The New Year's Day customs of Crete (VIDEO)

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On New Year's Eve, the traditional carols are sung, while many Cretans use to welcome the new year with fireworks and aerial shots, the so-called “mpalothies”.

In the morning of the New Year’s Day and as the bells ring, they all go to church (especially in villages). After the church,, each of them brings a stone to his house, as a symbol of good fortune (the bigger the stone the better  the fortune will be).

Another New Years'  Day custom on the island, is the breaking of a pomegranate at the entrance of the house and the “askeletoura”.  

“Askeletoura”, is a wild plant growing on the Cretan mountains and looks like a big onion. As this plant continues to grow new leaves even when it is uprooted, the locals believe that its vital force can be transmitted to them. So they hang it in their homes.


Though, this ancient custom of good luck dating back to the 6th century is still preserved in many regions throughout Greece. 


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The Agia Pelagia Beach near Heraklion

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Εικόνα
The beautiful and picturesque Agia Pelagia is one of the most popular and cosmopolitan destinations. It has a stunning and fully – organized sandy beach with crystal – clear water and no waves as the area generally is protected from strong winds. On the beach, you will find everything that is necessary for a comfortable and pleasant day at sea. Furthermore, the beach of Agia Pelagia is an ideal place for people who love water sports as they will find there a water sports center which offers safe and certified services. There, you will also find some small souvenirs shops and mini markets. The wider area has more beaches to visit. One of them is the so called Mononaftis beach which will enchant you because of its fantastic green color water. So if you choose Heraklion for your holidays do not miss an excursion to Agia Pelagia.
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The traditional Kalitsounia

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Εικόνα
Kalitsounia or kaltsounia, started to be made many years ago as an Easter candy in Crete, but nowadays are made all year round by fresh Myzithra. They usually have either a square shape, called “anevata” or the shape of an oil lamp. There are various recipes of making them from place to place on the island. The feeling is salty or sweet with or without mint and the preparation of the dough is made by different ways, but usually with yeast. “Anevata” or “Stiaka” kalitsounia are preserved more by putting them unbaked in the freezer. The secret of their tasty are the fresh Cretan cheeses, abundant in Crete, the Xinomyzithra the anthotyros and the tyromalama. The visitor can taste them in many restaurants or taverns as well as in the Cretan houses in which housewives use them as a treat.
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Visiting the Analipsi Beach

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Εικόνα
Analipsi is a famous beach that every year attracts lots of visitors. It is located at a distance of 22 km away from the city of Heraklion and on its east side. Analipsi has an amazing coast with thin, pale sand. The crystal – clear sea has a unique light – blue color. In addition, at the beach, there are some rocks that compose a magical and wild landscape.  What is more, the sea has normal depth and sea bed configuration but it is exposed to the winds and usually, has waves. However, it is a perfect place for families with children because it has a really clean marine environment. Additionally, the beach of Analipsi is ideal for the visitors who like water sports as it has the necessary facilities. It is also worth mentioning that the area has a water park where you can have a great time with your kids and your friends. Analipsi beach is one of the most enchanting places to visit in Crete.  
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