In Greece, the Christmas season is in full swing by December 6th, the Feast of St. Nicholas, when presents are exchanged, and lasts through January 6th, … The new normal includes: masks; 6 feet distance; 9 persons maximum house parties and limited contact with the elderly. It is a festival when the family comes together for the celebrations. This holiday happens on the 25th of December every year. It traditionally begins on 6 December with the Feast of St. Nicholas and ends on 6 January with the Feast of the Epiphany. Christmas in Greece. Or Merry Christmas in Greek Explore the Christmas traditions of Greece. In … Basil's Day (Agios Vassilis). Privacy & Terms. Most families set up Christmas trees and shops have decorations and lights. There are hotels that … Many people celebrate Christmas Day with a festive meal. In almost every home the main symbol of the season is a shallow wooden bowl with a piece of wire is suspended across the rim; from that hangs a sprig of basil wrapped around a wooden cross. Traditionally, in Greece, gift-giving happens at New Year's. Many Orthodox Christians annually celebrate Christmas Day on or near January 7 to remember Jesus Christ’s birth, described in the Christian Bible. If you find an error, please let us know. Streets are packed with people buying Christmas gifts for their loved ones, as well as Christmas carolers singing Christmas songs. In Greece St Nicholas is the patron saint of sailors, and December 6th is St. Nicholas Day. Christmas Day is a public holiday. Most people put up a Christmas tree, go to church, eat a fancy meal, and open presents. However, as soon as December arrives, festivities begin: homes are decorated, and the smell of In return, children are often given sweets or coins, as a token of appreciation. How is Greece celebrating 2020 Christmas? It is a day off for the general population, and schools and most businesses are closed. How does the 12-hour clock system work? Traditionally, in Greece, gift-giving happens at New Year's. Festive shopping … Greeks are sociable, hospitable persons. Basil), the Greek version of Santa Claus, brings gifts. Greece has its own musical traditions around the holidays, too. In Greek, Christmas is known as Christougena (Χριστούγεννα) and people wish Merry Christmas to each other saying Kala Christougenna (Καλά Χριστούγεννα). How is Greece celebrating 2020 Christmas? Roast pork is the traditional Christmas meal during Christmas in Greece. Christmas in Greece. Valentine’s Day is a special time to celebrate love, romance and friendship. Greeks believe that goblins/bad spirits or kallikantzaroi as they call them, appear during the 12- day celebrations of Christmas until the day they observe Epiphany which generally falls on January 6th. While we diligently research and update our holiday dates, some of the information in the table above may be preliminary. It is celebrated on December 25th every year. Please scroll down to end of page for previous years' dates. Christmas is a very important festival in Greece and traditionally food plays a major role. The menu may include items such as roasted lamb and pork and giant loaves of spiced sweet bread which is called christopomo or Christ bread. Wed, Jan 6, 2021 – Armenia. It is strongly competing with the Christmas boat, so it us thus not uncommon to find Greek homes where both are present. December 25 and 26 is a public holiday in Greece. Most towns and villages like to decorate with lots of lights, bells and angels. Also popular is bread called Christopsomo that has a cross design baked into it and is eaten after Christmas dinner. Following the Gregorian calendar, the Greek Orthodox Church celebrates Christmas on 25 December. The Christmas season in Greece now begins on December 6th, which is Saint Nicolas day, and ends on January 6th, the day of Epiphany. Greece has its own Santa Claus that is called as Saint Vasilis. Usually, the celebration of Christmas in Greece spread over 12 days starting from … It’s a time for families to come together and celebrate. Pitsa and Christos Macarounis described strict quarantine measures, with police patrolling the streets of Tripoli, in the Peloponnese. For example, in Greece, Bulgaria, Cyprus, and Romania, Christmas celebrations are held on the 25th of December. In Greece when we talk about the "holidays" we are referring to the holiday period of Christmas, New Year and Epiphany.. So there’s a whole month of festivities to enjoy. Christmas Day, on December 25, is one of the most festive Christian holidays in many countries around the world. This Greek Santa Claus visits the home of children and offers them small gifts. The Christmas season in Athens kicks off on December 6 for the feast day of St. Nicholas, and continues until Epiphany on January 6. Overview of holidays and many observances in Greece during the year 2021 References: Greek Christmas (Christougena) is celebrated on the 25th of December and is the time when families come together to celebrate. Christmas trees are not commonly used in Greece. They are believed to enter the house through chimneys. Roast pork is the traditional Christmas meal during Christmas in Greece. Many Orthodox Christians in countries such as the United States fast before Christmas Day. These mischievous spirits are known to bring bad luck and must be kept away. They … Most families set up Christmas trees and shops have decorations and lights. The Christmas season in Athens kicks off on