Thousands order grapes online on New Year’s Eve – Discover the viral Spanish tradition

Quick commerce platforms reported a massive spike in grape orders on New Year's Eve, as India embraced a viral Spanish tradition. People across the country welcomed the new year with a handful of grapes, making it one of the most ordered items on these platforms. This trend stems from a Spanish custom where people eat ‘12 lucky grapes’ at midnight for good luck in the coming year.

Blinkit CEO Albinder Dhindsa remarked, "What's with the sudden craze for grapes today? It's one of the highest ordered items since morning! We've delivered seven times more grapes than usual."

Swiggy Instamart also noted that grapes were among the top five trending searches, alongside milk, chips, chocolate, and paneer. In a lighthearted tone, the platform joked, “Tum log kitna bhi grape grape karlo agle saal tumhara katne hi vala hai.”

The Spanish tradition of eating grapes on New Year's Eve dates back to the 1800s. It possibly began when the bourgeoisie in Madrid adopted the French custom of drinking champagne and eating grapes to celebrate the occasion. The practice gained more popularity in the early 1900s when farmers in Spain's Alicante region faced a surplus grape harvest and promoted the tradition to boost sales. In recent years, the custom has gone viral on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok.

According to the tradition, individuals consume 12 grapes during the final seconds of the old year to ensure good fortune and prosperity in the new year. Some suggest sitting under a table while eating the grapes to enhance the effect. The outcomes are believed to depend on the eater's intentions and wishes, with some viewing it as a way to manifest various goals or improve their romantic lives in the coming year.