Vasilopita is the Greek New Year's Eve cake that traditionally contains a hidden coin for the lucky finder.
The cake is served around New Year's Day in Greek families, workplaces, clubs, and communities. A coin is concealed inside before the cake is cut, and portions may be assigned to family members, guests, the household, or religious figures. The person who finds the coin is said to receive good luck for the year.
The name refers to Saint Basil, or Agios Vasilios, whose feast day is celebrated in Greece on January 1. In Greek tradition, Saint Basil is associated with gift-giving on that date.
Recipes vary by region and household. Vasilopita may be a cake, sweet bread, or other baked preparation, so its appearance is not completely uniform. The hidden coin and New Year's ritual are its defining features.