Celebrating New Year at the Greek Island of Rhodes

Celebrating New Year at the Greek Island of Rhodes.......
Every year January 1st is celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm in Rhodes Island. People of Rhodes wait for this day as it is not only Protohronia (New Year) for them but also the day of St. Basil. Children of all ages are keen to get gifts from Saint Basil. Rhodes Island carries its own meaning of New Year and many different traditions and celebrations are associated with it.

Celebrating New Year in Rhodes provides the chance to reveal the culture and traditions of this place. All over the island, different celebrations and firework shows are arranged. In order to make your Rhodes Holidays special during New Year, the preparations for this mega event starts in advance.


Vasilis:

When it comes to Rhodes Island, there is always something interesting every year. Here you can enjoy fabulous moments and make outstanding memories of your Rhodes Holidays. People greets the fresh year with utmost delight. According to a tradition, any boy or girl named Vasilis receives gifts and wishes. Churches and monasteries named after Vasilis plan special celebrations.

New Year's Eve Cake - Vassilopita:

Also referred to as the Feast of Saint Basil, cutting New Year's Eve Cake is one of the oldest traditions in Rhodes Island, Greece. A coin is placed inside the cake. The head of the house cuts the cake and gives slices to all members of the family. Whoever gets the slice having coin is believed to have a lucky year. So do not forget to cut the New Year's Eve Cake with your family during Rhodes Holidays.

Gambling:

Greeks believe that lots of good fortune is associated with New Year. Therefore, people consider it lucky to gamble. No matter they win or lose, they keep on gambling all day long. Following the tradition, they gather around a table covered with green felt and play cards on it. Card playing and rolling the dice have become more like a custom in Rhodes.

Filling of vessel:

As a part of ancient New Year traditions in Rhodes, people empty a vessel of water and then fill it with fresh water.

Parties and other celebrations:

In order to greet the New Year, many hotels and restaurants arrange special New Year parties. Similarly, celebrations take place in bars and cafes. Special gala evenings and musical nights are arranged. These parties start at mid night and last till the morning.

New Year Carols:

New Year carols are a must in Rhodes. Kids visit houses in their neighborhood while singing Kalanda and greeting them with New Year wishes. The home owners give small gifts or money to those kids.

Greetings and Gifts:

New Year gifts play a vital role in New Year celebrations. People use to greet their dear ones and exchange gifts with them. There are a number of New Year eve songs, which people sing and dedicate to their near and dear ones on this occasion.

Rhodes Holidays promises great enjoyment opportunities especially during New Year. No matter you are coming with your friends, family, and partner or alone; this beautiful Island will meet all your holiday desires and make it a wonderful New Year for you.

Rhodes Island, Greece is one of the top tourist destinations. There are many popular Hotels in Rhodes that provide great facilities to make you enjoy the best time during Rhodes Holidays.



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