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xmelissaa

Active member
I thought I'd do some research about some of the most popular teams in Greece. Soccer seems to be the most popular, and there is also a strong basketball fanbase. Did I miss anything? Should I add or subtract anything?

1. Olympiacos F.C - This is the biggest football club in Greece; their fans are known as “The Greece’s Red Army.” Olympiacos F.C has won the Greek Super League more times than any other team since its establishment.

2. Panathinaikos B.C - Founded in 1919, Panathinaikos B.C has won the most Greek Basket League championships, propelling it to be among the most popular sports teams in Greece.

3. AEK Athens F.C - AEK has one of the biggest and most passionate fan bases in Greece. The team has won three Greek cups and one Greek Super League trophy.

4. PAOK F.C - PAOK is the third-luckiest team in Greece. PAOK has fans all over Greece, indicating that they could be the next big football club following Olympiacos and AEK in terms of popularity.

5. Olympiacos B.C - Olympiacos B.C has won nine Greek Basketball League trophies, representing the team’s dominance in basketball. Its fans are dubbed ‘Red Angels' and are one of the most loyal fan bases in Greece.

6. Xanthi FC - Located in a small city in Thrace, Xanthi FC is the neighborhood's pride and joy. Although they’ve never won a domestic trophy, the team has captured the hearts of many people in the region.

7. Aris Thessaloniki F.C - Founded in 1914, Aris has a rich history. The club has won two Greek Cypriot championships, particularly in 1946 and 1979.

8. AEK Athens B.C - AEK Athens Basketball Club was the first-ever Greek club to reach the semifinals of a European competition. The team has dominated in domestic competitions, with eight Greek cup and three Greek Basket League titles.

9. A.C. PAOK - PAOK’s volleyball team is just as successful as its football team. The team has won 13 Greek Volleyball League championships, making it one of the most successful volleyball teams in Greece.

10. Olympiacos Piraeus BC - Olympiacos Piraeus BC is the second success story in Greek basketball, with nine Greek Basket League championships. Its fans are among the most rabid and passionate in the country.
 
Nice list. Sporting events in Greece are not family events, so if anyone decides to go then leave your kids at home. Become familiar with the major rivalries such as Panathinaikos and Olympiakos because these games become very violent, and you don't want to be caught up in the violence. Do not wear any Greek sports clothing anywhere unless you know where you are or it's the Greek national team. I'm not trying to scare anyone, but these rivalries are serious and you don't wear the rivals colors in neighborhoods that don't support them or you can almost be guaranteed to experience something.

Γαμώ τον ολυμπιακό! Παναθηναϊκός για μια ζωή! 13!
 
Nice list. Sporting events in Greece are not family events, so if anyone decides to go then leave your kids at home. Become familiar with the major rivalries such as Panathinaikos and Olympiakos because these games become very violent, and you don't want to be caught up in the violence. Do not wear any Greek sports clothing anywhere unless you know where you are or it's the Greek national team. I'm not trying to scare anyone, but these rivalries are serious and you don't wear the rivals colors in neighborhoods that don't support them or you can almost be guaranteed to experience something.

Γαμώ τον ολυμπιακό! Παναθηναϊκός για μια ζωή! 13!
I didn't realize they weren't family outings! That's good to know. I guess it makes sense though because this might be typical of football culture throughout the world?
 

Thinking about the Greek way of hospitality...

I thought I would ask your thoughts oh Philoxenia - or the Greek way, or art, of hospitality. I noticed this when I travel in Greece. People are so kind, they often go out of the way for us, when I feel that they don't have to! How can one describe this to someone?

From what I understand, Philoxenia is not merely a practice but a deeply ingrained value within Greek culture that extends far beyond the simple act of hosting. It reflects a genuine, heartfelt welcome to strangers, treating them with the same respect and generosity one would show to a dearly beloved friend. This beautiful tradition, passed down through generations, turns the act of hosting into an art form, embodying warmth, respect, and a profound sense of human compassion. There have been so many stories I can think of...

This thought process was triggered because we were watching My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 - someone in the village had taken on a Syrian refugee. Is this a Greek hospitality thing? Philoxenia?

Learning about hospitality in Greece

I was trying to explain to some non-Greek friends about hospitality in Greece. I feel like it's next level, but how do you explain it?

Could anyone help me explain any of the following:
  • Traditional welcome gestures in Greece
  • Common household customs when visiting a Greek home
  • Etiquette for showing appreciation to Greek hosts
  • Any specific do's and don'ts that a foreigner should be aware of

Summer Festivals in Greece?

With the warm weather approaching, I've been eager to explore more light and refreshing dishes. I'm particularly interested in Greek cuisine, which I know has a lot of great options perfect for sunny days.

Could anyone share their favorite Greek dishes to enjoy when the weather is warm? I'm looking for suggestions that are both delicious and easy to prepare. Any recipes or tips on where to find authentic ingredients would be greatly appreciated too!

How to choose godparents?

I'm currently planning a baptism for a child in the Greek Orthodox Church and finding myself at a bit of a crossroads. One of the most significant decisions we're facing is choosing the right godparents. I understand that in our tradition, the role of a godparent is not only a great honor but also carries profound spiritual and moral responsibilities. They are to guide the child in the Orthodox faith, ensuring they grow in the church and its teachings.

How do you choose? I have a few candidates and am trying to narrow it down.

Greek Wedding Traditions Roundup

I am helping someone plan her Greek wedding. I wanted to make a list of all the traditions we need to keep in time for the big day. Did I miss anything?

The Stolisma

The wedding day begins with the ritual of 'Stolisma,' where the bride and groom are prepared separately by their families. It's a moment filled with emotion, songs, and blessings, setting the tone for the day. I had honestly never heard of this. Do people still do it?

The Krevati

An amusing tradition is the 'Krevati' (bed making), where family and friends gather to decorate the couple's future bed with baby items, symbolizing fertility and a happy family life. Money is also often thrown on the bed for good luck and prosperity.

The Crowning (Stefana)

One of the most iconic rituals during the ceremony is the exchange of crowns or 'Stefana.' I believe they need to buy the crowns they want in advance?

Koufeta

No Greek wedding would be complete without 'Koufeta'—sugar-coated almonds given to guests as wedding favors. These bittersweet treats represent the ups and downs of married life and are shared in odd numbers to symbolize indivisibility and shared life.
Share and discuss Greek traditions related to Greek weddings, christenings, dance & holidays!

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