Celebrating the New Year of 2023
27 december 2022

Celebrating the New Year of 2023

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New Year’s in Cyprus, is usually observed in a pretty traditional manner. It is the time when people gather, exchange gifts, sing together and feast!

Ayios Vasilis (Santa Claus) comes by each house on New Year’s Eve, and leaves all the presents under the Christmas tree. It is said that when Ayios Vasilis visits the houses, he tastes a homemade pie that is named “Vasilopita” accompanied with a glass of wine. As is commonly known, this day is to honor Saint Vasilis. The Vasilopita, which contains a coin for the year’s lucky person, is kneaded by each family. Vasilopita in the cities is sweet, but in the villages, it is a huge round sesame bread. On New Year’s Day at the family table, the pie is sliced by the host, and each person receives a piece. The lucky person of the year is whoever discovers the coin and he must keep the coin in his pocket during the year.

A basket, wine, a comb for Santa Claus to comb his beard, an olive branch, and the host’s pocket are set on the table the night before New Year’s Eve in many communities since it is thought that Saint Vasilis will visit, dine, and bless them. Additionally, during this night, different grain fruits are frequently sprinkled on a dish until they germinate. These fruits are planted in the fields alongside other grain crops on the Saint Anthony feast (17 January).

The person who will enter the house first on New Year’s (“podarikon”) must do so with his right foot, and this is a highly anticipated event throughout Cyprus. The homeowner then provides him with honey or a treat to eat as well as “pulustrinan” (a coin). The first day of the new year is always celebrated with splendor in all corners of Cyprus, bringing a note of hope and optimism.

Both New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, the entire family gathers at a member’s house. Of course, good food is a must, with pork being the “king” of the table. After the meal, everyone enjoys a round of table games, where they laugh their heart out. This tradition lasts until the early morning hours. Fireworks, and parties are going on in every corner of the island. The entire sky of Cyprus is illuminated by thousands of fireworks, creating a stunning scene with brilliant lights everywhere, leaving everyone undoubtedly in awe of this.

Of course, on New Year’s Eve people countdown the last few moments before the New Year is here, while most recognized and notable musicians, performers, actors, TV hosts, and celebrities do the same on TV.

The charming island of Cyprus, has several distinctive New Year’s celebration customs. It goes without saying that New Year’s in Cyprus is certainly unique with celebrating crowds and pleasing aromas of Cyprus’ traditional food.

New Year’s Events in Cyprus

  • Larnaca and Nicosia Faryland with lots of fun games to enjoy. It is welcoming people until the 8th of January.
  • New Year’s Concert by the Greek singer Giorgos Sampanis at the Pavillion Hall on the 1st of January.
  • Concert by the Greek singers Thodoris Ferris & Nivo at the Pavillion Hall on the 29th of December.
  • Closing Party at Ayia Napa Marina with music and entertainment on the 30th of December.