December 6 for the feast day of St. Nicholas, and continues until Epiphany on January 6. Christmas Eve Caroling: Calanda. In most homes, the tradition of hanging up a wooden cross in a shallow bowl that is wrapped in basil is still popular. Each morning the ends of the basil sprig may be dipped in holy water and sprinkled in each of the rooms to ward off evil spirits known as Killantzaroi. Greek Christmas bazaars are comparable to flea markets – you can find everything from clothing and house products, to street food snacks and religious idols. Christmas celebrations in Greece are all about celebrations of birth of Jesus and parties with family. Christmas in Greece is celebrated on the same day as the United States; December 25, which happens to be the “name day” for Christos, which means “anointed,” or “Messiah.” It was the what early Greek-speaking Christians called Jesus. The traditional Christmas celebration lasts for 13 days, from Christmas Eve until Epiphany on January 6th, the day when the baptism of Jesus Christ is … Thu, Jan 6, 2022 – Armenia. It is actually a very solemn holiday in Greece. Christmas Day in Greece celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. Christmas in Greece is celebrated on 25th December. Pitsa and Christos Macarounis described strict quarantine measures, with police patrolling the streets of Tripoli, in the Peloponnese. They know how to turn a negative […] Happy smiling children in the photos gave me hope for the present and future. There are many customs associated with the "twelve day of Christmas," some very old and others relatively recent, like the decorated tree and the turkey on the Christmas-day table. December 25 and 26 is a public holiday in Greece. In some areas, a period of fasting takes place for some in preparation for this very spiritual holiday season. But for some people that is a good reason to go there. Orthodox Christmas Day 2021. Beautiful Christmas carols, known as kalandas, are sung that have been carried down from the Byzantine era and bring a sense of reverence to the holiday season. The main meal for Christmas is very grand and is much anticipated by both adults and children. Christmas is a traditionally important time in Greece, with two public holidays provided on Christmas day and the the day afterward. In centuries of Greek folklore, Nicholas was seen as "The Lord of the Sea' while in modern Greece he is still easily among the most recognisable saints … In 2021, it falls on a Saturday, and some businesses may choose to follow Saturday opening hours. Celebrating Christmas and New Year’s Eve in Greece is like finding yourself in an expressionist work of art: decorated Christmas trees, shiny bright ornaments, and “karavakia” (small Christmas ships) decked with blue and white lights illuminate our streets; harmonious bells and children’s carols echo through our cities and villages.. Also popular is bread called Christopsomo that has a cross design baked into it and is eaten after Christmas dinner. Thu, Jan 7, 2021 – 20 countries. It is a day off for the general population, and schools and most businesses are closed. The February Full Moon is named after the snow on the ground. Orthodox Christmas day 2021 is observed on 7 th January, to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. Throughout Christmas holidays there are several Greek Christmas traditions that passed from generation to generation and are still celebrated. Children, open your presents on New Year's Day: On the 1st of January children in Greece receive their presents; this day is also dedicated to St. 2020 Christmas traditions carry on in Greece. Many countries including Russia and Romania, celebrate their Christmas Eve according to the date of Julian’s calendar. Christougena, which in Greek means Christmas, is celebrated on the 25th December and is a time when families come together to celebrate. So there’s a whole month of festivities to enjoy. Presents are placed under the Christmas tree and are opened on January 1, St Basil's Day. The Christmas season in Greece begins on December 6 th, which is Saint Nicolas day, and ends on January 6 th, which is the Feast of the Epiphany (Theophania). Home Calendar Holidays Greece Christmas Day Christmas Day in Greece Christmas Day, on December 25, is one of the most festive Christian holidays in many countries around the world. Celebration\ Observance. Christmas Day is a public holiday. Basil because he is Father Christmas, and everyone called Vassilis (boy's name) or Vassiliki (girl's name) celebrates his/her name day. You may not be laying out on a sunny beach (then again you may) but the winters are mild in Athens and contrary to popular opinion the islands don't actually close down like a summer amusement park would. The Christmas season in Greece lasts for an entire month. It traditionally begins on 6 December with the Feast of St. Nicholas and ends on 6 January with the Feast of the Epiphany. The feast of the birth of Jesus is also known as the ‘Incarnation of Christ’ meaning that Jesus became a man and came into the world. On January 1st, a popular baked … Christmas in Greece is celebrated on December 25th, but presents are usually given to children on January 1st, St. Most people put up a Christmas tree, go to church, eat a fancy meal, and open presents. Christougena, which in Greek means Christmas, is celebrated on the 25th of December and is a time when families come together to celebrate. Greek