XpatAthens

Thursday, 07 May 2015 20:26

ParkAround: The Innovative Solution To The Problem Of Parking In Athens

It’s a nightmare… for drivers in many areas. Finding parking in Athens is a difficult feat. However, things can become are lot easier with ParkAround. An innovative Greek Startup that gives you real time information about the availability and prices of car parks in the area you’re interested in. In fact, if you book a spot through ParkAround, you get major discounts. One of it’s Co-Founders, John Katsiotis, speaks to HuffPost Greece.

Finding parking is one of the biggest problems for drivers in Athens. How does your innovative app solve this issue?
Through ParkAround, drivers are able to book a parking spot in the nearest and cheapest car park in the area they want and to have total control of the price because they know beforehand the exact amount, which in many cases is reduced up to 80% through our exclusive discounts. In fact, 30% percent of traffic in the city is caused by drivers looking for parking. With ParkAround, drivers know in advance where they are going to park which means that they save valuable time for themselves but also for the other drivers moving around in the city.

How does ParkAround work?

ParkAround is available for web users as well as for iPhone and Android Smartphones. The driver fills in the address or the place (eg. restaurant, cinema etc) he would like to park and the app displays all the available car parks with information such as cost, distance, opening hours etc. Finally, the driver is able make a booking through the app and therefore guarantees exclusive discounts as well as a parking spot. ParkAround then informs the car park immediately so that when the driver arrives at the car park there’s a spot waiting for him!

Based on the information you have, do you think that the price of parking in the capital is high or low? And with that I mean, the initial pricing, independent of the discounts that you offer. I ask this because a lot of drivers think that the cost is quite high, especially for daily use.

The cost of parking is directly correlated with the area. What this means is that, in areas such as Syntagma and Kolonaki parking costs around15 euros for 3 hours and in areas such as Omonoia you can park with 10 euros for the whole day. Of course through ParkAround, drivers can park with one 1 euro per hour in Omonoia, 2 euros for 3 hours at Chalandri and 5 euros at Syntagma.

You recently got major funding of 185.000 euros. How easy is it for a Greek startup to receive funding?

As time goes by, the ecosystem of startups gets bigger which makes funding more attainable.

If I’m not mistaken, ParkAround has expanded to London. What differences have you noticed between Athens and London in terms of developing your startup?

One difference is that drivers in London book parking hours or even days before, while in Athens most of the bookings happen just a few minutes prior. In addition, the phenomenon of illegal parking is not present in London.

As you’ve stated in previous interviews, you intend on expanding to other European cities. What are your immediate plans in terms of your global expansion?

For the time being, we are focusing on the Athens market seeing that we recently launched a new service for parking at the airport and at Piraeus port and there are still more opportunities for expansion in the Attiki area and the rest of Greece. More specifically, in just a few months the new service for parking at the airport has been met favourably by drivers - especially as the Christmas holidays approach - as it offers parking at much cheaper rates than taxis and sometimes even public transport.

What problems or obstacles have you faced in your business venture so far?

The biggest challenge that we have faced is trying to educate the parking market on new technologies. ParκAround is a purely technological solution as it gives car parks a platform for smartly billing their customers. Nothing similar has happened before and therefore it has taken us a bit more time to educate the car parks on the advantages of using our service.

Let’s talk numbers, how many drivers in Athens use your app?

In Athens, we have 20.000 drivers that have downloaded ParkAround and we serve hundreds of drivers everyday through 90+ affiliated car parks.

To learn more about ParkAround, please visit their website HERE.

This is a translation of the article originally published on HuffingtonPost.gr
By: Yiannis Belegrinis

Published in People

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Monday, 15 February 2016 07:00

Athens Mayor Signs Greece's First Same Gender Civil Partnership

In an historic day for the gay and lesbian community in Greece, Athens Mayor Kaminis has signed the country’s first same gender civil partnership.

“As the first day that the law is being implemented, today is very important for civil rights in Greece and the country’s compliance to international reality,” the mayor said during the signing ceremony at Athens City Hall on a Monday in late January.

While Greece is one of the last European countries to legalize gay civil union, the Greek Orthodox Church still opposed the policy.

