New Years in Greece is a very special holiday, as many families gather to celebrate what is known as “Καλη Χρονια” – or Happy New Year. What makes a New Year Celebration so special is Vasilopita (βασιλοπιτα) or “New Years Bread”, a Family gathering, and St Basil’s Day on January 1st. St Basil’s Day is a Greek name day for those named Vasilis and Vasiliki, two very popular Male names. In addition to the social aspects of the holiday, Vasilopita is a tradition where a coin is placed randomly in a large circular cake made of Tsoureki bread, and whoever gets a piece of bread with the coin in it gets good luck for the year. And lastly, family get togethers. It is one of the most important factors of the Greek lifestyle, and occurs very often. Displays of fireworks, playing cards, sweets and candy, are other specific parts of a Greek New Years celebration.
Getting the coin in a Vasilopita is not as straightforward as one may think. The head of the household first cuts a piece for Jesus Christ, the second piece is for other members of the family household, and then the poor/less fortunate. Once those pieces are cut for the following people, then the rest of the household gets their cut of Vasilopita. I myself have never gotten a piece of Vasilopita with the coin, but my Father has Three times. Aside from the tradition of Vasilopita, it is a very good tasting cake. Variations of Vasilopita include plain Tsoureki bread, Tsoureki bread with vanilla and chocolate frosting, Tsoureki bread with sesame seeds, to name a few tasty options.
Just like the United States, Greece holds their own set of fireworks. Not as grand as the Macy’s fireworks held in New York City, Greece has their own display that includes mostly Green, Red, and White colors. The main fireworks are held in Athens, and shot over the world famous Acropolis, with other cities, such as Thessaloniki, holding their own as well. Singing New Years Carols, playing cards, and socializing with other relatives/guests takes up the remainder of the night.
A name day is a holiday in Greece that is in memory of a saint or martyr. Originally a feast day from centuries ago is now in modern times is a celebration where the person (who’s name is being celebrated) gets a cake, dinner, as well as lots of love from family and friends. It is as important as someone’s Birthday in the country of Greece, and is celebrated like one too with all the wonderful desserts and love being given. With Vasilis and Vasilikis, both very common names being on the 1st of January, it only adds to the joy of the New Years, two holidays in one!
Although Covid-19 has put a barrier on international travel, large gatherings of people, and restrictions on businesses, Greece usually has the bars and restaurants packed with parties (in addition to the family gatherings). Destinations such as the islands of Mykonos and Santorini do see international travelers for New Years, where as Athens, Thessaloniki, Patras draw the domestic crowds for their celebrations. Wherever you are in Greece for New Years, it will always be a memorable celebration.
Mixing traditions such as name days with the modern aspects of New Years, like fireworks, there is no shortage of fun in Greece for New Years. We wish our readers a wonderful new year!
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