⭐️Wishing You an Abundant New Year Ahead! Our Wishes for 2026 and This Year's Roundup of Festivities

👋 Hey there expats,

We want to take a moment to wish you a Happy New Year and Καλή Χρόνια! On behalf of My Greek Expat Journey, we are wishing you a fantastic 2026, a year full of blessings, good luck and new adventures! 🚀🎉 Whether you’re a reader, customer or follower, we are sincerely grateful for supporting our community and for subscribing to our newsletter.

As usual, we will be sharing with you our weekly roundup, but with a slight twist – this is a special edition featuring New Year traditions, customs and festivities in Greece. Keep reading for some special fun facts 🤗

Did you know? Hidden mysteries behind the New Year’s traditional Vasilopita cake 🎂

While the Vasilopita is most famous for the hidden coin, the tradition is deeply rooted in Greek hospitality and charity. The cake isn't just a family dessert; it is a symbol of hope and community. In Greece, the "cutting of the pita" actually lasts all through January!

Local businesses, sports clubs, and even government offices hold their own ceremonies throughout the month to wish their members a successful year. It is one of the few traditions that perfectly blends religious history, ancient folklore, and modern-day social gathering. Here are some more fun facts about the traditional Vasilopita cake.

• The "Flouri" Mystery: In the past, families would often use a real gold sovereign (lira). Today, most people use a simple coin wrapped in foil, but the "prize" for the winner is often a separate gift or a small sum of money to start their year with a "full pocket."

• The Greek Santa: Unlike many Western cultures where St. Nicholas brings gifts on December 25th, in Greece, the gift-bearer is Agios Vasileios (Saint Basil). Children traditionally wait until New Year’s Day to receive their presents in honor of his feast day.

• Sacred Slices: If the coin is found in the slices dedicated to Christ, the Virgin Mary, or Saint Basil, the coin is typically placed in the family’s icon corner to bring a blessing to the entire household.

• Symbolic Ingredients: The sweet taste of the bread is meant to symbolize the "sweetness of life" and the hope that the upcoming 12 months will be free of bitterness.

• Regional Twists: While most know the sweet cake version, in some parts of Northern Greece (like Epirus or Macedonia), families make a savory version of Vasilopita using meat or cheese!

Read more about the Greek custom of cutting Vasilopita here.

In the news

🎇Greece Welcomes 2026 with Dazzling Fireworks and Festivities in Athens — At the stroke of midnight, a stunning firework display erupted over the city center, reflecting off the grand architecture of the surrounding Parliament buildings. Read here.

💫 The Greek New Year Rituals That Promise Luck All Year Around – From smashing a pomegranate to stepping inside with the right foot, Greek New Year traditions reflect a timeless belief: how the year begins can shape everything that follows. Read here.

Historical nuggets

🏛️ The Greek City of Rome Before the Romans – Read here.

🏺Saint Basil: A Towering Figure in Greek History – Read here.

That's it for this week's newsletter! As always, feel free to reach out with any questions, suggestions, or if you'd like to be featured.

Wishing you a fantastic week ahead filled with Greek adventures and memorable experiences.

Καλή Χρόνια!

The “My Greek Expat Journey” Team

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