To read more, please visit: Greek Reporter
by
C.J. Polychroniou

Published in Local News

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Saturday, 02 April 2016 11:05

Navarino Challenge Press Event On Cinema Screen

The Navarino Challenge was awarded the Grand Ermis & Ermis Gold at the Event Production at Ermis Awards 2015 held on 31 March 2016 in Athens. This year “Navarino Challenge 2016” onsets in the most brilliant way, greatly boosting the event to offer its leading sports tourism activities!

On the occasion of its recent distinction at Ermis Awards 2015, “Navarino Challenge” press event was held on Tuesday, March 29, 2016, at the Gold Class halls of Village Cinemas at The Mall Athens. The event's program included two parallel screenings of last year’s event video – documentary, deriving from the previous year (as it was shown in more than 1.6 million households in Greece and abroad), to reporters and senior executives, as well as greetings by the event’s ambassadors and representatives.

Navarino Challenge returns for a 4th consecutive year in Messinia and Costa Navarino on 9-11 September 2016.

Click HERE for this year's event info and registration details.

For more information about Navarino Challenge 2016, please visit: Navarino Challenge.

For the first time, the event presented the recently awards won. In its first participation at Ermis Awards, “Navarino Challenge” won the highest distinction in the annual event that was held in honor of the best advertising and communication companies in Greece, by winning the Grand Ermis award for the entire Event Production category and the Gold Award in the category of the sports events!

The Greek journalists Christina Vrachali and Dora Tsampazi presented the event, while after the two screenings, greetings were held from Marina Papatsoni, Marketing and Business Development Director of TEMES SA; Akis Tsolis, CEO of Active Media Group; Vassilis Vrettakos, President of Pylos Association of Enterprises for Tourism Development, the twice Silver Olympic medalist in Tae Kwon Do; Alexandros Nikolaidis, the Olympic and World Champion in 400m. hurdles, Periklis Iakovakis and pilates instructor, Mandy Persaki.

At the same time, this year's activities and the respective ambassadors were presented. In the activity of running, the Greek-American ultramarathon runner Dean Karnazes will be back for a consecutive year in Greece, while for the first time, the multiple marathon winner Nikos Polias will be the technical director of all running routes. In swimming, the federal swimming coach Nikos Gemelos, has undertaken the technical management of the activity, while with the assistance of the Swim Academy, managed by Nikos Gemelos and the Olympic and World Champion in open water swimming Spyros Gianniotis, the activities of baby swimming & aqua aerobic will be presented for the first time. Moreover, the World Champion in the open water swimming, Kelly Araouzou will swim for one more year in “Navarino Challenge”.

Tae Kwon Do lessons will be held by the twice Silver Olympic medalist Alexandros Nikolaidis, while for the first time the Olympic and World Champion in 400m. hurdles Periklis Iakovakis will support the event, through teaching and training the participating children. Gold Paralympic athlete Grigoris Polychronidis will teach the secrets of boccia (from the city of Rio, as he will be participating at the Paralympic Games) and pilates lessons will be held for another year by the instructor Mandy Persaki. Alexandros Nikolaidis, the kick boxing champion, will provide kick boxing lessons, while the cycling activity will be held with the support of Navarino Outdoors and indoor climbing will be supervised by certified climbing instructor George Malamas. The program will also include other activities such as basketball, SUP, golf which will be held with the support of Navarino Golf Academy; scuba diving will be supported by the Aqua Divers Club and Scuba Hellas, while for the first time a live cooking event will be presented with the assistance of the food blogger Gogo Papadionysiou also known as Mamatsita!

A greeting from Akis Tsolis, CEO of Active Media Group stated, among others things that: “Our distinction in this unique annual event of Ermis Awards that highlights our country’s creativity, is the reward of our hard work and discipline to undertake this significant event. We are equally excited and committed to continue even more dynamically and set up even higher the level of our event, which will also be a result of our sponsors’ and supporters’ confidence shown for all these years”.

Vassilis Vrettakos, the President of Pylos Association of Enterprises for Tourism Development said: “Tourism has its own rising course and vacations that actually offer the experience of new places, which is equally linked to the history of each place and the communication with different cultures and people, provide an exciting gateway. For everyone who decides to travel and any professional who loves what he does, Pylos and Messinia as a destination, is a one-in-a- lifetime experience. Its history, natural beauty, our friendly people and qualitative choices, are all inextricably linked with our philosophy, strongly creating to our visitors, the need to revisit us, while continuing on our end to hold on our promise: “With the guiding principle of mutual trust and goodwill, holidays become unforgettable”.

