Due to the fact that the majority of the Greek population is Christian Orthodox, Christmas is a very religious holiday in Greece. Technically caroling is allowed starting from November 15, when Christmas Lent starts. The season starts with Saint Nicholas (December 6) when generally the Christmas trees in the big squares are lit and you’ll start hearing carols all over the public places.

Calanda (carols, Greek) are a very old custom, which remained practically unchanged since Ancient times. Children gather and go from house to house singing the carols, accompanied usually by triangles and mandolins. Some time ago they were given pastries and sweets as rewards, but now they are usually given money.

A short history of caroling in Greece

The word “calanda” originates from the Latin calenda, which means “beginning of the month”. The roots of Greek carols go back in the Ancient times. Scholars found carols written a long time, which are similar with the carols still sang today.

In Ancient times, children would hold an effigy of a ship, which represented the arrival of the God Dionysos. Even today, ships are used as Christmas decorations. Other times, they would carry a laurel branch decorated with red and white threads. They would tie to gifts to that branch.

Christmas food

As it happens with all holidays, food is always a huge part of the festivities and traditions. After the Lent, Greeks are looking forward to eating animal products again. Traditionally, the main course on the Greek Christmas dinner is roasted pork but turkey has become very popular lately.

Christopsomo is the traditional bread baked on Christmas Eve. A cross is carved on top of the bread before it’s baked. On Christmas Day, the head of the household (the father) makes the sign of the cross above the bread and then cuts it and gives a piece to each member of the family.

>> read more about the Christmas Traditions in Greece

>> read more about the Greek Christmas Menu (& Recipes)

>> read more about December in Greece

Now let’s listen to a traditional Greek Christmas carol: