New Year's Day, also known as Protochronia, is widely celebrated in Greece as it marks the first day of the New Year. While the revelries in Greece are much like the rest of the world with fireworks and parties that go on till the early morning hours of January 1st, the country also maintains a myriad of traditional customs and superstitions that are brought to life. The major urban centers such as Athens and Thessaloniki will see grand public firework displays, while smaller towns and islands celebrate with local traditions, festive foods, and music.
One of the prominent New Year's Day tradition in Greece involves the 'Vasilopita', a special cake which is baked in honor of Saint Basil, who is regarded as the Greek equivalent of Santa Claus. This cake is cut at midnight and it is believed to bring good luck for the New Year to its recipient. The cake often contains a hidden coin or trinket, and the person who finds it is said to have luck for the rest of the year. Another important custom is the 'First Footing', where it is believed the first person to enter a home after midnight will bring good or bad luck for the upcoming year depending on their character.
Greek children look forward to New Year's Day because it's the day they receive their Christmas presents. The presents are not delivered by Santa Claus but by Saint Basil. Additionally, January 1 is not only the beginning of the New Year but also Saint Basil's Day. A common tradition on Saint Basil's Day pertains to waterside areas, where a cross is thrown into the sea, rivers or lakes and young men dive to retrieve it for good fortune. The significance of these unique traditions makes New Year's Day in Greece a rich cultural event distinguished by a blend of jubilation and deep-rooted custom.