The twice Silver Olympic medalist in Tae Kwon Do Alexandros Nikolaidis also highlighted: “I am proud to participate in “Navarino Challenge” for the fourth year. Since its initiation, I have observed an event that has grown to become a great event, having attracted more people by the year that wish to learn about sports, the proper diet and good life”.

Olympic and World Champion in 400m. hurdles Periklis Iakovakis said: “We are looking forward to seeing you all at the unique sport tourism event “Navarino Challenge” for a weekend full of sports activities for the whole family. I'll be there too, to teach the children the various disciplines of track, and to take part in as many activities as I can, following the example of Alexandros Nikolaidis”.

Finally, pilates instructor Mandy Persaki added: “I wish for 2016, the family of “Navarino Challenge” to grow and for all of us together to try to learn a better way of living through participating in an ultimate fun weekend next to some great people!”.

Published in Local News

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Monday, 12 February 2018 07:00

Shopping In Athens - Bazaars, Kiosks, Malls, & More

When it comes to shopping in Athens, there's something for everyone. Whether you are looking for big name brands, Greek names, or second-hand shops, Discover Greece tells us where to go, what to look for, and much more!

Amongst the great high streets of the city pedestrianized Ermou is definitely the one that stands out with an abundance of shops belonging to well-known clothes franchises, as well as historic Greek businesses. The bottom end of Ermou is Monastiraki. Don’t miss out on a walk in its flee market. There you will find clothes, shoes, accessories, leather goods and the world famous Greek leather sandals. On Sundays, there’s a bazaar with collector’s items such as books, old coins, vinyl records and antique furniture. Also, take the opportunity to walk around the gorgeous picturesque antique shops of the street.

Walk in the opposite direction away from Ermou and you’ll find Kolonaki, one of the most salubrious neighbourhoods of Athens. No wonder the biggest fashion designer studios have gravitated there, specifically on Voukourestiou street.

To read this article in full, please visit: Discover Greece

Published in City Discovery

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Thursday, 10 May 2018 08:31

Greece Ranks 2nd Internationally For Number Of Blue Flag Beaches

Out of 47 countries, Greece came in 2nd with a total of 519 Blue Flag beaches, which equates to about 12 percent of the total awards. The area in Greece with the most Blue Flags is Halkidiki. Spain came in 1st with 590 Blue Flag beaches.

This year, the international committee awarded 3,687 beaches, 679 marinas and 55 tourist boats across the planet.

The Blue Flag is a voluntary eco-label awarded to beaches across the world and is run by the independent and non-profit organization Foundation for Environmental Education. The Blue Flags are awarded to beaches that follow requirements that include Environmental Education and Information, Water Quality, Environmental Management and Safety and Services.

Source: Tornos News and Greek Travel Pages

Published in Greece In The News

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Friday, 12 October 2018 07:00

4th Santorini Experience Rising Global Interest

More than 6.000 visitors from 45 countries in Santorini

Santorini was the global benchmark for professional and amateur athletes, escorts and visitors who traveled to the enchanting island the 4th Santorini Experience this October 2018.

The top sports tourism event in Greece was a complete success and had a record number of participants in the running and swimming races, gathering more than 6,000 visitors in Santorini. In fact, 60% of the visitors stayed in Santorini for more than 5 nights.

For one more year, foreign participants surpassed every precedent, as Santorini “hosted” athletes from a total of 45 countries from the 5 continents, America, Asia, Africa, Europe, and Oceania. Specifically, swimmers and runners were from Argentina, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, New Zealand, USA, Russia, Qatar, South Africa, United Kingdom, Japan and China.

World class names as well as the elite of the Greek national open water swimming team were present!

The top Hungarian swimmer Attila Manyoki, who excels in open water swimming races with several wins and is a member of the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame (IMSHOF), returned for another year at the event that a part of the Global Swim Series (GSS).

Along with him, the British twice silver Olympic medalist, at the Rio Olympics in 2016, Jazz Carlin swam for the first time, as well as the twin Greek expatriates racing with the colors of the national team of Netherlands, George and Timos Skotadis. The elite of the Greek national team along with top professional athletes had a dynamic presence in the swimming race. The national team consisted of George Arniakos, Dimitris Negris, Stellina Aplanti, Dejan Giovanovic, Dimitris Manios, Irene Diakoumakou, Maria Filopoulou, Maria Liossi, Anastasia Kyrili, Konstantinos Konstantineskou, Panagiotis Alogakos, Maria Kirykou, Triantafyllia Diakoumakou, Marianota Elmali and Melina Trochalaki.

