Cutting the Vissilopitta

Even in these difficult times the villages of Crete continue with their traditional celebrations. Yesterday I went to the cutting of the "Vassilopitta" ( New Year's Cake) at Exopoli.

We could see the lights on the church and the village hall from a long distance away

The church was looking bright

In the courtyard the barbecue was fired up and ready to go.

In a side room the experts were cooking the pilaffi ( rice cooked with the juices of the boiled lamb)

Mr Marikakis, the president of the "Syllogos" says a few words before cutting the cake.

The villagers gathered together. The shepherds had donated a sheep, a farmer a pig, the ladies of the village donated spinach pies, macaroni with cheese and mushrooms and "Spetsofai" and of course a lot of local wine!

The young people of the village helped to serve the food.

Argyro and Joanna had  a special mention  for all of their hard work

The cake was cut. the first piece reserved for Christ.

We all tucked in. Hoping to find the hidden coin. A good time was had by all.