Vasilopita is the Greek New Year’s Eve food traditionally cut to reveal a hidden coin.
Vasilopita is a sweet bread or cake served around New Year’s Day in Greece and in Greek communities abroad. A coin, called a flouri, is hidden inside before baking or placed into the finished cake. The person who receives the slice containing the coin is traditionally considered especially lucky for the coming year.
The cake is commonly cut in a ceremonial order. A household may reserve slices for Christ, the house, or absent family members before serving individuals, though the order differs between families and regions. Businesses, clubs, and organizations may also hold vasilopita-cutting ceremonies in January.
The name refers to Saint Basil, whose feast day is celebrated on January 1 in the Greek Orthodox calendar. Popular stories connect the hidden coin with Saint Basil distributing valuables to people in a way that allowed each person to receive the item meant for them. Vasilopita is therefore a food tradition with both religious and family meanings.