The federal coach and technical director of the 1.5 miles (2,4km) open water swimming by Vikos, Nikos Gemelos applied FINA's regulations on Sunday, October 7 th , and implemented the race with the approval of the Hellenic Swimming Federation, following all safety rules. At the same time, the event took care of the amateur athletes with the addition of the safety buoy, of high standards and quality. The swimmers started in two groups from the volcano ending their race at the old port of Fira, having the imposing view of the island in front of them. Men’s winner was Dimitris Negris, George Arniakos finished 2 nd and Dejan Jovanovic in the 3 rd place. In women, Olympic medalist Jazz Carlin was 1 st , Irene Diakoumakou finished 2 nd and Maria Filopoulou came 3 rd .

You can see the detailed results on the official page of the event HERE (in the event there was an extra classification for those wearing wetsuits - wetsuit category).

For the safety of the race, 50 specialized escorts were present in the water with the help of the Lifeguard Patrol, the people of Santorini who assisted with their own boats, the Voluntary Lifeguards of Santorini, Atlantis Dive Center, Mediterranean Dive Club, Santorini Nautical Club and most of all the Boatmen Union Santorini that carried the athletes to the volcano and helped in the smooth implementation of the open water swimming race.

On Saturday, October 6, the 15km, 10km and 5km “Aristides Alafouzos” running races were held. All routes started from the desalination plant in Oia, with parts of trail track and a background of the magnificent images from the volcano overlooking the Caldera, as well as the settlements of Imerovigli, Firostefani, Oia and with a finish in Oia. The running routes are designed by the former marathon runner, Greek classic route record holder, running trainer and director of All About Running, Nikos Polias. “Santorini Experience” has joined the World’s Marathons global community.

It should be highlighted that many athletes decided to run for the joy of sports with no timing. In terms of the social events, Municipal Sports Cultural Environmental Organization of Santorini (DAPPOS) hosted an open concert with the Greek-German artist FIONA, in the surrounding area of the Indoor Hall DAPPOS, on Saturday October 6. A little bit earlier the International Dancing Group of Santorini “Stamatina Xiarchou” & Association of Pontians Eptamyloi Serres “Akrites” opened the concert.

On Friday, October 5, on the occasion of Santorini Experience, Samsung (as the official technology partner), in cooperation with the local Kotsovolos store, organized the event “Kotsovolos and Samsung present the Hotel of the Future” at the conference hall of DAPPOS informing the island’s hoteliers of all the latest developments and the benefits of technology in their industry. Samsung enriched the experience of those participating and attending the event with the innovative Samsung Galaxy ecosystem services, such as the Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+, coupled with the Gear 360, the Gear VR and unique 360 degrees content.

Easy access with the help of sponsors!

Participants traveled to “Santorini Experience”, with the official airline partner of the event, Ryanair, which offered the connection of Athens with Santorini with direct flights from abroad. The Greek leading shipping company Blue Star Ferries as a sponsor of the event facilitated the ferry connection offering a 50% discount on the ferry tickets and the participants’ vehicles, assisting a total of Greek and foreign athletes while offering an additional discount on the connection with the Cyclades and Dodecanese group of islands, resulting in participations from the islands of Paros, Naxos, Amorgos, Rhodes and others. Ford Motor Hellas promoted sports and “fair play” by participating for the 4 th year in the support team of “Santorini Experience”. Athletes and organizers moved with the safety and efficient Ford Motor Hellas cars, the official sponsor of the event.

For another year Vikos SA as an official sponsor spread the message of sporting energy with the natural mineral water “Vikos”, offering the necessary hydration and revitalization to all participants. The natural mineral water “Vikos” offers the necessary balance, well-being and energy that the athletes need during their exercise in order to be able to continue their efforts.

The organization innovated with its collaboration for the first time with Luanvi, the leading company in the sportswear industry in Spain. As the event’s official sports supplier, Luanvi offered an extremely innovative sports T-shirt to all participants.

