The New Year’s Eve Bells are an annual tradition in which no one wants to make a mistake: neither the Spaniards who eat the grapes nor the professionals who have to guide in this transition ritual. Although the presenters prepare with prior rehearsals, the live event brings with it unforeseen events. So, between nerves, laughter and a few too many drinks, the Chimes become a show, sometimes great and other times… well, let’s say a little clumsy.
From rebellious grapes that don’t want to be swallowed to jokes from presenters, the chimes have given away a large number of pearls throughout all these years. These slips, which remain in history as they occur at a crucial moment, are actually true gems of television that are remembered every time the Chimes approach. And with 2024 just around the corner, it is time to do this review.
Marisa Naranjo confused the quarters with the chimes in 1989. This mistake had important consequences on her television career and changed her personal life. After the incident, Marisa stopped eating the grapes and did not watch the video of the incident again. In addition, this failure motivated a change in the way the chimes were broadcast, taking the presenters outside to better hear the sound of the clock.
During the New Year’s Eve Chimes on Antena 3, José María Carrascal made a memorable mistake. The renowned journalist congratulated all Spaniards on a “very happy 1963”, thus going back thirty years in time.
José María Iñigo, who was presenting with Carmen Sevilla, made a mistake when announcing the new year. After counting the chimes without problems, he made a mistake when congratulating the year 1964, going back three decades in time.
Irma Soriano also had trouble with the quarters in 1993. While giving a speech about the beauty of life, she did not hear the quarters and announced the chimes late.
Raphael, known for his cape, and Rody Aragón were forced to eat the grapes in record time during the 1996 bells.
Ana Obregón and Ramón García avoided using a famous sexual rhyme, but the presenter experienced a comical moment when his mythical cape flew into the air due to the wind and Obregón’s movements.
The actor tried to compensate for the height difference with Anne Igartiburu by using a toupee. However, he didn’t achieve her goal and her hairstyle became the center of attention of the night: it flew away all the time.
Paula Vázquez, who was presenting with Carlos Sobera, suffered an accident when the strap of her dress broke. The dressmaker in charge of the dress appeared live and Paula Vázquez managed the situation with humor.
In 2015, Canal Sur made the mistake of placing two advertisements just when the bells began, generating confusion and bewilderment among Andalusian viewers.