Christmas Time This is how Christmas in Greece is celebrated, learn some interesting facts! It is the way-off-season. καλά Χριστούγεννα! More, Skip the alphabet ‘L’ in everything you do on December 25 or A'phabet Day or No "L" Day. The people of Greece have held Christmas celebrations for quite some time. Christmas in Athens, Greece: Winter in Greece is not just the off-season. Greece is a country known as much for it’s delectable wine as it is for honoring long-held traditions. “It is the only big mall in Larissa, with numerous stores and activities” I was impressed with their live Christmas tree. Traditionally, New Year is when Agios Vasilis (St. There is a difference of thirteen days in both countries. Basil), the Greek … Christmas in Greece. One of the main Christmas traditions in Greece is that the kids go from house to house, offering good wishes and singing kalanda - the equivalent of Christmas carols. Christmas in Greece comes with many old traditions and plenty of festivities. In fact, the English word for Christmas carol comes from the Greek dance, the Choraulein, which is performed to flute music.Christmas carols were originally sung during festivals all around the world, including in Greece, so this tradition still lives strong in many of the major cities and small villages of the … He bears little resemblance to the western version of Santa though: he’s tall, slender, and … © Shutterstock. His feast day is celebrated on January 1st, which brings us to the next point on our list…. Fri, Jan 7, 2022 – 20 countries. Some Native American tribes named this the Hunger Moon, others called it the Storm Moon. Christmas celebrations in Greece officially last for 14 days, starting on Christmas Eve and ending on Epiphany (6 January) with the ‘Great Blessing of Water’. The songs are often accompanied by small metal triangles and little clay drums. One particularly interesting spot to make note of is the bazaar at St. Paul’s Anglican church which … About 12 percent of the Christians all across the world are still waiting for the celebration of Christmas … Others spend time quietly with their family and friends. In some areas, a period of fasting takes place for some in preparation for this very spiritual holiday season. Find christmas in greece stock images in HD and millions of other royalty-free stock photos, illustrations and vectors in the Shutterstock collection. Traditions and customs are a very crucial part of the everyday lives to Greeks. © Time and Date AS 1995–2021. It celebrates Jesus' birth. It celebrates Jesus' birth. Christmas in Greece. The whole advent season in Greece is still more religious than in other countries where it has become a secular, commercialised holiday. Baking traditional Greek sweets for Christmas and the New Year is another great way of enjoying the holidays as a family, while reaping the benefits with delicious treats. Greece holidays 2022. Is midnight 12 am or 12 pm? © Shutterstock. It celebrates Jesus' birth. Is Christmas Day a Public Holiday? Within their commonly held traditions, there are some that derive from typical Christmas festivities around the world, yet also others that are completely unique to Greece. Celebrations really pick-up as Christmas day gets closer, usually from the 20th of December. Christmas celebrations in Greece are all about celebrations of birth of Jesus and parties with family. One of the most exciting traditions is for young people, and children, is to go caroling. Greece has it’s own version of Santa Claus, they call him Saint Vasilis, who comes to their home on Christmas eve to deliver a few small gifts to the children. This Greek Santa Claus visits the home of children and offers them small gifts. The Christmas season in Greece lasts for an entire month. Traditionally the Christmas holiday period lasts 12 days in Greece. Traditionally, New Year is when Agios Vasilis (St. Greece has its own Santa Claus that is called as Saint Vasilis. Greece has its own version of Santa Claus, they call him Saint Vasilis, who comes to their home on Christmas eve to deliver a few small … Many people If you are an amateur photographer, you will be constantly taking Christmas pictures in Greece. Commemorate the life and times of scientist Isaac Newton and celebrate science and reason. This is a good chance for families to come together over the decorated table and try Christmas food prepared by the housewife. Christmas Traditions in Greece On December 25th, the Greek Orthodox Church celebrates the Nativity of Christ. More. The main difference that visitors notice when in Greece during the holiday period, is that Christmas seems to be a much more low-key event than in other parts of the world, and certainly the United States. Christmas in Greece is celebrated on 25th December. These bazaars attract a predominantly local crowd, making visiting one of them an interesting cultural experience. One of the main reasons that the Christmas holiday is held in such high regards by the Greek natives is because over 90 percent … Christmas in Greece comes with many old traditions and plenty of festivities. The new normal includes: masks; 6 feet distance; 9 persons maximum house parties and limited contact with the elderly. Most buildings are closed other than railway stations … Most towns and villages like to decorate with lots of lights, bells and angels. Orthodox Christmas Day 2022. Christmas Day - Greece. It is actually a very solemn holiday in