Christmas traditions and customs: Six Greek islands to explore over the holidays
December is drawing near, and with it comes the most wonderful time of year. As the decorative fairy lights, the melomakarona, and the kourabiedes begin to appear, thoughts of Christmas on the island begin to cross your mind. Don't overthink it because with Let's Ferry, you can purchase your tickets and experience the most traditional Christmas in the Greek islands within a few easy steps. Continue reading to learn about the distinctive Christmas customs observed on the islands.
Poros
Christmas baking and decorated boats
Want to spend the holidays away from home but don't have a lot of time? Still, you want to be close to Athens? Then, we have the answer that you need. You will arrive at Poros from the port of Piraeus in a few hours. An island home to a wealthy family with a distinct island culture. The people of Poros have a tradition of not decorating Christmas trees. On the other hand, it has become tradition to decorate different types of boats each year. Every home will have pork, Christopsomo, and cookies on Christmas Day. Select Let's Ferry for your tickets. Discover the wonders of Christmas in the Argosaronic Gulf by traveling to Poros.
Syros
The traditions of the 12 days between Christmas Eve and Epiphany
The festive Cyclades
On to the Cyclades, next. About a month in advance, Syros begins to prepare for the celebrations. The local women bake melomakarona during the final week of Christmas. A plethora of scents fill the alleys of the Ano Syros villages as housewives prepare the famous Greek honey rolls. On Christmas Eve, kids gather in Ermoupolis to sing carols and hold a traditional boat that has been decorated to represent the birth of Jesus and the new life that follows. Purchase your tickets right away to enjoy the Cyclades holiday.
Tinos
Kavos: A tradition as old as time
Food & tradition
The annual revival of the Kavos custom, also known as the "Table of the Brotherhood," takes place in the village of Tripotamos. Basically, the term "Kavos" designates the individual chosen to oversee the village church. Therefore, after church, the men of the village congregate at the old Kavos' home to choose the new leader while enjoying copious amounts of food and wine. After the meal, the village priest brings the icon of the Nativity of Jesus Christ to the old Kavos' home, gives antidoron to each person, and inquires as to who the new Kavos will be. The icon is given back to the church when the decision-making process is completed. You no longer have an excuse. All you have to do is purchase your tickets with Let's Ferry and disembark in Tinos for the Christmas holidays. There are frequent sailings from the ports of Piraeus and Rafina.
Rhodes
Fascinating customs that have faded with time
Christmas in the Dodecanese
Over time, many customs endure, while others gradually fade into oblivion. Some traditions, though nearly lost, are nevertheless ingrained in history and the recollections of the elderly. One such tradition was formerly exclusive to the village of Kremasti, in Rhodes. According to the legend, the girls of the village would get together on Christmas Eve and place a dry spearmint or mint sprig on a plate full of wheat. After prayers, in the morning, the dry twig would turn green and in this way they would commemorate the birth of Christ. Examine the customs surrounding Christmas on the islands in more detail. Join Let's Ferry and pack your bags for a journey into tradition.
Corfu
Here comes Santa Claus
Carols, sweets and Santa Claus
While the island of the Phaeacians is well-known for its Easter celebrations, Corfu is also a great place to spend the Christmas holidays. It is said that each year Santa Claus removes his costume and places it on the old town's main thoroughfare to clean it from rainwater and prepare it for gift-giving. As the houses on the island fill with the aromas of stuffed turkey, honey, and egg lemon soup, children can be heard singing traditional carols in the streets. Walk through the narrow streets, take in the festive ambiance, and hear the philharmonic orchestra play. Take a vacation in the Grand Lady of the Ionian, and who knows? Maybe you'll get a glimpse of Santa Claus!
Crete
Kallikantzari, the trolls of Christmas
Hospitality and great food
Crete is a big island with many customs, different in every village and every corner of the island. One of these customs, and perhaps the most playful, is the “karakatzolia” or “kallikantzari”. The locals say that children born on Christmas Day are transformed into mischievous little creatures. That is, they become little goblins who appear on Christmas Day to get up to mischief. All this until Epiphany, when they become human again. If you have children, choose Crete as your destination this Christmas. Get into the festive spirit and let your imagination run wild. In Chania, in the cave of Agios Ioannis, the re-enactment of the nativity scene with many animals is still revived to this day, just like the night Jesus Christ was born. So, on Christmas night, priests and locals gather in the cave to celebrate the Divine Liturgy. Join Let's Ferry to experience Cretan hospitality, listen to carols accompanied by lyre and sit at the most sumptuous Christmas table.
Decide what to do and plan your Greek island Christmas vacation. Experience the ultimate vacation in the most picturesque and traditional villages. Get ferry tickets from Let's Ferry and discover the island's traditions and customs. Take in the wonders of Christmas and create memories that will last a lifetime!