New Years has been celebrated in Greece since ancient times. The various traditions are mostly meant to bring good luck and fortune to the people.

• In Greece, the New Years is called Protohronia.




• On New Year’s Eve, people gather in the town’s center to celebrate and watch the fireworks. Youngsters would declare a “bloodless war” and use plastic hammers, clubs, whistlers and foam spray as “weapons”.




• Lately, fireworks are part of the New Year’s Eve celebrations in town all over Greece. The shows take place in the city square and are usually accompanied by concerts.




• Hotels, restaurants, bars and clubs host parties on New Year’s Eve. It’s important to check with the hotel//restaurant in advance and make a reservation.




• Traditionally, the gifts are exchanged on January 1st (St. Basil’s Day). The kids receive their gifts from Agios Vasilis (St. Basil).




• January 1st is not only New Years but also St. Basil’s Day. Traditionally, Vassilopita (Basil Cake) is sliced and eaten in the hopes of finding the hidden coin which is thought to bring good luck and money to whoever finds it. The father cuts the cake and the first piece is always given to Christ. The second piece is for the house, while the other pieces are split between the members of the family. The tradition dates back to the time when Greeks worshiped god Kronos but the Orthodox tradition combined the ancient custom with the New Year cake.




• Because the New Year is considered lucky, Greeks like to participate in all sorts of raffle games in the first day of the year, including the state lottery. Traditionally Greeks play cards on New Year’s Eve waiting for the year to change. Card games are also played on New Years Day.




• It is very important who enters first in a Greeks house in the New Year. On New Year’s Eve, Greeks ask a lucky relative to be the first to come into their home on the next day. Usually children are preferred as they are thought to be innocent and their hearts are free of envy. This custom is known as Pothariko.




• Carols are sung on New Year’s Eve. Children travel from house to house singing “kalanda” and offering good wishes. As a reward they are given money and sweets. Also, on New Years Day it’s customary to give money to the children visiting the house (grandchildren, nieces, nephews).




• In Crete, on New Years people would hang in the home a plant (scilla maritime) which was though to bring good luck. The custom is very old but it’s almost abandoned in current times.




• A special tradition takes place on the island of Chios, where ship models are created and carried by the fishermen singing songs.