New Year’s Customs in Corfu

The island’s New Year customs are among the most distinctive in Greece, rooted in centuries of history and adding a festive touch to welcoming the new year.

The Custom of the Cologne

A Fragrant Tradition

In northern Corfu, on New Year’s Eve, locals take to the streets to sprinkle passersby with cologne, accompanied by the wish “Kalí Apokopí” (Good Separation). This wish signifies bidding farewell to the old year and joyfully welcoming the new one. This custom, dating back to the Venetian era, creates a fragrant atmosphere that brings people of all ages together.

The Elders’ Morning Wake-Up

“Good Morning, Mountains”

A New Year’s Welcome

In Corfu’s mountain villages, elders rise at dawn on New Year’s Day to greet the new year by gazing at Mount Pantokrator, the island’s highest peak. With reverence and hope, they chant a traditional greeting:

“Good morning, mountains, and happy New Year. May I be strong like the mountains, alert like the sea, and as tireless as the waves to carry out my duties.”

In the areas of Oros and Agiros, the women would begin early on New Year’s Day with a traditional practice. The housewife would step outside her home, make the sign of the cross as the sun rose, and offer the following wish:

“Good day to you, mountains, good year, may I be as healthy as you – and as awake as the birds.”

She would then return inside, proceed to the fireplace (known as the “stia” by the elders), where she had gathered a small pile of ashes from the previous night’s fire. She would stir the ashes with her hands while saying:

“Eggs, birds, eggs, birds, and may the household be well. A thousandfold the good of my home. A thousandfold the wheat, oil, wine, and much barbara.”

She would repeat this wish three times. This same wish was given by the children, who would go from house to house in the morning. Since children were considered innocent, it was believed that their blessing would bring good fortune, a practice known as “good foot” even in modern times. In return, the children were offered dried fruits, figs, and coins as rewards.

Strina

A Joyful Tradition for Children

Strina is one of Corfu’s most cherished traditions. On New Year’s Day, children receive monetary gifts from relatives, symbolizing good fortune and prosperity for the coming year. The word “Strina” originates from the Latin word strena, meaning “good omen” or “New Year’s gift.”

Illuminated Harbors

The Magic of the New Year’s Transition

At midnight, as the new year begins, ships docked in Corfu’s harbors light up, greeting the new year in their own special way. The sound of the ships’ horns resonates across to Epirus, accompanied by the melodies of Corfu’s philharmonic orchestras and choirs, filling the island’s narrow streets and neighborhoods with music.

The Pomegranate

Breaking the Pomegranate

A Symbol of Good Fortune

The pomegranate-breaking tradition is one of Greece’s most well-known New Year’s customs, symbolizing luck, prosperity, and abundance for the coming year. Since ancient times, the pomegranate has been considered a sacred fruit rich in symbolism. Its seeds represent plenty and prosperity, while their vibrant red color signifies life and good fortune.

How It’s Done

On New Year’s Day, after returning home from church, the family smashes a pomegranate at the doorstep. The head of the household or the “lucky” family member exclaims:

“With health, happiness, and good fortune for the new year!”

The more seeds that scatter, the more luck is believed to come in the new year.

The Hanging of the Onion

A Unique Tradition of Renewal

The hanging of the onion is a distinctive New Year’s custom observed in many parts of Greece, with roots in ancient Greek tradition. The “skilokremmyda” (wild onion) is a plant known for its vitality, as it can sprout and grow even when it seems “dead.” This vitality makes it a symbol of renewal, good fortune, and new beginnings.

The Process

On New Year’s Eve, families hang an onion on their front door. This act is believed to bring health, rejuvenation, and longevity, as the plant’s vitality is said to transfer to the household and its members.

New Year’s Carols in Corfu

The Island’s Unique Variation

The New Year’s carols of Corfu are a unique variation of the classic version sung in many parts of Greece. Their distinct melody, reminiscent of the serenades from old Greek cinema, is deeply intertwined with the local tradition and the island’s history.

This variation of the carols stands out not only for its musical aspect but also for its lyrics, which are dedicated to Saint Basil, the beloved Saint of both the young and the old. The reference to Caesarea, as the birthplace of Saint Basil, adds a spiritual and historical dimension to the performance of the carols. The melody, combined with the unique phrasing of the lyrics, offers a one-of-a-kind musical experience, full of emotional depth.

Corfu, with its musical tradition and the distinctive variation of these carols, offers both visitors and locals a unique sense of New Year’s celebration that cannot be found anywhere else in Greece.

Experience the New Year Magic of Corfu

Corfu is the perfect place to bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new. Savor traditional recipes, immerse yourself in unique customs, and feel the magic of an island that masterfully blends the past with the present.

Make your New Year truly special by choosing Corfu as your next holiday destination!