The pandemic has seemed to have 'killed off' the annual record-breaking attempts at baking the biggest Vasilopita in Greece, as stricter measures introduced to contain the spread of the Omicron variant have functioned as a deterrent.
One memorable bake-off Greek City Times had reported on was the January 2020 successful attempt by the Baker’s Union of Athens who created the world's largest Vasilopita with the Municipality of Peristeri, to celebrate the New Year in a unique presentation at the Town Hall Square at Peristeri Metro Station.
The Vasilopita, which weighed 5000 kilograms and had more than 35,000 pieces, was created by more than 30 local Athenian bakers, who began the mission in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
The New Year’s cake was cut by Mayor Andreas Pachatouridis on Tuesday afternoon, in the presence of thousands of citizens from Peristeri and Attica, who of course received a delicious piece.
Inside the Vasilopita, 200 coins were placed and those who were lucky enough to find a coin in their cake, were given a gift.
The successful largest Vasilopita required the following ingredients: 1,950kg flour, 900kg margarine, 670kg sugar, 630kg yogurt, 210kg powder, 90kg baking powder, 730 eggs, 980 oranges, 65kg sunflower oil, 93kg brandy and 2.5 boxes of vanilla.
Let's hope this fun, annual tradition returns to Greek society.