The event received a very substantial support and assistance from its official sponsors Alafouzos Sport, Athina Luxury Suites and Santo Maris Oia Luxury Suites & Spa. Official supporters of the event were Santorini Hoteliers Association, Meltemi Hotels & Resorts, Aqua Vista Hotels, Boatmen Union Santorini and Avance Rent A Car. DNA Travel, as the official transport partner of the event, facilitated the transportation of

all participants and volunteers of “Santorini Experience”. National Geographic was the official strategic partner of the event.

The event was assisted by Lifeguard Patrol, Assyrtico Wine Restaurant Café, Hellenic Recovery Recycling Corporation and the Department of Sports Organization & Management from University of Peloponnese.

The event received the support of the following hospitality sponsors: Santorini Hoteliers Association, Meltemi Hotels & Resorts, Athina Luxury Suites, Santo Maris Oia Luxury Suites & Spa, Aqua Vista Hotels, Canaves Oia, Santo Houses, West East Suites, Desiterra Luxury Suites & Villas, 270 Oia’s View, Fanouris Condo, Monolithia, Casa Iphigenia, Sienna Resort, Esperas Santorini and Loizos Stylish Residencies.

VitaNTravel, as the official travel agent of the event, took care and assisted all athletes and escorts with information about the ferry routes, ferry tickets, car rentals and accommodation “Santorini Experience” is a co-organization of Municipality of Santorini, Municipal Sports Cultural Environmental Organization of Santorini (DAPPOS) and Active Media Group. The event was held under the auspices of the Greek National Tourism Organization and approved by the Hellenic Swimming Federation.

Official Technology Partner: Samsung

Official Airline Partner: Ryanair

Official Sports Supplier: Luanvi

Official Sponsors: Ford Motor Hellas, Natural Mineral Water “Vikos”, Blue Star Ferries, Alafouzos Sport, Athina Luxury Suites, Santo Maris Oia Luxury Suites & Spa Official Supporters: Santorini Hoteliers Association, Meltemi Hotels & Resorts, Aqua Vista Hotels, Boatmen Union Santorini, Avance Rent A Car

Official Transport Partner: DNA Travel

Strategic Partner: National Geographic

Assisted by: Lifeguard Patrol, Assyrtico Wine Restaurant Café, Hellenic Recovery Recycling Corporation, Voluntary Lifeguards of Santorini, Mediterranean Dive Club Atlantis Dive Center,, Santorini Nautical Club, Department of Sports Organization & Management from University of

Peloponnese

Hospitality Sponsors: Santorini Hoteliers Association, Meltemi Hotels & Resorts, Athina Luxury Suites, Santo Maris Oia Luxury Suites & Spa, Aqua Vista Hotels, Canaves Oia, Santo Houses, West East Suites, Desiterra Luxury Suites & Villas, 270 Oia’s View, Fanouris Condo, Monolithia, Casa Iphigenia, Sienna Resort, Esperas Santorini, Loizos Stylish Residencies

Official travel agent: VitaNTravel

Photo credit: Elias Lefas

Published in Greece In The News

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Tuesday, 15 January 2019 07:00

This Mobile Hospital Travels To The Most Remote Areas In Greece

Four to 20 hours by sea. This is the length of the journey that is required, in some cases, for a simple medical examination. This is a reality faced by thousands of Greek people living on remote islands and hard to access regions of the country. The minimal health infrastructure and lack of medical specialists in close proximity compel them to make long journeys to get the appropriate medical care.

The question was simple, could a hospital travel to the country’s most remote areas, enabling the locals to access to a wide variety of medical services? Even though, at first, the idea seemed impossible to implement, the Mobile Medical Units (MMU) program was created in 2014 at the initiative of and with the exclusive support of the SNF. The program is implemented by the NGO Regeneration & Progress in collaboration with Health Units S.A., under the auspices of the Ministry of Health and the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.

Once a month a group of physicians, qualified nurses, and technical staff leave their families and put their personal obligations behind in order to provide their services and to ensure that more people have free access to comprehensive health services.

Since the program was created in 2014, 39 missions have taken place in areas such as Kastelorizo, Kasos, Tilos, Agios Efstratios, Agrafa, Anafi, and Schinoussa. More than 13.600 patients have been examined and 23,968 medical tests have taken place.

Watch this inspiring video about the significance of giving back to the community and working selflessly for the common good.

To read this article in full, please visit: snf.org

Published in Local News

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Thursday, 14 October 2021 07:00

New Tram Service Ready To Start In Piraeus

A new tram service set to initially connect the port of Piraeus with Neo Faliro is scheduled to take off next month, said Deputy Infrastructure and Transport Minister George Karagiannis this week
.

