by Sofia, age 9, asks Agios Vasilis do you bring presents on New Year’s Day instead of Christmas?, about the Acropolis, and Greece’s birth of democracy
Dear Agios Vasilis,
My name is Sofia and I am 9 years old. I live in Athens, Greece, where my yiayia bakes a special cake called vasilopita with a coin hidden inside, and whoever finds the coin has good luck all year.
First, do you bring presents on New Year’s Day instead of Christmas?
Second, a geography question: what ancient hill and citadel overlooks Athens?
Third, a school question about my country: why is Greece considered the birthplace of democracy?
I left you melomakarona and coffee.
Love, Sofia, age 9, Athens, Greece, Athens, Greece
From the Desk of Agios Vasilis
Dear Sofia, thank you for the treat, it was wonderful. Now, your questions.
Do you bring presents on New Year’s Day instead of Christmas?
That is exactly right. I bring gifts on New Year’s Day rather than Christmas Eve, in honor of Saint Basil, whose feast day falls on January 1st.
What ancient hill and citadel overlooks Athens?
The Acropolis rises above Athens on its rocky hill, crowned by the ancient Parthenon temple, lit up beautifully at night, and it remains one of the most spectacular sights I pass on my entire European route, thousands of years old and still standing proud.
Why is Greece considered the birthplace of democracy?
In ancient Athens, around the fifth century BC, citizens developed a system where free men could vote directly on laws and decisions affecting their city, an idea called democracy, meaning rule by the people. That core idea, born in Athens, profoundly shaped how many countries around the world govern themselves now.
Kala Christougenna, Sofia.
Ho ho ho, Agios Vasilis
