Crete tourist guide

Protohronia - New Year's Eve and New Year in Greece

2018-12-30 20:54:58

In many respects, the New Year's Eve is celebrated in a similar way as in other parts of Europe, though rather less pompously than in Poland. But there are also a lot of differences and regional interesting customs.

On the last day of the year, the carolers are walking around the houses and singing songs to welcome the New Year. In exchange, they are given small gifts and sweets. The morning hours of the last day of the year are also the time when crowds meet in taverns and cafes and make wishes. Generally, the joyful atmosphere "hangs" in the air. Interestingly, December 31 in Greece you can legally play gambling games, which are generally prohibited. That day, most people, especially from older generations, play cards passionately and en masse.

New Year's Eve in Greece is a family holiday, so you spend it with your loved ones at a shared home dinner. The menu includes moussaka , spanakopita , dolmadakia , grilled lamb, kourabiedes cookies and vasilopita cake. Young people, however, often choose a more contemporary form of welcoming the New Year, especially if they live in larger cities. Recently, urban fun is organized on the largest urban squares. Accompanied by live music, fireworks, countdown before midnight, that is all that is also known in this type of mass events.

The New Year is greeted with champagne or just a good wine. The most recognizable and expected element of the evening supper is the vasilopita cake served in the first minutes of the New Year. The housekeeper cuts the dough into pieces and distributes them to the household members, respecting the seniority rules. The dough contains a coin ( Φλουρί ). Receipt of a piece containing a coin can be read as a sign of prosperity and happiness in the coming year.

After midnight, in Greek houses, everyone also expects visits to Agios Vassilis, which is the equivalent of "our" Saint. Nicholas. Then usually also the light switches off for a few seconds. His re-ignition symbolizes a new beginning. If New Year's Eve is celebrated outside the home, then the Greeks are trying to cross the threshold with their right foot, which will bring happiness to the home.

In case any of you were invited to a New Year's party in a Greek house, it will be a good idea to buy a gift for the hosts, eg a bottle of better wine or champagne. It is also a good idea to bring food with you (in larger quantities the better), although it is good to agree with the hosts of the party in this matter.

However, if you want to celebrate this day in a bar or restaurant, it is worth noting that on New Year's night prices are usually much higher than normal.

On New Year's Greeks go to the church equipped with grenades. Of course, we mean the fruits: D, which are one of the New Year's symbols. When the faithful return home after church ceremonies, it is important to smash the grenade against the floor before crossing the threshold. If grains splatter out in all directions, it is read as a good sign for the new year started.

Gosia i Piotrek,  2018-12-30 20:54:58

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