×
GreekEnglish

×
  • Politics
  • Diaspora
  • World
  • Lifestyle
  • Travel
  • Culture
  • Sports
  • Cooking
Sunday
31
May 2026
weather symbol
Athens 25°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

Δείτε περισσότερα άρθρα μας στα αποτελέσματα αναζήτησης

Add Protothema.gr on Google

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

Minor linked to seven electric scooter thefts in Rethymno

Attica beaches packed as those staying in Athens seek a refreshing escape over the Holy Spirit long weekend

Larissa: truck tears up a signalling bridge and ends up in a car yard

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

PSG crowned European champions again, beating Arsenal 4-3 on penalties

May 30, 2026

Macron on Paris winning the Champions League: France is proud, a new star shines over Paris

May 30, 2026

62 year old woman arrested for fire in Aegina

May 30, 2026

WHO recommendations on treatments and vaccine candidates for Ebola

May 30, 2026

Missile that allegedly downed US F-15 over Iran was Chinese-made, NBC reports

May 30, 2026

Hegseth lectures Europeans: You opened your borders wide, hollowed out your armies and ignored defense spending calls

May 30, 2026

Minor linked to seven electric scooter thefts in Rethymno

May 30, 2026

Attica beaches packed as those staying in Athens seek a refreshing escape over the Holy Spirit long weekend

May 30, 2026
All News

> Greece

In reverence, the emotional deposition in Jerusalem, see photos & video

The Holy Temple of the Resurrection opened after many days due to the war between Israel and Iran

April 10, 2026

In the final stretch for the accreditation of joint master’s degrees: Aiming for their launch in the coming academic year

April 10, 2026

Schedule for Epitaph Procession today (10/4)

April 10, 2026

Perfect weather for Easter excursions, according to Tsatrafyllia’s forecast

April 10, 2026

Easter in Greece: The customs that continue in Greek tradition – From Nafpaktos to Corfu

April 10, 2026
Homepage
PERSONAL DATA PROTECTION POLICY COOKIES POLICY TERM OF USE
Powered by Cloudevo
Copyright © 2026 Πρώτο Θέμα