As the clock counts down to midnight, New Year’s Eve traditions around the world range from festive to downright bizarre. While some people toast with champagne or watch fireworks, others swear by rituals meant to bring luck for the year ahead.
In the UK, one lesser-known custom has recently sparked curiosity and confusion. Due to social media, Millennial and Gen Z Brits are rushing under their kitchen tables as the new year begins in hopes of good luck and new romance in 2026. This unusual activity simply involves eating grapes just before the clock strikes 12; we have explored the reason below.
Why you should eat grapes this New Year’s Eve
According to Allrecipes, this tradition originated in Spain and is known as Las doce uvas de la suerte. It is said to bring good luck. At midnight, one grape is eaten with each of the 12 clock chimes, symbolising the months ahead.
The custom originated in the late 1800s and gained popularity in the early 1900s following an abundant grape harvest. However, in recent years, it has gained mass traction on social media, suggesting that the grapes should be eaten under the table.
“There are variations on exactly how the grapes are eaten depending on the region you’re in, but it sounds like this new add-on specifically is more of a social media trend than a true historical practice,” reported All Recipes.
They continued: “If you want to get really superstitious about it, there is a right kind of grape to eat for this ritual as well. Aledo grapes are a traditional Spanish variety protected by the country’s designation of origin, and they’re wrapped in paper bags as they ripen to develop uniquely sweet, pale, thin-skinned grapes.”
However, with this superstition’s newly gained popularity on social media, Tesco has released a special New Year’s Eve pack featuring 12 single seedless grapes for £1.25 or £1 with a Clubcard. This has caused some debate online, with most people blasting the tradition and the supermarket.
Commenting on @libbiemayfitzpatrick’s video, one person said: “Nope, my girls did this last year, and we had bad luck all year, so don’t do it.” Another said: “Did this tradition last news years. Worst year of my life.”
A third wrote: “Yeah just buying good luck from Tesco for a quid.” Whilst someone else said: “It’s the first I’ve heard of that! And what a rip off £1 for just 12 grapes! You can buy a full punnet of grapes for about £1. Tesco don’t half know how to make money and find ways to con people.”
However, on @night.shift19’s video, some people encouraged this tradition. One person said: “Two Years ago I sat and ate grapes under the table at midnight.
“Started talking less than two weeks later, in April it’ll be our two-year anniversary, trust the grapes.” Another added: “Did this jan 2025 been in the best relationship since February, do it, what have u got to lose.”
Posting their engagement ring, another said: “Would highly recommend. But just buy a normal bunch of grapes.”
