In the Philippines, traditional New Year's Eve lucky foods include round fruits.
Many Filipino families prepare 12 round fruits for Media Noche, the midnight meal shared as the new year begins. Their circular shape is associated with coins and prosperity, while the number 12 commonly represents the months of the coming year.
The fruit selection varies by household and availability. Common examples include oranges, grapes, apples, melons, and other naturally round produce. The custom is a cultural tradition rather than a fixed religious requirement, so families may interpret or adapt it differently.
The broader celebration is called Media Noche, a Spanish term meaning “midnight.” Other practices may include making noise, displaying polka dots, and preparing foods believed to encourage luck or abundance. The round-fruit tradition is sometimes confused with Spain’s 12-grape custom, but Filipino families are not limited to grapes.