From the islands of the Dodecanese to the villages of Epirus, from Pelion and the Sporades to Thrace, Macedonia and the Peloponnese, New Year’s Day in Greece is marked by a rich tapestry of customs that reflect centuries of rural life, faith, survival and hope.
The Dodecanese: The first footstep of the year
In villages of Rhodes and Kos, the traditional podariko (first footstep) was once performed by children, who entered homes carrying a stone for stability or smashing a pomegranate at the door to invite abundance. In return, they received the boulistrina—a festive gift of sweets, and rarely money.
On Leros, shepherds still roam the streets on New Year’s Eve playing bagpipes (tsabounes), singing carols until morning. Their verses praise the man and woman of the house with poetic imagery, while homeowners are invited to request songs for loved ones who have passed away or live far from home.
On Lipsi, young people perform the podariko carrying icons of saints as soon as the new year begins.
Ikaria: Celebration becomes communion
In Ikaria, the festive period—known as Christogiannoskola—extends from Christmas through Epiphany. On New Year’s Day, entire villages gather to sing traditional carols from house to house. Doors remain open, tables overflow with food, and guests are welcomed with Pramneian wine.
Singing, feasting and storytelling can last for hours in each home, reflecting Ikaria’s deeply communal spirit.
Pelion and the Sporades: Sweet offerings and water rituals
In Pelion, young women offer sweets, seeds and coins to the village fountains, seeking to appease the spirit of water. Traditional treats include hamalia (walnut-filled pastries), loukoumades, galaktites, christopsomo and kourabiedes.
In Skopelos, households prepare for Kleidochronia—the symbolic locking-in of health, love and joy for the year ahead.
Thessaly and Macedonia: Fire, grain and fate
In Elassona, the Vasilopita is made with twelve layers of pastry, symbolising Christ’s apostles. Alongside the coin, straw and holm oak wood are hidden inside, revealing whether the finder’s destiny lies in farming or herding.
In Kozani, Grevena and Chalastra, the vibrant Rogkatsaria revive ancient masquerade traditions. Dancers in animal skins and handmade masks parade through villages before gathering in the square for an explosive celebration with brass bands, drums and dancing.
In Kastoria, the first carnival of the year takes place in Argos Orestiko, where political and social satire takes centre stage.
Thrace: Songs, seeds and shepherd wisdom
In Komotini and Evros, children sing New Year carols (Sourvala) carrying wooden mallets and small sacks. Their rewards were once simple—carobs, almonds, walnuts or the rare citrus fruit.
Food rituals are central: pies hide symbolic items that assign tasks for the coming year, while decorated bread and slow-cooked pork dishes ensure prosperity. Olive leaves tossed into the fire reveal which wishes will come true.
Peloponnese and Western Greece: Strength, purity and protection
In Messinia, families wait for a child to perform the podariko, then ask them to step on iron for strength and health. Wild onions are hung at doors for luck, and pomegranates are smashed at midnight.
In Mani, fried breads shaped like crosses ward off misfortune, while in Arcadia, offerings are left at fountains for the Moirai (Fates).
In Achaia, festive markets known as bonamades fill Patras with gifts and toys, while in Aetolia-Acarnania, families gather for the communal cooking of pork preserves (tsigarida), filling villages with celebration.