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Below are 15 of the most popular Greek New Year customs and traditions: 1. Ta Kalanda (Carol Singing) Children are up and about bright and early to sing the kalanda – Greek carol singing on three specific days over Christmas: Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve and the Eve of Epiphany; (5th January). Christmas in Greece is a magical blend of religious devotion, festive customs, and rich folklore that varies by region but holds universal significance. These traditions are not just festive decor and activities but deeply rooted in Greece’s cultural identity. In Greece though, children receive their Christmas presents on New Year’s Day and not on Christmas Day. The Greek Santa Claus is called Saint (Agios) Vasilis. We celebrate his name day on January 1, so he brings presents on that day. From annoying goblins, the pomegranate smashing, and street singing, all the way to the official blessing of the water, Greek Christmas traditions are a wonderful variety of cultural and religious activities undertaken all around the country during a month-long festive season. Celebrating the New Years Eve and New Years Day holiday season in Greece and as a Greek Orthodox person has many great traditions found in Greece and locally from Greeks living in different parts of the world. Greeks on many Greek islands in Greece hang a pomegranate above the door throughout Christmas. At midnight, on New Year’s Eve, the lights are turned out and the pomegranate is then hurled to the floor, or at the door, where it smashes, spilling out its seeds. Greek Christmas Facts | New Year’s Eve in Greece. Christmas day in Greece is celebrated on the 25 th of December. The date differs from other Orthodox countries that celebrate Christmas in January. New Year’s Eve in Greece is often a bigger celebration than Christmas. That’s the official day of gift exchanging. Christmas and New Year Traditions Around Greece. Fires, songs, disguises, merriment over the festive season, with rituals that span millennia Embrace the magic of the holiday season in Greece. Many old Greek traditions mix with the warmth of the Orthodox faith. Christmas in Greece is more than just a festive time. It is a time for family, faith, and special customs that have been shared for many years. Christmas is a huge holiday in Greece. It's a time of joy, reflection, and celebration, blending religious observance, cultural traditions and the warmth of family and community. Here's everything you need to know about a Greek Christmas (and New Year)! Why is Christmas so important to Greeks? Breaking a pomegranate on New Year’s Day: Just after midnight or on New Year’s Day, Greeks break a pomegranate by throwing it. This act is believed to bring good luck and prosperity for the coming year. Greek Christmas Phrases and Vocabulary. To really get into the Greek Christmas spirit, here are some more seasonal words: Christmas & New Year Tours in Greece 4.5 stars on (7,387 reviews) Anytime December 2024 January 2025 February 2025 March 2025 April 2025 May 2025 June 2025 July 2025 August 2025 September 2025 October 2025 November 2025 View Tours Christmas traditions in Greece. One of the strangest traditions of all is that of “Kalikantzaroi,” which are a type of goblin.. According to ancient myth, the Kalikantzaroi dwell underground but come to the surface during the twelve days of Christmas between December 25th and January 6th. New Year's holidays in Greece are the period from December 24 to January 7: Christmas is celebrated on December 25, New Year on January 1 and Epiphany on January 6. On the morning of each of the holidays, children gather in groups and carol. “Kalanta,” Nikiforos Lytras, 1872. Greek Christmas and New Year’s carols are incredibly diverse and bring some tradition to the holiday season. Credit: Wikimedia Commons/ Public domain. Greece is steeped in fascinating holiday traditions, with its Christmas carols, or kalanda, being some of the most heartwarming seasonal customs. Christmas day in Greece is celebrated on the 25 th of December. The date differs from other Orthodox countries that celebrate Christmas in January. New Year’s Eve in Greece is often a bigger celebration than Christmas. That’s the official day of gift exchanging. Presents are brought on New Year’s day by Saint Basil, rather than Saint The Momogeroi Greek New Year custom. The main ritual has three protagonists and twelve dancers. The three protagonists include: a man made up to appear elderly; Kiti Gotsa, who represents the year about to pass; a bride, who represents nature and its rebirth, fertility, longevity and good health; and in the Greek tradition a man dressed in black, who symbolizes the new year. Kali Protohronia just like Kala Hristouyenna is supposed to be used after Christmas and before New Year’s Day. It basically means “have a good new year’s day”. When the New Year has arrived and it is officially New Year’s day, Greeks say Καλή Χρονιά. Kali Hronia is a greeting that you hear everywhere around you in Greece Like these Greek Lessons !!! Check out the official app Looking to learn Greek? ️Lonely Planet Greek Phrasebook & Dictionary The most beautiful time of the year for many has finally arrived, Christmas. The atmosphere is festive, the mood rises, and all people want to be close to their loved ones. If you have Greek family
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