New Year's day in Ikaria

Every New Year in Ikaria, all over the island is held the custom of Santa Claus. Groups of people (mostly men) wander around the neighborhoods going door to door, singing the traditional carols to the residents. Most times, they have musical instruments to accompany their songs and create a festive atmosphere in every home.

By the first morning hours, those groups have passed from all the homes, where delicious food, local recipes and plenty of wine is offered to them by the local housewives. In some specific settlements, women revive the same custom on the second day of Newy Year, going door to door as well and singing carols.