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mastichas09

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It's hard to teach this dance, because its about your kefi and passion. But for those who are completely unsure of where to begin...look at this video I shared

 
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Zeibekiko is one of the most famous and popular Greek dances. Here are instructions of how to learn and dance the Zeibekiko:
 
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For me I had to start, way back when I was little, learning the steps. But over time, as I became familiar with the music, the basic steps and structure is still there when I dance it, but worrying about the steps is now replaced with the feeling... of the music, of my mood, etc. I also learn a lot by watching others dance it - each person has his or her own way of dancing it.
 
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For me I had to start, way back when I was little, learning the steps. But over time, as I became familiar with the music, the basic steps and structure is still there when I dance it, but worrying about the steps is now replaced with the feeling... of the music, of my mood, etc. I also learn a lot by watching others dance it - each person has his or her own way of dancing it.
Lovely way to post this here.Efgharisto .....the same way of Spanish Flamenco!...Full of passion and pride.and feelings as you say!.... Kalley Mera.
 
You're right that there are no steps (you have to feel it inside of you), but there is a very specific beat you have to dance to - as she mentions in the video there are three different versions of the dance. Today the most common version of the dance is danced in a 9/8 pattern.
 
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You're right that there are no steps (you have to feel it inside of you), but there is a very specific beat you have to dance to - as she mentions in the video there are three different versions of the dance. Today the most common version of the dance is danced in a 9/8 pattern.
Very good point, thanks for sharing. I always have a hard time keeping up with the beat. Clapping usually helps!!
 
Very good point, thanks for sharing. I always have a hard time keeping up with the beat. Clapping usually helps!!
you might like this video then. He explains the beat very well


Once you watch that video, watch this video and try to hear the beat. The beat starts at about 10 seconds.

 

What are your favorite name day traditions?

I’ve always loved the tradition of celebrating name days. In my family, they’re just as meaningful as birthdays, and sometimes even more fun because they bring everyone together in a different way.

When a big name day comes around, especially one that several family members share, we often turn it into a full family gathering. For example, on a name day like Nick/Nikolas, where there might be multiple people celebrating, it becomes almost like a mini family holiday. Someone hosts, there’s plenty of food, and everyone comes by to wish the celebrants “chronia polla.”

I also like the simplicity of the tradition. Even if there isn’t a big gathering, people still call or send messages to acknowledge the day.

Do you celebrate name days in your family? And are there certain ones that turn into larger celebrations because several people share the name?

Greek Traditions from Childhood?

I’d love to hear everyone’s memories of Greek traditions from childhood, especially the small everyday things that may not even seem unusual until you look back on them later.

For me, some of the strongest memories are tied to food, church, family gatherings, name days, holiday preparations, and the feeling of constantly having people around. Even certain sounds and smells immediately bring everything back.

I’m also curious how traditions differed depending on region or family background. Did your family keep strong village customs? Were there things your grandparents insisted on doing a certain way? Any traditions connected to Easter, Christmas, weddings, coffee, hospitality, music, or food?

For me, we ate a family-oriented Sunday meal where everyone go together after church. That was a big part of things for me.

Why do Greeks celebrate name days?

I grew up with name days being a big deal, and I’ve always wondered why they feel more important than birthdays for so many of us. I know they’re tied to the Greek Orthodox Church feast days and the saints we’re named after, but it feels like there’s something deeper going on culturally.

In my family, name days were always open-house style, people calling, stopping by, bringing sweets, and it felt very communal. Birthdays, on the other hand, were more low-key.

Do you feel like name days still carry that same weight today? Or has it changed depending on the generation or where you live?

Greek Tsiknopempti Traditions?

I realized Tsiknopempti is coming up soon, and it made me curious how everyone celebrates it, especially outside of Greece. Growing up, I always associated it with grilled meat, lots of smoke in the air, and a general feeling of celebration before Lent started, but we never had a really structured tradition at home. Now I’m wondering if I should start one.

Do you usually grill at home, go out to a Greek restaurant, or gather with friends and family? Are there certain foods you always make, or is it more about the atmosphere and being together? I’ve seen photos from Greece where entire neighborhoods are grilling outside, which looks amazing.

I’d love to hear what Tsiknopempti looks like for you, whether it’s something big and festive or just a simple meal that still feels meaningful.

Do younger generations still follow traditional Greek customs?

Lately I’ve been wondering how much traditional Greek culture is still being carried forward by younger generations, both in Greece and in the diaspora.

I’m not talking only about the big holidays or major family events, but the smaller everyday things too — name days, church traditions, hospitality, family meals, fasting periods, village festivals, coffee rituals, respect for elders, even certain sayings and customs. Do younger Greeks still actively participate in these traditions, or do they mostly happen because parents and grandparents keep them going?

I imagine the answer probably depends a lot on location, family, and lifestyle. Someone growing up in a village might have a different experience than someone in Athens or abroad. I’d love to hear from people of different ages, which traditions have stayed strong, which ones are fading, and are there any that younger generations are bringing back in new ways?
Share and discuss Greek traditions related to Greek weddings, christenings, dance & holidays!

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