More Christmas Customs from Greece: Epiphany

Top Ten Winter Destinations in Greece (Part II)

Elatochori Pierias

With a variety of valleys and plateaus and diversity of vegetation Elatochori stands out in beauty. Just 8 km from Elatochori is the ski center! The area offers visitors skiing, mountain recreation opportunities and acquaintance with rare flora journeys of unique beauty and views. Do not forget to visit the waterfall Nikola with waters falling from 10 metres.

Kalavryta

Kalavryta are located in mountainous Achaia and are one of the most popular winter destinations. In Kalavryta most shops are in the main pedestrian street. There is also the central square with its cafes and grill restaurants which literally make your mouth water! You can enjoy leisurely walks in the cool of the trees, go skiing, hike in the canyon Vouraikos or take the cog railway which travels through sights of unique beauty. You can also go cycling to the monasteries of Agia Lavra and explore the Great Cave!

Arachova

Arachova is undoubtedly the most popular winter destination! Just 160 miles from Athens is sure to win you at first sight with its cosmopolitan air! The ski inn, cafes, bars and restaurants with local specialties make each guest not want to leave! Arachova bursts with countless visitors so be prepared for crowds and exciting nightlife!

Lake Plastiras

The Plastiras Lake is one of the few cases where human intervention has led to a striking effect! 25km from Karditsa stretches a landscape surrounded by tall mountains so alive and so different! It is an earthly paradise since it provides the opportunity for rest, relaxation, hiking, fishing and a walk. Do not forget to try the local delicacies such as the famous sausages, various pies and batzina accompanied by local wine or raki.

Zagoria

Zagoria is a 'family' of 46 villages in Ioannina. Each village has unique elements that make it stand out and win anyone visiting! Some win with unrivaled views, others being located in the heart of the forest and others with the nightlife they offer! The possibilities of excursions and activities are unlimited in Zagoria: hiking, horseback riding, climbing, mountaineering, rafting, kayaking and mountain biking. Taste traditional pies, village meat and accompany your meal with local wine!

Aristomenis, Vassilis, Periklis, Nikos

Christmas in Greece

Christmas (Χριστούγεννα), the Feast of the Nativity of Christ is one of the most joyful days of the Greek Orthodox Church. Traditionally, the Christmas holiday period in Greece lasts 12 days, until January 6, which marks the celebration of the Feast of the Holy Theophany (Epiphany). There are many customs associated with the Christmas holidays, some of which are relatively recent, “imported” from other parts of the world (like eating turkey on Christmas day and decorating the Christmas tree). In the past, Greeks decorated small Christmas boats in honour of St. Nicholas and today, they are increasingly choosing to decorate boats, instead of trees, reviving this age-old Christmas tradition.

Carols 

The singing of Christmas carols (Κάλαντα / Kalanda) is a custom preserved in its entirety to this day. On Christmas and New Year Eve, children go from house to house in groups singing the carols, accompanied usually by the sounds of the musical instrument "triangle," but also by guitars, accordions, lyres and harmonicas. Until some time ago, children were rewarded with pastries but nowadays they are usually given money.

Christmas Elves

Greece’s hobgoblins are called "καλικάντζαροι / kallikántzari”, friendly but troublesome little creatures which look like elves. Kallikantzari live deep down inside the earth and come to surface only during the 12-day period from Christmas until Epiphany. While on the earth’s surface, they love to hide in houses, slipping down chimneys and frightening people. Throughout Greece, there are various customs and rituals performed to keep hobgoblins away. Kallikantzari disappear on the day of Epiphany when all waters are blessed, and they return to the earth’s core.

Sweets & Treats

Traditional delights symbolize good luck in the New Year and adorn the white-clothed tables. "Μελομακάρονα / Melomakarona (honey cookies) and "κουραμπιέδες /kourabiedes" (sugar cookies with almonds) are the most characteristic and they mark the beginning of Christmas festivity. Another traditional custom that dates back to the Byzantine times is the slicing of Vassilopita (St.Basil’s pie or New Year’s Cake). The person who finds the hidden coin in his slice of the cake is considered to be lucky for the rest of the year. St Basil (Agios Vassiis) also brings the presents to children on New Year ’s Day.

Kostas Kokkaliaris

A Postcard from Veria

Top Ten Winter Destinations in Greece (Part I)

Nafpaktia

Nafpaktia is known for its wild gorges, tall and proud mountains, rivers and barren territory. The entire region is associated with physical paths ideal for climbs, hiking excursions and explorations. The river Evinos with its incomparable beauty is ideal for rafting and kayaking.

Karpenissi

Karpenissi is one of the most popular winter destinations. It offers tranquility and relaxation, action and adventure while its picturesque villages, spectacular nature, ski resort, accommodation high standards, amazing food and nightlife leaves no one untouched. Seize the opportunity to go hiking, rafting, canoeing, trekking and visiting the gorges, lakes, monasteries and bridges in the area. 

Trikala Corinth

Trikala Corinth are just 1.30 hours from Athens with landscapes that resemble Switzerland! Snowy fir trees, lakes, trails, ski slopes compose the picture of an ideal winter destination! They consist of three neighborhoods, the Lower, Middle and Upper Trikala!

In Kato Trikala is the church of St. Demetrius and two square plane trees worth seeing. The Middle and Upper Trikala have a wide variety of accommodation! The Middle neighborhood has the most taverns! The Upper district with an altitude of 1,100 faces the Corinthian bay! The stone houses, fountains with cold water, the mountain with fir trees that adorn the entire Corinthia win even the most demanding guest! 

Pelion

Pelion is one of the most popular winter destinations in Greece! The ancient land of Centaurs has 24 villages with houses of unique beauty. Its rich natural environment, overlooking the bay Pagassitikos, a combination of sea and mountain and ski center make your stay memorable! 

Metsovo

Metsovo with traditional stone houses, cobbled streets and the hospitable inhabitants attracts thousands of visitors every winter! It is located on the slopes of Pindos between Ioannina and Meteora .

Visit the tourist shops, the restored mansion Tositsa, one of the most beautiful mansions of Epirus, the artificial lake where you can fish trout and Monastery Voutsa. Of course you should not miss the traditional sausages and cheese.  

to be continued...

The Polytechnic Uprising Anniversary

The Polytechnic School Uprising in 1973 was a mass demonstration against the dictatorship of colonels. The uprising began in 14th November 1973 when the Athenian Polytechnic School was occupied by students and the revolt escalated in a kind of anti-dictatorship revolution and ended up with bloodshed in the morning of 17th November.

On the 17th November our school organized a celebration in the commemoration of the polytechnic’s uprising anniversary. Our two literature teachers and our schoolmates organized an event in order to honor the demonstrators and the victims. The event included poems and songs performed by the students and also photos and videos about the uprising. The organizers achieved to move us and teach us that freedom is one of the most important human rights which can only be acquired with willingness, determination and teamwork.

Maria