New Year and Epiphany in Greece – Traditions, Faith, and Joy
Saint Basil, Vasilopita, and Pomegranates
New Year in Greece is a celebration of the start of the calendar year and a day dedicated to Saint Basil (Agios Vasilis), considered the Greek equivalent of Santa Claus. Saint Basil was known for his kindness and generosity to people, and on the night of January 1, he brought gifts to children. Families gather around the festive table to cut the Vasilopita – a special pie with a coin baked inside for good luck. The first slice is dedicated to Christ, the second to the home, and the rest are shared among family members and guests. The person who finds the coin is believed to be the luckiest in the coming year.
In the days leading up to New Year, many Greeks decorate their homes with pomegranates – symbols of luck and abundance. On the first day of the year, breaking a pomegranate at the doorstep is customaryto attract prosperity.
Celebrating New Year in “Bouzoukia”
In Greece, Christmas is traditionally celebrated at home with family, while New Year’s Eve is often enjoyed with friends at restaurants or entertainment venues. A popular way to welcome the New Year is at the “bouzoukia” — a unique type of nightclub that can be found only in Greece, where renowned local singers perform live. This December 31, you can enjoy performances by some of the most beloved Greek stars at these venues:
- Yannis Ploutarhos – Anodos
- Despina Vandi and Antonis Remos – Nox Athens
- Sakis Rouvas – Cabaret
- Nikos Vertis – Yton
- Eleni Foureira – Enastron
Epiphany (Theophany)
The festive season concludes on January 6 with Epiphany (Fota), one of the most significant Christian holidays. This day commemorates the Baptism of Christ. Priests bless the waters in rivers, seas, and springs, and the bravest locals dive into icy waters to retrieve a cross thrown during the ceremony. This act symbolizes purification, health, and prosperity.
Greek Carols — Kalanda
One of the most vivid traditions of the Greek winter holidays is kalanda—Christmas and New Year carols. During the holiday season, children perform kalanda three times: on Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, and Epiphany Eve (Fota). Each of these days has its unique significance: kalanda on Christmas celebrates the birth of Christ, on New Year honors Saint Basil, and on Fota commemorates the Baptism of Christ. These songs are passed down from generation to generation, preserving the unique charm of local culture.
New Year and Epiphany complete Greece’s winter holiday cycle, blending joy, hospitality, and a deep respect for traditions and faith.
