×
GreekEnglish

×
  • Politics
  • Diaspora
  • World
  • Lifestyle
  • Travel
  • Culture
  • Sports
  • Cooking
Wednesday
11
Feb 2026
weather symbol
Athens 15°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

Mind the Greeks: Bringing Greek knowledge to the world stage

Mitsotakis–Erdoğan statements: “Time to remove every threat coming from the past,” said the Prime Minister regarding the casus belli (updated)

Geopolitical real estate: Turks, Israelis, Iranians, Lebanese and Americans rush for properties in Kolonaki and the Athenian Riviera

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

Seven agreements signed at the 6th Greece-Turkey high-level Cooperation Council

February 11, 2026

European Parliament adopts sweeping proposals to address housing crisis

February 11, 2026

Instagram chief to testify in court over youth social media addiction

February 11, 2026

At Votanikos, Alafouzos, Hatzidakis, and Doukas: “Panathinaikos’ stadium is progressing according to schedule”

February 11, 2026

NATO launches Arctic Sentry to strengthen its presence in the Arctic

February 11, 2026

Accessibility problems for people with disabilities at banks and ATMs — Letter to the Hellenic Bankers Association

February 11, 2026

Chaos and violent brawling among MPs in the Turkish parliament during the swearing-in of the new Justice and Interior ministers

February 11, 2026

Alpha Bank report: Greece’s housing paradox—High home ownership amid a deepening crisis

February 11, 2026
All News

> Economy

Alpha Bank report: Greece’s housing paradox—High home ownership amid a deepening crisis

What the bank's new study shows for prices, rents and vacant properties - Five causes behind the housing crisis and the interventions needed

February 11, 2026

Geopolitical real estate: Turks, Israelis, Iranians, Lebanese and Americans rush for properties in Kolonaki and the Athenian Riviera

February 11, 2026

Bank of America: Greece a top investment – The picks in banks, energy & industry

February 11, 2026

The Greek State in the markets: Re-issue of 10-year bond with a fixed interest rate of 3.375%

February 11, 2026

Financial assistance of €391 from OPEKA: Terms, rights, and beneficiaries

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