Should You Be Eating 12 Grapes on New Year’s Eve to Manifest Your Soulmate in 2026?

Gone are the days when New Year’s Eve meant sitting in front of the television half-asleep and watching award shows tick into midnight with family and friends. Today, the countdown looks different. As the clock inches closer to twelve, Instagram stories flood in, reels refresh endlessly, and somewhere between the fireworks and champagne pops, one oddly specific ritual keeps appearing on your screen. People, very earnestly, are eating 12 grapes at midnight...And if you have found yourself wondering why this tradition has suddenly taken over social media feeds, you are not alone. On social media, women are also sharing stories of how this quirky ritual coincided with new romances, chance meetings, and unexpected love stories.

It feels random, almost meme-like, yet the comments are filled with conviction. “Tried this last year, my life changed.” “Manifested everything.” “Do not skip this.” So what exactly is going on?

What Is the 12 Grapes Tradition?

At the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve, you eat one grape for each chime of the clock. All 12 grapes must be eaten before the final chime fades. Each grape represents one month of the coming year, and each is believed to bring good luck, happiness, and prosperity for its corresponding month.

According to tradition, if you manage to finish all 12 grapes in time, the year ahead is said to be a lucky one. Miss a grape or fall behind, and well, the internet might have you believe you tempted fate.

Where Did This Tradition Come From?

The custom originates from Spain, with its roots commonly dated to the late 1800s or early 1900s. One popular theory suggests that Spanish grape farmers experienced an unusually abundant harvest and promoted the idea of eating grapes at New Year to boost sales. Another explanation points to wealthy Spaniards who welcomed the New Year with grapes and champagne, a habit that eventually filtered into public celebrations.

Should You Try It?

Whether you believe in luck or not, there is something oddly comforting about marking the year with intention. No grand resolutions, no pressure, just 12 small moments of hope. And if nothing else, it makes for a great story, a fun reel, and a reason to slow down for those few seconds at midnight.

Believe it or not, people are eating their grapes. And this New Year, you just might too.