You will likely see people eating grapes at midnight this New Year's Eve. This is why

If you're heading out to a New Year's Eve party this week, there's a chance you'll stumble across at least one person with a ziplock bag filled with exactly 12 grapes. 

'Why?' you may wonder to yourself, before carrying on with your end-of-year festivities. 

When the clock strikes midnight, as you clink champagne glasses and embrace your friends, you may notice that person reach into the bag to scarf down their 12 grapes as quickly as they can. They may even do it from under a table.

If you're not heading to a party, you may instead see the tradition all over your Instagram and TikTok feeds.

If you're not across it, it may leave you scratching your head.

Over the past few years, the 12 grapes tradition has become a trend on social media, but it actually dates back to late 19th century Spain and is believed to bring good fortune.

Read on to learn more about the tradition and how it could possibly bring good fortune in 2026.

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What does eating 12 grapes at New Year's mean? 

The tradition of eating 12 grapes at midnight is believed to welcome good prosperity and fortune in the new year for those who follow it. Originating in Spain, it is known as 'Las doce uvas de la suerte' or 'The 12 grapes of luck'.

Many people believe the tradition is associated with finding love in the new year. This is true, but it's only one interpretation. The grape-eating ritual is associated with luck in any area of life, whether that be your finances, health or love life and it depends on the intentions you set when eating each grape.

The tradition is also believed to ward off any evil spirits and negative energy to start the year on a fresh and positive slate. 

Where did eating 12 grapes on New Year's come from?

The tradition originated over a century ago in Spain. It began in the late 19th century but was popularised in the early 20th century by some vine growers in the Alicante region as a way to boost end of year sales.

It soon transformed into a beloved ritual across the country, and today you can even find tins of 12 'lucky grapes' sold in supermarkets throughout Spain that are already peeled, seeded and ready to eat at midnight.

In the decades, it has travelled around the world. It is popular in Spanish-speaking countries, but has also become popular in other parts of the world, especially since the trend took on a life of its own on social media.

What are the rules for 12 grapes on New Year's Eve? 

The tradition is not as simple as eating 12 grapes on New Year's Day. There are specific rules to follow for the good luck to come to fruition. 

To follow the ritual properly, you're supposed to eat the 12 grapes one at a time with each chime of the clock at midnight – so within 12 seconds. This honestly sounds a little too challenging, but thankfully now it's expected that you finish the 12 grapes before the clock ticks over to 12:01am. 

If you can eat the 12 grapes within a minute, according to the ritual, you can expect to see good fortune in the new year.

Those who are extra superstitious also believe there is a certain type of grape to eat. White Aledo grapes from Alicante are traditionally used, they are grown under the cover of paper bags, which results in a more delicate grape with a thin skin and lots of flavour.

But these days it's common to eat any type of white grape during the midnight tradition. 

How to eat 12 grapes at New Years?

It seems simple, but eating 12 grapes in one minute can be a challenge and those who follow the tradition have ways to make it easier. 

Some will pack their 12 grapes in a zip lock bag, ready to eat to avoid the need to count them out. Others will serve them skewered on a stick like a fruit kebab to make them easier to eat. 

Should you eat 12 grapes under the table?

Recently the tradition has morphed, with some saying the 12 grapes should be eaten while sitting under a table. Plenty of creators all over social media tout that doing so can bring good fortune in your love life.

This isn't based on the original tradition and seems to have begun on TikTok. 

So maybe, if you're feeling a little superstitious and hoping for some good fortune in 2025, it might be an idea to take your own ziplock bag of grapes to that New Year's Eve party. 

Or perhaps you can scarf them down at home while watching the fireworks on the telly.

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