New Year's in Greece

Like most nations on earth, Greece celebrates the start of the New Year on January 1st. This date is the Name Day of Vassilis (Basil) and persons named Vassilis will receive a gift and congratulations on this day. All churches or monasteries named for this saint will offer special services and a celebration including food and drink.

Quote from the Liturgy of St. Basil

The bread which you use is the bread of the hungry; the garment hanging in your wardrobe is the garment of him who is naked; the shoes you do not wear are the shoes of the one who is barefoot; the acts of charity that you do not perform are so many injustices that you commit.

New Year's Day Customs

In Greece, it is considered lucky to gamble on this day, whether you win or lose, and traditionally, people would gather to play cards on a table covered with green felt. Since Greece has opened up its casinos to locals, this custom makes sure it's a busy day at the official gambling palaces throughout Greece.
The herb basil is connected to this saint and day, and is believed to have both healing and protective powers.

On this day, any vessel of water is emptied and filled with fresh water, an echo of ancient New Year traditions.

But the biggest part of the day concerns the special cake, the vassilopita, which is prepared with a small coin concealed in it. Whoever gets the piece with the coin can expect especially good luck in the coming year.

New Reality Show, “Perfect Catch” set in the beautiful Greek Isles

Eight sexy and single contestants will be island hopping the Greek Isles in search for their “Perfect Catch”.

The host of the show will be Carmen Electra, who will lead them on this quest for love. Carmen is in awe of Greece’s islands. She states, “The Greek islands are just beautiful. If you’re going to find sexy gorgeous people anywhere in the world it has to be there. Everyone is beautiful! I couldn’t choose a favourite as I loved them all and can’t wait to back one day.”

The group of four males and four females have come from all around the globe to participate in the contest. They will visit six islands competing to find their ideal match. The show will brag sites of the most precious gems of the Agean, including Mykonos, Paros, Rhodes, Santorini, and the like. The player who will succeed in catching the perfect mate will win a $50,000 prize.

You can Tune onto E! to watch “Perfect Catch” on Sunday nights. Lets see what romance will sizzle under the sun of the Greek isles.