New Year's Day in Greece: Πρωτοχρονιά (Protochroniá)

History & Traditions:

In Greece, New Year's Day, also known as St. Basil's Day, is a fusion of traditional religious celebrations and modern festivities. It marks the beginning of the year according to the Gregorian calendar and honors Saint Basil the Great, one of the forefathers of the Greek Orthodox Church.

• Vasilopita: One of the most cherished traditions is cutting the Vasilopita, a special sweet bread or cake baked with a hidden coin inside. The person who receives the piece with the coin is said to have good luck for the year ahead.
• Kalanda: Similar to caroling, children sing New Year’s carols (kalanda) on New Year’s Eve, wishing health and prosperity for each household.
• Card Games: It is common for friends and family to gather and play card games on New Year’s Eve, with an emphasis on gambling games, as it is believed that winning can bring good fortune for the year.

What People Do:

• Family Gatherings: Many Greeks spend time with family and friends at home or attend parties.
• Gift Exchange: Gifts are often exchanged on this day rather than Christmas Day as Saint Basil is known for his kindness and generosity towards children.
• Religious Services: There are also religious services held in churches to celebrate St. Basil’s Feast Day.
• First-Foot Tradition (Podariko): There's a belief that having a lucky person be the first to enter your home after midnight will bring good fortune.

New Year's Day in Greece symbolizes not just a change in calendar but also reflects cultural customs rooted in both Christianity and ancient practices associated with luck and prosperity.