Pafos Press 31 December 2025
New Year’s Eve in Cyprus is a celebration deeply rooted in tradition and family customs, which are passed down from generation to generation and keep the spirit of the place alive. In many villages on the island, especially in the Paphos district, old customs are still observed to this day, reminding the younger generation of the way of life and the values of their ancestors. New Year’s Eve in Cyprus means customs, family, and tradition, as well as memories of the past.
Mary Savvidou from Tala said that since the old days, New Year’s Eve was always celebrated as a family, together with the parents. As she characteristically said, “we slaughtered the chickens, baked our roasts and made our Vasilopita,” thus creating a festive table full of traditional flavours. In the past, as she remembers, families also prepared sausages and baked their bread, processes that required effort but strengthened the sense of community.
Of particular interest is the custom of the fireplace and the burning of the olive tree, which is still observed in some villages of the Paphos district. According to tradition, they throw an olive branch into the fire and if it burns and “flies”, then it means that the parent or loved one truly loves you. A symbolic custom, full of emotion and folk wisdom.
In closing, Mary Savvidou wished everyone health and joy, while expressing her hope for a just resolution of the Cyprus problem. “We want something good for Cyprus and peace for our country”, she added, sending a message of optimism and unity for the new year.
The Vasilopita is prepared on New Year's Eve and cut on the first day of the year. This continues to this day.
The head of the house would crucify it and first distribute a piece to Christ, the Virgin Mary and the poor, showing that the new year should begin with faith, gratitude and solidarity.
Through the customs of New Year's and Epiphany, memory, family and hope are passed down from generation to generation.
According to tradition scholar Anna Tselepou, the customs of New Year's and Epiphany in Cyprus constitute a living link between the Christian faith and the folk tradition of our country.
They are customs that are not limited to formal acts, but carry emotions, memories and values that unite the family and strengthen our cultural identity.
As she points out, through these traditions, one can discern the deep need of people for family cohesion, optimism and continuity. Respect for nature, hope for the future and the transmission of values to the younger generation pass silently but essentially through traditional customs.
The “foot cake”
On the first day of the year, the foot cake has particular importance. The first person to enter the house is considered to “bring luck” for the entire year. That is why it is preferred that it be a kind person or a child, while the right foot should step on the threshold first.
On the same day, the basil pie is also cut. As Ms. Tselepou says, first they carve it with a knife and then they cut it, with the order of the pieces differing from region to region, “of Christ, of the Virgin Mary, of the Poor, of Saint Basil”. Whoever finds the coin is considered lucky for the whole year and keeps the coin in their wallet as a talisman.
The pomegranate
Breaking the pomegranate at the entrance to the house symbolizes abundance, health and good fortune. The many seeds of the pomegranate are associated with the prosperity and fullness that we wish to fill our home in the new year.
The custom of the olive tree
In many villages in Cyprus, but also in the Paphos district, they make wreaths from olive trees. In houses with a fireplace, people throw olive branches into the fire and hum:
“Santa Claus King, show and reveal if he loves me…”, saying the name of the one they wish for. If the leaf burns and makes a noise, then – according to tradition – the love is true.
New Year’s Carols
New Year’s carols set a joyful tone in neighbourhoods. Children go from house to house, singing and receiving gifts, usually money or sweets, conveying the message of joy and hope for the new year.
New Year’s customs, as Anna Tselepou emphasizes, are not just memories of the past. They are a living path that leads us to who we are, unites us as a community and reminds us that tradition is a heart that continues to beat through time.
Kiki Pericleous
