Vasilopita – The Story Behind the Greek New Year’s Cake
The Vasilopita takes its name from Saint Basil (Vassilios) of Caesarea, whose name day is celebrated on the first of January; New Year’s Day. Legend has it that Saint Basil (330...
Category: Greek Customs traditions & celebrations
Karavaki – The Greek Christmas Boat
The practice of decorating sailing boats with Christmas lights, a fabulous Greek Christmas tradition is making a comeback. More often than not these Christmas boats are seen on the islands, where the habit originated...
The Pomegranate – Origins – Myths and Symbolism
The pomegranate, a rosy-hued fruit, bursting with plentiful, ruby-red, jewel-like seeds, are the oldest cultivated fruit, dating back to 3000 B.C. They first appeared in Persia, before spreading to India, North Africa,...
Greek Independence Day – 25 March – History and Traditions
On the 25th of March (in Greece, a national holiday, established in 1838 with a Royal Decree by King Otto’s government), Greece, along with Greeks all over the world, will be celebrating...
Apokreas – Greek Carnival
I first arrived in Greece, at the beginning of February 1977, the winter season, no tourists and not much happening. I spent about ten days here before making a quick trip back...
Epiphany in Greece – Theophania – Ton Foton – 6 January
It’s the sixth of January and Christmas has officially come to an end and it is Epiphany; called “Ton Foton” in Greece: “The Festival of Lights” This Feast Day is known as...
Kalanda – Greek Carol Singing
The history of Carol Singing Singing Christmas carols is said to have its origins in ancient Greece. Commencing on the first day of the twelve days of Dionysus, the origins of today’s...
Recipes For Five Traditional Greek Christmas Sweets
Christmas in Greece, as anywhere else in the world, involves large quantities of food. In any Greek home over the Christmas season, kourabides, melomakarona and dipples, can be found piled high on...
Kallikantzaroi – Greek Christmas Goblins
Many of the same customs and traditions as well as folklore are practiced and believed all over the World no matter where they originated. Through the years the stories have been tweaked...
The Battle of the Greek Baptism
You wouldn’t believe the battles which occur in Greek families when choosing a child’s name, there have been stories of fisticuffs, even stabbings, and pistols at dawn! Choose may not be the...