Speaking on SKAI radio, the minister admitted there were problems but went on to say that the government was committed to resolving issues and moving ahead with the tram, which “starts its routes to Piraeus in November. It will run a circular route from Neo Faliro with 12 new stations. Virtually the whole of Piraeus will be served.

Karagiannis said the ministry was implementing a comprehensive transportation and traffic plan, and also announced the creation of a transportation observatory.

Among others, work was proceeding for the completion of the Metro line to Athens International Airport from Piraeus.

“By the summer of 2022, in July, all three remaining stations will be ready – Piraeus, Municipal Theater, and Maniatika [stations]. So, the largest port in the country will be connected to the airport in under 50 minutes,” he said, adding that it will help ease traffic and improve the quality of life.

In this direction, the minister went on to refer to other transport infrastructure projects including the completion of the Western Egaleo ring-road, the extension of the suburban railway (proastiakos), the extension of the Metro towards western Athens suburb Ilion, the upgrade of the Athens-Corinth roadway as well as the extension of the Attiki Odos motorway towards Kymis Avenue.

Referring to Athens Metro Line 4 budgeted at 1.2 billion euros and funded by EU resources to cover the transportation needs of some 340,000 people daily, the minister said it will change the commuting habits in Attica.

Lastly, Karagiannis said a strategy was being drawn up to address traffic congestion in the center of Athens. Under the odd/even traffic regulation system dubbed the “green daktylios”, cars will be allowed entry into the city center based on plate number with the exception of electric vehicles.

Originally published on: news.gtp.gr

Published in Local News

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Monday, 16 December 2024 14:21

Traditional Christmas Customs In Greece

Christmas in Greece is a vibrant tapestry of customs and rituals steeped in history and tradition. From kalanda to festive family dinners, there are numerous practices that highlight the country’s deep cultural roots and festive spirit.

1. The Christmas Boat (Karavaki)

One of the most distinctive symbols of Christmas in Greece is the decorated boat, or “karavaki.” In coastal and island communities, boats are adorned with lights and ornaments, a tradition that predates the introduction of Christmas trees. This custom reflects Greece’s maritime heritage and serves as a tribute to sailors and the sea. Today, while Christmas trees have become popular, the karavaki remains a beloved symbol, especially in island regions such as the Cyclades and Dodecanese.

2. The Burning of the Christmas Log (Christoxylo)

Known as “christoxylo,” this tradition involves burning a large log in the fireplace throughout the twelve days of Christmas (December 25 to January 6). The log symbolizes warmth, light, and protection from evil spirits. This practice has its origins in pre-Christian solstice rituals, which celebrated the return of longer days and the renewal of life.

3. Kallikantzaroi: The Mischievous Goblins

According to Greek folklore, the twelve days of Christmas are a time when “kallikantzaroi,” or mischievous goblins, emerge from the underworld to wreak havoc. These impish creatures are said to cause trouble in homes and villages. To ward them off, families burn incense, hang garlic by their doors, or leave colanders outside. The belief is that the goblins, obsessed with counting, will waste time counting the holes in the colander until sunrise chases them away.

4. The Feast of Agios Vasilis (Saint Basil)

In Greece, New Year’s Day is dedicated to Saint Basil (Agios Vasilis), a figure similar to Santa Claus. Families bake a special cake called “vassilopita,” which contains a hidden coin. During the cutting of the cake, slices are distributed to family members, with one piece reserved for the house and another for the poor. Whoever finds the coin in their slice is believed to have good fortune in the coming year.

5. Epiphany & the Blessing of the Waters

Epiphany, or “Theofania,” is celebrated on January 6 and marks the baptism of Christ. A central event of this day is the blessing of the waters. Priests bless rivers, lakes, or seas by throwing a cross into the water. Young men dive in to retrieve the cross, and the one who retrieves it is said to receive special blessings for the year. This tradition underscores the importance of water in Greek culture and its symbolism of purification and renewal.

6. Evil Spirits & Protective Rituals

To protect their homes from kallikantzaroi and other malevolent forces, Greek families practice several rituals. Burning incense, breaking pomegranate, lighting candles, and leaving food offerings are common practices. These rituals harken back to ancient pagan customs that sought to harmonize the natural and supernatural worlds.

