12 grapes ritual: A bite of luck for the new year, does it really work?

Every New Year’s Eve, people around the world race to eat twelve grapes under the table at the stroke of midnight while making wishes for the year ahead. In Kenya, supermarkets and local markets often run out of grapes days before December 31 because everyone wants in on the ritual.

Social media is already abuzz, and the end of 2025 will be no different, with videos of friends, families, and even strangers revealing their plans to attempt the challenge going viral.

A Spanish origin story

The twelve grapes tradition comes from Spain and is called las doce uvas de la suerte, which means the twelve lucky grapes. It has been around for over a century. One story says that in 1909, grape growers in Alicante had a bumper harvest and encouraged people to eat twelve grapes at midnight to sell the surplus.

Another story points to wealthy Madrid families who celebrated New Year’s with grapes and champagne. Over time, it became a symbolic way to start the year with hope, prosperity, and good fortune.

Why grapes?

In Spain, people eat one grape for each chime of the clock at midnight, with each grape representing one month of the year. Traditionally, a small pale green grape called Aledo is used because it is easy to eat quickly, but today people everywhere use whatever grapes they can find, often seedless.

In Kenya, both green and red grapes are popular. The colour does not matter; it is all about having fun, making wishes, and finishing all twelve before the last chime.

Does it really work?

If you are wondering whether eating grapes under the table actually brings luck, the answer is symbolic. It would not magically give you wealth, love, or success. The ritual is about focus, intention, and fun. Many on social media platforms, especially TikTok, swear by it as a good luck charm, while others simply enjoy the challenge of eating twelve grapes in seconds. Either way, it is a cheerful way to mark the transition to a new year.

Myths and madness

The tradition comes with its share of myths. Some say eating grapes under the table adds extra luck or guarantees love. Others claim failing to finish all twelve could bring bad luck. These stories are mostly for entertainment and have been amplified by social media. The grapes themselves do not hold magical powers, but the fun, laughter, and shared experience certainly do.

Should you join? Absolutely! The twelve grapes ritual is harmless, fun, and brings people together. It is a playful, chaotic, and joyful way to start the new year. Whether you are racing against the clock with friends, enjoying it with family, or sharing your attempt online, the ritual is all about hope, laughter, and creating memories. The grapes may not guarantee luck, but the smiles, the chaos, and the fun make it totally worth it.