Students, athletes, choirs, bands, and cultural societies gathered to sing the traditional New Year’s carols, or “Protochroniatika kalanta”, to Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and President Katerina Sakellaropoulou on Tuesday.
Giorgos Kontarinis/Eurokinissi
It is a cherished tradition in Greece, for children to sing carols on the morning of New Year’s Eve, spreading wishes of health, abundance, and happiness for the year ahead. The Presidential Palace, the Maximos Mansion, and city halls across the country open their doors on December 31st to welcome carolers, which include children, traditional dance and music troupes, as well as local groups and military bands.
Photo: Sotiris Dimitropoulos/Eurokinissi
On Tuesday, athletes from Special Olympics Hellas and members of the Panthracian Federation of Northern Greece performed the carols for Prime Minister Mitsotakis. Meanwhile, President Sakellaropoulou enjoyed carols performed by the Band of the Greek Armed Forces, the National Guard, and traditional federations.
Photo: Sotiris Dimitropoulos
Children go from door to door singing the carols, which date back to Byzantine times and celebrate Saint Basil (Agios Vassilis), whose feast day coincides with New Year’s Day. In return they are treated to sweets and coins, symbolizing the exchange of goodwill and blessings for the year to come.
