‘Vasilopita’, (Basil Pie), is an ancient New Year tradition that is still widely followed by Greeks to this day.

At the cutting of the special New Year Vasilopita cake, each slice will be named and offered to those present, be they family or friends. Whoever is lucky enough to get the coin or trinket, which is hidden in the cake, is considered especially blessed in the coming year! Portions of the cake are distributed to all present at the ceremony.

The sweetness of the cake symbolises the hope that the New Year will be filled with the sweetness of life, liberty, health and happiness for all that participate.

It is a tradition for the cake to be cut by the head of the family or the most senior person at the gathering.

The tradition is also followed by other Balkan countries.