National Hellenic Museum's New Year Celebratiion

Join us for the traditional cutting of the Vasilopita (New Year's bread) Celebration on Saturday, January 11th! The blessing and cutting of Vasilopita will be open to the public at 12:30pm.

Before the blessing of the Vasilopita, 11:30am to 12:30pm, Greek-Canadian foodie Peter Minaki (www.kalofagas.ca) will demonstrate how to make this Greek traditional New Year's bread. He will also sign his newly minted cookbook, The Everything Mediterranean Cookbook.

The vasilopita dates back to the 4th century and Saint Basil the Great, then a bishop. Wanting to help the poor, Saint Basil commissioned women to bake sweetened bread, placing gold coins in each one. The families cutting the bread to nourish themselves were pleasantly surprised to find the coins.

Many Greek people enjoy the Vasilopita at home with their loved ones during the New Year celebration, with the head of the family cutting slice for each member of the family. A special piece is cut for the poor, symbolizing concern for the poverty-stricken people of all nations. The person who finds the coin is considered blessed.