7. Traditional Foods & Festive Feasts

Greek Christmas celebrations are also marked by an array of delicious foods that vary by region. Common dishes include:

Christopsomo (Christ’s Bread): A special bread decorated with symbols of the family’s livelihood.
Melomakarona: Honey-dipped cookies spiced with cinnamon and cloves.
Kourabiedes: Almond shortbread cookies dusted with powdered sugar.
Roast Lamb or Pork: Often the centerpiece of the Christmas Day meal.
Vasilopita: The New Year’s cake, baked in honor of Saint Basil.

These foods not only nourish the body but also serve as offerings of gratitude and symbols of abundance.

The Spirit of Greek Christmas Today

While some traditions have evolved or faded over time, many of these customs remain central to Greek Christmas celebrations. They are a testament to the country’s ability to blend ancient and Christian practices into a cohesive and meaningful holiday season. For Greeks, Christmas is not just a time for gift-giving and feasting but also an opportunity to honor their heritage, strengthen family bonds, and welcome blessings for the year ahead.

Published in Greek Traditions

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Wednesday, 18 February 2015 13:01

Sightseeing On The Island of Thassos

Thassos is believed to have been named after Thassos, the son or grandson of Aginoras, the king of Phoenicia. Thassos went to the island in search or Europe and he established himself there as its first king. Other ancient sources claim other names for the island, such as “Hieria”, by her chill summer breeze, “Athria”, by her clear sky, “Coast of Goddess Demetra”, by her fertile ground or “Dasos”, meaning forest in Greek, from the many forests on the island.

Thassos Ancient Town

Right next to Thassos town lay the remnants of Thassos ancient settlement which had two ports, the military one, closed to public and ships other than military ships, and the commercial one, used for the town’s commercial activities. The Agora, the cornerstone of politics, administration and economic activities is among the most important findings on the island. The findings number various statues, sculptures and inscriptions of great value most of which are exhibited today at the Museum of Louvre as the excavations that brought them to light was conducted in 1911 by the Archeological Faculty of France. The ancient Odeon and the ancient theatre, the sanctuary of Zeus and Artemis are also among the principal parts of the site.

Olives and Olive Oil Museum

Right outside the settlement of Skala Prinos is located this newly established and pretty interesting museum, paying a tribute to the miraculous products of olive trees! An initiative of a local bio-oil business, the museum hosts a space where a representation of oil production takes place, a photography exhibition space, a part where all types of oils are exhibited (around 40 from the 130 different types that are known up today), a projections’ space and finally the olive products exhibition, where you will be able to taste and buy anything you like!Kalogeriko

Kalogeriko is a historical building standing out from all the other buildings at the centre of the ancient port of Thassos. Is was built at the end of the 19th century and nowadays it hosts various cultural exhibitions and galleries of Greek and foreign artists. You should absolutely visit it and admire its architecture.

Potamia

A small traditional village located on the eastern part of the island, very near Panagia and Chrisi Akti. Potamia is built on the foot of Mountain Ypsarion and it consists in beautiful small houses with stone walls and wooden roofs. Potamia is ideal for hiking as here exist various paths that enter the mountain in a scenery of lush vegetation and total serenity.

Kazavitia

The Small and Large Kazaviti (Small and Large Prinos) villages are found in the north central part of the island and are, without a doubt, among the most beautiful and picturesque villages of the island. Small and narrow stone paved alleys, stone built houses with wooden terraces and balconies and painted ceilings, the scenery here will definitely take you back in time. Though both of the villages have seen very glorious times in the past, when the inhabitants stayed and worked here, protected by the pirates that raged the lowland and seaside settlements, nowadays are rather abandoned. Still standing here are the remnants of an old school that contributed greatly to the island’s history, the old mansion houses and churches. The perfect place to relax in the sound of nature and running waters and have a lunch or coffee at the Large Kazaviti’s central square.

Kastro

On one of the tops of mount Ypsarion, right in the heart of the island, lies the oldest settlement of the island, Kastro (meaning “castle” in Greek). Its inhabitants were here protected from the pirates till most of them left the village to work to the mines of a foreign company and transferred their settlement at Limenaria. The village used to be the place where they spent their holidays but during the recent years many attempts to restore the village have taken place with remarkable results!

We could keep on describing the island’s magnificent villages but it would be better for you to explore them in person making sure you will not leave aside Panagia, Kinira, Astris and Themonia.