visited brought to life by you
Ha ha Helen. It’s Dave who is the Ace photographer – I just stand where I’m told!😁 x