Traditional winter holiday dishes in Cyprus — suckling pig, vasilopita, loukoumades

Winter holidays in Cyprus are a time of aromas, family feasts, and ancient traditions. Christmas, New Year, and Epiphany are accompanied not only by rituals but also by special dishes prepared in almost every home. Many of these recipes have survived unchanged to the present day and are considered symbols of abundance, happiness, and well-being.

• Christmas Roast Piglet
• Vasilopita — the New Year's Lucky Cake
• Xerotiana and Loukoumades — Sweets for Epiphany

Christmas Roast Piglet

The main Christmas dish in Cyprus is the roast piglet. It is prepared on Christmas Eve with family, and the aroma of roasted meat fills the entire house. The simplest version is a piglet on a spit, roasted over coals until golden brown. This dish symbolizes prosperity and family unity.

A more elaborate version is piglet in wine with coriander. A few days before the holiday, the meat is marinated in dry red wine with salt and spices, then dried and smoked. This method gives the dish a rich aroma and makes it resemble delicacies from traditional Cypriot villages. It is said that Christmas piglet in wine brings peace, health, and well-being to the home.

Today, many families prepare pork ribs, souvlaki, or casseroles with potatoes and coriander instead of a whole piglet — but the essence of the tradition remains the same: aromatic meat gathers loved ones around a single table.

Vasilopita — the New Year's Lucky Cake

Vasilopita is a traditional New Year's cake dedicated to Saint Basil (Agios Vasilis), the local equivalent of Santa Claus. A coin is always placed in the cake before baking — a symbol of luck. Whoever receives the slice with the coin will be happy and successful throughout the year.

According to legend, when Saint Basil distributed the wealth of the rich to the poor, he hid coins in the bread so that no one knew who would receive what. This is how the tradition of baking the “lucky cake” began.

On New Year's Eve, Cypriots leave a slice of Vasilopita and a glass of wine under the tree for Saint Basil to appease him and attract prosperity. In the morning, the family gathers at the table, cuts the cake, and a joyful divination begins — to see who will be lucky in the new year.

Modern Vasilopita comes in various forms: shortcrust, sponge, or yeast-based, but each carries the spirit of celebration and homely warmth.

Xerotiana and Loukoumades — Sweets for Epiphany

On January 6th, Epiphany Day, Cypriots prepare special treats — xerotiana (thin fried buns) and loukoumades (honey doughnuts). These desserts symbolize purification and joy and serve as a kind of offering to the spirits.

In the past, it was customary in villages to throw several buns onto the roof to “appease” evil spirits and protect the house for the entire year. Today, the tradition survives only as a delicious dessert — loukoumades are served with honey, cinnamon, and nuts, and in some families, they are fried outdoors to share with neighbors and guests.

Conclusion: festive food in Cyprus is not just cuisine, but a part of spiritual culture. Each recipe is tied to faith, good wishes, and family values. By preparing a piglet, Vasilopita, or loukoumades, you can touch the heart of Cypriot tradition and feel the true atmosphere of the winter holidays.