New Year's Day Description
Celebrated as the Feast of Saint Basil (Agios Vasilios) in Greek Orthodox tradition, combining the secular New Year with a major religious feast. On New Year's Eve, children go door to door singing kalanda (carols) and receive coins. Families cut Vasilopita, a special cake with a hidden coin said to bring luck to its finder for the year. Government offices, banks, and most businesses close. Fireworks displays light up major squares in Athens, Thessaloniki, and across the islands, and many gather in homes for festive meals featuring roast pork and traditional sweets.