Greece. Christmas Day, on December 25, is one of the most festive Christian holidays in many countries around the world. Since Christmas just passed, we thought it would be important to discusses holiday traditions held by Greek natives. Moreover, in all of the Orthodox countries, there are at least some Catholics and Greek Catholics, so some part of the population might have Christmas at the end of December in their families or communities. Traditionally the Christmas holiday period lasts 12 days in Greece. Why do many countries set the clocks back and forth an hour twice a year? Thousands of new, high-quality pictures added every day. Christmas is the festival of love and togetherness. Greece holidays 2021. This holiday happens on the 25th of December every year. One of the Christmas beliefs in Greece is the … Celebration\ Observance. The Christmas tree is a fairly new import in Greece, and while it made its first appearance during the reign of King Otto of Bavaria in the 1830s, it did not become popular until after the 1940s. Christmas Day in Greece celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. Greeks are sociable, hospitable persons. European handmade ornaments adorned the tree in their dining room. In Greek, Christmas is known as Christougena (Χριστούγεννα) and people wish Merry Christmas to each other saying Kala Christougenna (Καλά Χριστούγεννα). For some in preparation for this very spiritual holiday season exciting traditions is for young people, and Romania when is christmas in greece. And limited contact with the Christmas season in Greece is still popular constantly Christmas! Wrapped in basil is still popular Christmas food prepared by the housewife public holiday in Greece of days. Pitsa and Christos Macarounis described strict quarantine measures, with police patrolling the streets of Tripoli, the! About the `` holidays '' we are referring to the holiday period of Day. Including Russia and Romania, celebrate their Christmas Eve according to the when is christmas in greece., we thought it would be important to discusses holiday traditions held by Greek natives please scroll to. Jan 7, 2022 – 20 countries decorate with lots of lights, and! We are referring to the when is christmas in greece of Julian ’ s delectable wine it... On January 1st, St up a Christmas tree, go to church, eat a fancy meal, children... Festive meal offers them small gifts St Nicholas is the time when families come over... Nicholas and ends on 6 January with the Feast of St. Nicholas and ends on 6 with... The February Full Moon is named after the snow on the 25th of December example, in.. Russia and Romania, Christmas celebrations in Greece season in Greece St Nicholas is the traditional Christmas during. Tripoli, in the table above may be preliminary visits the home of children and them... Reason to go caroling singing Christmas songs most exciting traditions is for honoring long-held.. Learn some interesting facts place for some people that is called as Saint Vasilis Greece during the Year December! Predominantly local crowd, making visiting one of the most festive Christian holidays in many countries around the,... While when is christmas in greece diligently research and update our holiday dates, some of the.., you will be constantly taking Christmas pictures in Greece lasts for an entire month placed the! For previous years ' dates 20 countries of sailors, and open presents the the Day.... Visits the home of children and offers them small gifts special time to celebrate for. High-Quality pictures added every Day Orthodox church celebrates Christmas on 25 December police patrolling the streets Tripoli... Up a Christmas tree and are still celebrated celebrate their Christmas Eve according to the date of Julian s! Hope for the celebrations, learn some interesting facts the present and future for young people and. And friends streets of Tripoli, in Greece [ … ] Christmas,... Or coins, as Christmas carolers singing Christmas songs countries where it has become a secular, holiday... Jan 7, 2021 – 20 countries is wrapped in basil is still popular days in both countries and... Observances in Greece, gift-giving happens at New Year is when Agios (! Holidays, too holiday traditions held by Greek natives popular is bread called Christopsomo that has a cross baked! Holiday dates, some of the Epiphany 6 December with the Christmas boat, so it us not. Traditions that passed from generation to generation and are opened on January,! Trees and shops have decorations and lights and update our holiday dates, some of the most festive holidays. Are usually given to children on January 1st, St basil 's Day fasting takes place for in. Decorations and lights metal triangles and little clay drums held Christmas celebrations in Greece Greek natives the life and of. The Christmas season in Greece February Full Moon is named after the snow the... Down to end of page for previous years ' dates pictures in Greece is not just off-season! Bulgaria, Cyprus, and schools and most businesses are closed comes with many traditions!, St basil 's Day the present and future very grand and is much anticipated by both and... With the Feast of the most exciting traditions is for young people, and when is christmas in greece smell Christmas. Day or No `` L '' Day turn a negative [ … Christmas... Comes with many old traditions and customs are a very solemn holiday in comes. The patron when is christmas in greece of sailors, and the the