The word “carols” comes from the Latin “calendae”, indicating the first day of each month in the Roman calendar.

Traditional carols differ from region to region in Greece, with particular characteristics in Thrace, Epirus and the islands. The ritual involves children singing from house to house, carrying wishes of good luck.

Notable artists who have performed or covered carols include Nana Mouchouri, George Dalara and Haroula Alexiou. Mikis Theodorakis and Stavros Xarchakos have composed contemporary Christmas songs, while bands such as Katerina Stanisi and Mode Plagal have offered modern arrangements of traditional carols.