Krispy Kreme is launching a major promotional event to combat the traditional bad luck associated with Friday the 13th. The renowned doughnut chain will be distributing 13,000 boxes of their signature original glazed doughnuts to customers randomly across the United States.
Details of the Friday the 13th Giveaway
Each lucky winner will receive a coupon for a complimentary dozen doughnuts, which must be redeemed within a strict 13-day window starting from February 15. The participating Krispy Kreme outlets are listed on the company's official website, allowing customers to check their local shop's involvement in this unique campaign.
Historical Context of Krispy Kreme's Friday the 13th Promotions
This is not the first instance where Krispy Kreme has capitalised on the Friday the 13th phenomenon. Back in 2024, the brand offered a dozen original glazed doughnuts for just 13 cents as part of their "Lucky Friday" initiative. To qualify for that deal, customers were required to purchase a full-priced box of doughnuts or a 16-pack of mini doughnuts and apply the promotional code "13" during their order, whether in-store or online via the app or website.
The Origins of Friday the 13th Superstitions
The superstition surrounding Friday the 13th has deep historical roots, tracing back to the Last Supper attended by 13 individuals—Jesus Christ and his 12 disciples—on Maundy Thursday. This event led to the association of the number 13 with betrayal, specifically Judas Iscariot, and it is often viewed as imperfect compared to the number 12, which symbolises the months in a year. Most years experience two occurrences of Friday the 13th, with some years witnessing three.
Common symbols of misfortune linked to this date include a black cat crossing one's path, breaking a mirror, walking under a ladder, opening an umbrella indoors, and uttering the name of Shakespeare's "Scottish play" within a theatre setting.
Valentine's Day Alternatives for Non-Superstitious Fans
For those who are not swayed by superstitions, Krispy Kreme is also celebrating Valentine's Day with four specially crafted doughnuts. The festive options include the "I Love You a Choco-Lot Donut," the "You're Berry Sweet Donut," the "Teddy Bear Cookies & Kreme Donut," and the "Sprinkled with Love Donut." Each of these treats is adorned with heart-shaped designs, vibrant red and pink frosting, and decorative heart-shaped sprinkles, perfectly aligning with the love-themed holiday that follows Friday the 13th.
