What Greek New Year's cake traditionally contains a hidden coin for the person who finds it?

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Vasilopita is the Greek New Year's cake that traditionally contains a hidden coin.

The cake is served around New Year's Day in Greek households and communities. A coin, called a flouri, is concealed inside before baking or placed into the finished cake. The person who receives the slice containing it is traditionally thought to receive good luck for the coming year.

The cake is named after Saint Basil, whose feast day is observed on January 1 in the Greek Orthodox tradition. Families often cut a ceremonial slice for Saint Basil, the household or other symbolic recipients before distributing slices to individuals.

Recipes vary by region and family. Some versions resemble a sweet bread, while others are closer to a cake. Vasilopita is a New Year's custom, rather than a universal requirement for every Greek New Year's Eve gathering.

Source: Wikipedia · fact-checked Sept. 2026

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