×
GreekEnglish

×
  • Politics
  • Diaspora
  • World
  • Lifestyle
  • Travel
  • Culture
  • Sports
  • Cooking
Thursday
18
Dec 2025
weather symbol
Athens 17°C
  • Home
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • World
  • Diaspora
  • Lifestyle
  • Travel
  • Culture
  • Sports
  • Mediterranean Cooking
  • Weather
Contact follow Protothema:
Powered by Cloudevo
> Culture

Why Greeks traditionally decorate a boat instead of a Christmas Tree

The true origin of a tradition

Newsroom December 25 03:31

To Karavaki

The most traditional symbol you will find in Greece during the holidays is a small boat decorated with lights, usually placed in the main square of a town and close to the more international Christmas tree.

To karavaki, or small boat is rooted in the traditions of a country with a symbiotic relationship with the sea. In fact, on the many Greek islands the Christmas boats remain the most popular ornament of the holiday season.

Agios Nikolaos

Different legends explain the tradition of the Christmas Greek boat. One of them is related to Saint Nicholas (Agios Nikolaos), the Patron Saint of Sailors.

See Also:

Lost temple of Hercules discovered off coast of Spain (video)

>Related articles

Hellenic Competition Commission: The distortions that keep deposit interest rates low

The 22-year-old’s lawsuit against Giorgos Mazonakis – Allegations about meetings in his dressing room and deleted messages

Research: The BBC’s “first Black Briton” from the Roman era was ultimately…white and originated from southern England

This saint is celebrated on December 6, the day when many households start decorating their houses for Christmas. Some agree that this is why boats are decorated, in order to honor the saint.

Read more HERE

Ask me anything

Explore related questions

#christmas#culture#greece#greek#karavaki#tradition
> More Culture

Follow en.protothema.gr on Google News and be the first to know all the news

See all the latest News from Greece and the World, the moment they happen, at en.protothema.gr

> Latest Stories

The 22-year-old’s lawsuit against Giorgos Mazonakis – Allegations about meetings in his dressing room and deleted messages

December 18, 2025

The renowned violinist and conductor André Rieu recently presented the Greek Christmas carols

December 18, 2025

Farmers decline a meeting with Mitsotakis and continue road blockades; Further disruptions planned, including during the holiday period

December 18, 2025

War in Ukraine: We are preparing to be briefed by the U.S. on the peace plan, says the Kremlin

December 18, 2025

Research: The BBC’s “first Black Briton” from the Roman era was ultimately…white and originated from southern England

December 18, 2025

Lamda and Athens Medical Group agreement for the development of a healthcare park at the Ellinikon

December 18, 2025

President Trump: “Zero illegal immigration, over 600,000 deportations”

December 18, 2025

The handover ceremony of the first Greek Belharra frigate “Kimon” (live)

December 18, 2025
All News

> Economy

Lamda and Athens Medical Group agreement for the development of a healthcare park at the Ellinikon

The development of the Healthcare Park will ensure high-quality, reliable, and comprehensive healthcare services for residents, employees, and visitors of The Ellinikon

December 18, 2025

A plan for automatic collection of VAT from the State: The two scenarios under consideration

December 18, 2025

Morgan Stanley: Why Greek equities will continue to lead in 2026

December 17, 2025

Kyriakos Pierrakakis: The banking system will play a very important role in the transformation of Greece and Europe

December 17, 2025

State Budget: Primary surplus of €12.6 billion in 11 months

December 17, 2025
Homepage
PERSONAL DATA PROTECTION POLICY COOKIES POLICY TERM OF USE
Powered by Cloudevo
Copyright © 2025 Πρώτο Θέμα