For many people across the world, the first few moments of 2025 were spent racing to eat 12 grapes before the clock hit 12:01. An old tradition to bring good luck into the new year.
“2023-24 New Year’s Eve was my first time trying it. We all gathered under a kitchen table as the ball was dropping, and ate them as fast as we could,” Micah Fitzgerald ‘26, a participant in the trend said.
The rules of the trend is to eat exactly 12 green grapes for each month in the new year. You must eat them under a table exactly at midnight and finish them in under a minute according to the ritual.
“Apparently, it is known that it brings in good luck for the upcoming new year. I had no idea that this was a thing people did until my friends suggested it,” Fitzgerald said.
For many, with each grape they have a specific wish for each month. Grapes are used for this tradition because they represent abundance and positivity. Something nearly everyone hopes to bring into the new year.
“My friends actually told me that it was going around on TikTok that if you ate 12 grapes right at midnight it’s supposed to be good luck,” Marlene Rohlf ‘26, who also participated said.
Although this trend has been very popular on many different social media platforms, it actually originated in Spain during the 19th century. During that time vineyard farmers had produced a large amount of grapes during the harvest season. It is said that the people of Spain celebrated by eating them on the last day of the year since farmers had been encouraging the sale.
“It’s a fun tradition to do with your friends, and it gets you thinking about how you can start your new year right,” Fitzgerald said.
However, social media has had an impact on the tradition. Some specific parts of the ritual, such as hiding under a table, began from social media platforms. Posts about the trend have also turned the tradition into being centered around hopes of having a successful love life in the new year.
“I don’t know if I’m going to do it next year, I’ll have to see if this year is amazing or not,” Rolhf said.
Specifically in Spain, the trend is so popular that they sell tins of 12 grapes in supermarkets. Advertised as “uvas de la suerte” which translates to lucky grapes. There is even a specific type to eat on New Year’s Eve called Aledo grapes. These kinds of grapes are typically grown in Spain.
“I saw the trend a little on TikTok but mostly heard about it through my friends,” Rolhf said.
Since the 19th century, this tradition has spread across the globe and managed to still be popular in modern times. It’s a common ritual in Latin American countries as well as The United States now. Social media has played a big role in sharing the trend to others.
“My year has been going good! I’ve been consistent with working towards my goals,” Fitzgerald said.
Even though this trend is just a superstition, it’s a fun way to start the new year with your friends and family. So if you haven’t already, try the lucky grapes next year. Who knows? Maybe all your wishes will come true!
“I think the biggest reason we do it is to manifest positive attitudes about the new year. When you look at life optimistically, things can often go your way more often,” Fitzgerald said.
