Greece welcomed the New Year with a joyful and unforgettable celebration as a giant traditional Vasilopita cake was unveiled for the public, setting what organizers called a new record for the largest of its kind.
The festive event took place in Peristeri, a suburb of Athens, where thousands of people gathered to celebrate the New Year together in a lively, family-friendly atmosphere.
The enormous cake weighed nearly 10 tons and stretched over 100 meters, making it a true showstopper. It was prepared using 6.2 tons of flour, 6,500 eggs, and a blend of aromatic ingredients. To bring this sweet vision to life, 35 local bakeries joined hands, baking the cake in sections and assembling it on-site before sharing it with the crowd.
Held at the city’s central municipal square, the celebration has become a beloved New Year tradition in Peristeri, repeated every year for more than a decade.
Vasilopita is a cherished Greek custom baked to welcome the New Year. A hidden coin inside the cake symbolizes good luck, and tradition says whoever finds it will enjoy a year filled with happiness, success, and blessings.
This year’s giant Vasilopita was sliced into nearly 80,000 pieces, ensuring that everyone could take part. Volunteers helped distribute the cake as children, families, and elderly residents waited in cheerful lines, exchanging warm greetings and New Year wishes.
Panagiotis Sachinidis, president of the Athens Bakers Guild, said the cake was special not just because of its size, but because it represented teamwork, unity, and the hard work of local bakers. He added that the aim was to bring the community together and celebrate the spirit of sharing.
Organizers described the Vasilopita tradition as a symbol of hope, prosperity, and togetherness in Greek culture. Celebrations like these help people connect, spread joy, and start the year on a positive note.
The event ended with prayers for health, peace, unity, and happiness, leaving behind smiles, sweet memories, and a festive mood that lingered long after the cake was gone.
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