Follow Greece Investment Immigration and Life in Greece: The Christmas boat decoration in Greece. The Italian Christmas blends modern traditions with customs inherited from Roman ancestors to celebrate Natale (Italian for Christmas). It is possible that the advent of Christmas originated from the pagan celebrations of the ancient Roman Saturnalia, and their holiday season lasts from this day until the Epiphany. Food, religious ceremonies, Christmas decorations, and gift-giving are the main focus. In some regions, gifts are delivered by La Befana (a legendary old woman who brings gifts to children in Italy) on the Epiphany, while in other regions, they are delivered by the Baby Jesus on Christmas Day or Christmas Eve. In recent years, their roles have been gradually replaced by Babbo Natale—a figure resembling Santa Claus.
In Greece, although trees have to be imported, the boat is the traditional symbol of Christmas.
New Year's Eve
After Christmas, children immediately look forward to the New Year because Saint Basil will distribute gifts. In Greece, it is a custom to exchange gifts on New Year's Eve. Saint Basil, the Greek Santa Claus, is responsible for distributing the gifts.
The celebration of New Year's Eve is similar to Christmas. People gather for a family feast; the only difference is that they eat roasted pork and lamb on New Year's Eve. On this night, children also sing, but this time they sing New Year's carols. When the clock strikes 12, people turn off the lights and go outdoors to set off fireworks. In rural areas or outside the city, the sound from ships in the harbor is very pleasant, especially at the Port of Piraeus, where all docked ships sound their horns simultaneously as fireworks bloom over the city of Athens.
According to custom, on New Year's Day, the head of the household, usually a man, will walk outside the door and break a pomegranate for good luck, then cut the "Vasilopita" cake. People place a coin inside, and whoever gets the slice with the coin will have good luck in the coming year.
The first celebration of the Epiphany takes place on the eve of the festival at the church. Afterward, the priest visits every home carrying a cross and basil branches. Upon arriving at each house, he uses the branches to pray for the head of the household.
A grand celebration is held on January 6. A procession heads toward the water—the sea, a river, or a pool. After the celebration concludes, the priest throws a cross into the water to offer a blessing. Then, brave young men dive into the water to retrieve the cross. Whoever retrieves the cross will be blessed with happiness and health throughout the year.
If you visit Greece during the Christmas season, you will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of celebrations. In major Greek cities, such as Athens, Thessaloniki, Patras, and Heraklion, the government organizes concerts, firework displays, theater performances, and other cultural activities. Christmas in Athens is the most festive time of the year. The largest Christmas tree in Europe is located at Syntagma Square, where elves sell candy and children participate in various activities. Christmas in Greece is filled with limitless joy.