A quirky new trend has taken Spain by storm, blending dating with everyday shopping in an unexpected way. The latest social media craze involves singles using pineapples as a romantic signal while shopping at Mercadona supermarkets. This playful phenomenon has turned the aisles into a stage for romance, sparking both excitement and chaos.
The Pineapple Dating Trend in Spain
The pineapples-for-romance trend began on TikTok, where singles have been flocking to Mercadona stores between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. with an upside-down pineapple in their shopping trolleys. According to the trend, placing the pineapple this way signals that the shopper is open to finding a potential partner.
Once in the store, participants are encouraged to head to the wine aisle, where they should look for others with upside-down pineapples. If they find a match, they can gently bump their trolley against theirs to initiate a conversation. If the feeling is mutual, the interaction continues, often leading to new connections.
The Impact and Reactions
The trend has generated quite a buzz, leading to some notable scenes. In Bilbao, northern Spain, the craze resulted in a flash mob overwhelming a Mercadona store, prompting police intervention. Fortunately, no arrests were made, and the crowd dispersed peacefully.
This playful dating method has even inspired social media users to share their experiences, capturing the fun and sometimes chaotic nature of this new trend. Participants have posted videos of their supermarket escapades, further fueling the trend’s popularity.
Decoding the Pineapple Signals
Participants in the pineapple craze are also paying attention to other items in shoppers’ trolleys to gauge romantic intentions. For instance, spotting chocolates or sweets indicates a search for a serious relationship, while items like legumes or lettuce suggest a more casual encounter.
Mercadona’s official TikTok account has embraced the craze, posting playful content featuring pineapples with captions like, “The pineapple on the shelf of Mercadona waiting for you to get a date.” The trend has been so impactful that some stores have experienced a shortage of pineapples.
Lidl Joins the Fun with Watermelon Dating
Not to be outdone, Lidl has launched its own dating initiative at Spain, encouraging customers to use watermelons instead of pineapples. Their campaign, titled “La hora del amor” (The Hour of Love), invites shoppers to bring a watermelon to their stores between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. to signal their interest in finding a partner.
Conclusion
The pineapple dating craze at Spain has turned everyday shopping into an adventure of romance and social connection. As the trend continues to capture hearts and imaginations, both Mercadona and Lidl are tapping into the fun, making supermarket aisles the new hotspots for meeting potential partners. Whether you’re a fan of pineapples or watermelons, it seems love might just be a trolley push away.
