Known as “uvas de la suerte” – which translates to grapes of luck – this age-old tradition has found a new audience online. For centuries, Spaniards have rung in the New Year with a festive ritual: eating twelve grapes at midnight to welcome luck and prosperity. Known as “uvas de la suerte” – which translates to grapes of luck – this age-old tradition has found a new audience on TikTok, where users have shared their grape-eating successes, particularly in matters of love.
The roots of the grape tradition trace back to Spain in 1909 when Alicante grape growers promoted eating twelve grapes as a way to mark the New Year and bring good fortune. Each grape symbolizes a month of the upcoming year, and eating all twelve in sync with the clock’s chimes at midnight is said to secure luck.
Spaniards gather in plazas, homes, or in front of live broadcasts from Madrid’s Puerta del Sol, where the clock tower counts down to the New Year. The challenge lies in eating one grape per chime, finishing all twelve before the final strike. Over time, the tradition has spread to Hispanic and Latin American cultures, often with creative variations. For example, some eat grapes under a table, adding a twist to attract romantic success — a detail TikTok users have eagerly embraced.
On TikTok, users have given the tradition a digital spin dubbing it “#grapetheory.” Many claim that eating the twelve grapes will not only bring general luck but also spark love in the coming year. If you’re looking to welcome the New Year with a mix of luck, love, and tradition, the Spanish grape ritual is easy to try. Start by preparing your grapes—seedless ones work best for a smooth experience, and you can peel and deseed them if needed.
