Seeing a lot of TikTok misinformation on 12 Uvas (12 Grapes on New Years).
While the tradition varies from country to country, there are a few general rules to follow that I know people from Spain and Latin America partake in. I'll list them here.
Rule 1)
You can't wear an old red thing, it has to be new - for the new year.
Rule 2)
The red thing has to be underwear and other red things can be added to this but you must have the new red underwear for the tradition.
Rule 3)
Non-Spanish/Non-Hispanic/Non-Latinos shouldn't be changing or altering the tradition as an outsider! You can still partake in it but please don't change our tradition into something different (which is why I'm making this post).
Rule 4)
Under the table is optional, but if you are, go under at 11:58pm, eat the grapes at 00:00-00:01. Exit from under the table as soon as you're done.
Rule 5)
No 5 second rule. No dropping the grapes. If they fall, it ruins it. To help avoid this, use a bowl or a skewer.
Rule 6)
I don't know who made some people ask if it would work for their race as any minority but it works for all races provided you do the tradition respectfully and correctly (as outsiders to it, insiders may have their own altered traditions based on family and place).
Rule 7)
No, you don't need a specific grape color. BUT I recommend using red/purple grapes as it's closer to the red underwear tradition.
Rule 8)
You must eat all the grapes before the clock finishes chiming the New Year in. If you don't, it simply means you've missed out on extra luck this year.
Rule 9)
Whole grapes, not slices. Be careful to avoid choking though! Make sure this tradition has at least one other person around you for safety reasons.
Rule 10)
Enjoy partaking in our culture during New Year! Anyone can participate and I encourage anyone who would like to, however please do it correctly and don't change our tradition.
¡Another thing to note is the Red Underwear is a separate tradition to 12 Uvas! ¡Both traditions originate in Spanish culture and spread throughout Latin America!
Próspero Año Nuevo 🪅
