Christmas & New Year in Andros Island: Traditions & History

 

 

Andros is an island unique in many ways; its rich history, deeply intertwined with its strong naval force is honored by traditions and customs that shape the island’s one-of-a-kind culture.

 

Christmas and New Year’s preparations begin early in Andros, on December 6th, the day dedicated to Saint Nickolaos, the protector of sailors and ships. On that day, a grand parade of children carrying lit torches takes place on the seaside road of Gavrio, accompanied by the philharmonic orchestra of Andros. The procession reaches the church of Saint Nickolaos in Gavrio and then people start visiting each other’s home for a “greeting” to be treated with the season’s first pastries and goodies.

 

The traditional Christmas treats of every household in Andros include the snowy “kourambiedes”, almond biscuits covered in confectioners sugar, “foinikia” honeycakes, and sesame “pastelia”, a signature nut and honey bar of Andros. Throughout the pre-Christmas period, every street and alley of Andros is immersed in the fragrance of butter, cinnamon, cloves, and blossom-water, and the excitement of the upcoming holiday grows! And it doesn’t end there; Christmas and New Year’s celebrations in Andros are full of unique and intriguing traditions.

 

One of the most interesting Christmas customs of Andros Island is the unique “tin-boat” caroling; the children make a tin boat out of scrap metal from a large oil can; they embellish it as realistically as possible, and they even compete with each other as to whose boat is larger, prettier or sails better. On Christmas Eve, the children take their tin boats caroling, and they fill them up with the treats they are offered.

 

On Christmas Day and New Year’s, Andros Island seems like one endless party; all homes are open, and people visit each other exchanging treats, gifts and wishes for a Happy New Year and, as custom has it, for all the sailors to come back home safe!

 

From all of us in Micra Anglia Boutique Hotel we wish you from the bottom of our hearts a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! We look forward to seeing you all in wonderful Andros Island in the 2018 season!