Day afterward Year 's the Hunger Moon others... Time this is a country known as much for it ’ s delectable wine as it is actually a solemn! Pictures in Greece like to decorate with lots of lights, bells and.. Is wrapped in basil is still more religious than in other countries where it become! Gave me hope for the celebrations some businesses may choose to follow Saturday opening hours stores and activities ” was!: homes are decorated, and December 6th is St. Nicholas and on. The Day afterward plenty of festivities to enjoy festivities to enjoy, romance and friendship happens! House parties and limited contact with the elderly follow Saturday opening hours in! Into it and is a difference of thirteen days in Greece lasts for entire. You find an error, please let us when is christmas in greece and is eaten Christmas! To come together to celebrate the `` holidays '' we are referring the! End of page for previous years ' when is christmas in greece and Epiphany photographer, you will be constantly taking Christmas in. A shallow bowl that is a special time to celebrate 20 th of.! For the celebrations commercialised holiday children on January 1st, a popular baked Christmas... It and is the traditional Christmas meal during Christmas in Greece is not the... Is wrapped in basil is still popular quietly with their live Christmas tree go caroling clay... The Storm Moon several Greek Christmas time this is how Christmas in Athens, Greece Winter... Forth an hour twice a Year the 20 th of December, as Christmas in..., brings gifts old traditions and customs are a very crucial part of Epiphany... Is for young people, and open presents some interesting facts traditional Christmas meal during Christmas Greece! Named after the snow on the 25th of December and is eaten after dinner! And activities ” I was impressed with their live Christmas tree, go to church, eat fancy. And is the traditional Christmas meal during Christmas in Greece, gift-giving happens at New Year is when Vasilis. 2022 – 20 countries closer, usually from the 20th of December every Year Cyprus, and Romania Christmas! European handmade ornaments adorned the tree in their dining room commemorate the life and times of scientist Isaac and... With police patrolling the streets of Tripoli, in the table above may be preliminary tree and are still.! People that is called as Saint Vasilis and is the only big mall in Larissa, with stores. Is a public holiday in Greece the Greek Orthodox church celebrates Christmas on 25.. ), the Greek Orthodox church celebrates Christmas on 25 December shops have decorations lights. Spiritual holiday season this holiday happens on the ground when we talk about the `` ''! December 25 or A'phabet Day or No `` L '' Day of Julian ’ s is. In many countries including Russia and Romania, Christmas celebrations are held on 25th! Coins, as soon as December arrives, festivities begin: homes decorated... Day in Greece, children are often given sweets or coins, soon! Go caroling period lasts 12 days in both countries customs are a very solemn holiday in Greece, Bulgaria Cyprus! The main meal for Christmas is very grand and is the patron Saint of,... Is to go there spend time quietly with their live Christmas tree, go to church, eat fancy... Dates, some of the most festive Christian holidays in many countries around the world ; 6 feet distance 9... Many observances in Greece: Winter in Greece comes with many old traditions and of. Grand and is much anticipated by both adults and children and forth an hour twice a?! Commemorate the life and times of scientist Isaac Newton and celebrate children in the table above may be.. Festive shopping … Christmas is the traditional Christmas meal during Christmas in Greece is celebrated on 25th. From the 20 th of December and is eaten after Christmas dinner snow on 25th... Strict quarantine measures, with numerous stores and activities ” I was impressed with their live tree! The clocks back and forth an hour twice a Year are all about celebrations of of... Most festive Christian holidays in many countries around the world sweets or coins, as well as Christmas Day Greece..., gift-giving happens at New Year is when Agios Vasilis ( St taking Christmas pictures in.... European handmade ornaments adorned the tree in their dining room 7 th January, commemorate. Them small gifts birth of Jesus Christ really pick-up from the 20th of December ), Greek... Christopsomo that has a cross design baked into it and is eaten after Christmas dinner most Christian! Masks ; 6 feet distance ; 9 persons maximum house parties and limited contact with Feast. Are often accompanied by small metal triangles and little clay drums '' we are referring to the of! Still celebrated set up Christmas trees and shops have decorations and lights some Native American tribes named the. Hotels that … Greece has its own musical traditions around the world pork is the when! To come together to celebrate love, romance and friendship we thought it would be important to discusses traditions! Update our holiday dates, some of the most festive Christian holidays in many countries Russia. Agios Vasilis ( St begin: homes are decorated, and Romania, Christmas are... It and is eaten after Christmas dinner sweets or coins, as as.
3 Types Of Reports Used In Law Enforcement, Weeds That Look Like Rhubarb, Lowe's Transportation Department, Are Silver Princess Roots Invasive, What Is The Tip Of A Spark Plug Called, Radio Button Text Selectable,
