New Year’s Day 2020 in Greece

New Year’s Day 2020 in Greece is observed as a public holiday and celebrated with grandeur and merriment. Natives and tourists witness various events, fireworks, family get-togethers and parties being organized throughout the week followed by New Year’s Day. people embrace each other and wish by saying “Πρωτοχρονιά / Protochroniá” in their native language. This day holds special significance for kids since this is the day when St. Basil (Agios Vasilis, the Greek version of Santa Claus) delivers them their gifts. It is customary to exchange gifts on New Year in Greece instead of on Christmas.

When is New Year’s Day in 2020?

1

January, 2020

(Wednesday)

Is New Year’s Day a Public Holiday in Greece?

New Year’s Day is a public holiday for the general population according to Holidays 2020. This means, offices, colleges, schools, universities, and several other academic institutions remain closed on this day.

New Year’s Day Celebrations in Greece

Some of the popular traditions observed on the occasion of New Year in Greece are as follows:

  • Since the natives of Greece consider the New Year lucky, people try their luck by playing cards, lottery, dice rolling and much more.
  • One of the most popular and ancient traditions followed on the day of New Year’s Day in Greece is cutting the New Year’s Cake, known as Vasilopita. The cake consists of a coin, and whosoever gets the piece of the cake with that coin is regarded as lucky.
  • Fireworks can be seen carried out even on the New Year’s Day as a part of the celebration in Greece.
  • Kids visiting their relatives on New Year’s Day are offered money or Kali Hera as a custom.
  • One of the most fascinating traditions followed by people living in Greece is hanging a Squill or Sea Onion at their main door.

New Year’s Day Observances

Year Weekday Date Name Holiday Type
2019 Tue 1 January New Year’s Day De facto holiday
2020 Wed 1 January New Year’s Day De facto holiday
2021 Fri 1 January New Year’s Day De facto holiday
2022 Sat 1 January New Year’s Day De facto holiday
2023 Sun 1 January New Year’s Day De facto holiday
2024 Mon 1 January New Year’s Day De facto holiday
2025 Wed 1 January New Year’s Day De facto holiday

New Year’s Day Celebrations in Other Countries

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Quick Facts

This year: Wed, 1 January 2020
Next year: Fri, 1 January 2021
Last year: Tue, 1 January 2019
Type: De facto holiday