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efhernandez_

Active member
-Syrtaki
-Zeibbekiko
-Kalamatiano
-Tsifteteli
-Hasapiko

Drop any more in the thread!
 
It depends on the area of Greece you're from and they're all important. Some areas of Greece won't dance the most well known traditional Greek dances that are known outside of Greece - they'll dance what is most popular in their area (e.g. people from Ipiros will mostly dance Ipirotika, and people from Crete will dance Kritika)

That said, the most well known dances to foreigners that I can I think of are:

Καλαματιανό
Ζεϊμπέκικο
Πεντοζάλη
Τσάμικο
Χασάπικο
Συρτάκι
Ικαριώτικο
Συρτός

The area where my family is from (ipiros and thessaly) mainly dances sta dyo, sta tria, karagouna, kalamatiano, and tsamiko.
 
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It depends on the area of Greece you're from and they're all important. Some areas of Greece won't dance the most well known traditional Greek dances that are known outside of Greece - they'll dance what is most popular in their area (e.g. people from Ipiros will mostly dance Ipirotika, and people from Crete will dance Kritika)

That said, the most well known dances to foreigners that I can I think of are:

Καλαματιανό
Ζεϊμπέκικο
Πεντοζάλη
Τσάμικο
Χασάπικο
Συρτάκι
Ικαριώτικο
Συρτός

The area where my family is from (ipiros and thessaly) mainly dances sta dyo, sta tria, karagouna, kalamatiano, and tsamiko.
How could I forget about tsamiko!! Thanks
 
I read once that there are thousands of Greek dances. I live in the United States and when I attend Greek festivals, it seems like there are a few main ones. I know how to dance those: Zybeikiko, Tsiftitelli, Kalamatianos, Tsamiko, Hasipiko, Hasaposervikos, Syrtaki, Pentazali (I keep needing a refresher on this one), and also the "Never on a Sunday" (I have no clue on the Greek name, if there is one).
 
I read once that there are thousands of Greek dances. I live in the United States and when I attend Greek festivals, it seems like there are a few main ones. I know how to dance those: Zybeikiko, Tsiftitelli, Kalamatianos, Tsamiko, Hasipiko, Hasaposervikos, Syrtaki, Pentazali (I keep needing a refresher on this one), and also the "Never on a Sunday" (I have no clue on the Greek name, if there is one).
That wouldn't surprise me because villages have their own versions of each dance and sometimes their own dances.

So Never on a Sunday (Ποτέ την Κυριακή) isn't actually a song, it's a movie. In the USA, "Never on a Sunday" is the name used when people are talking about the song "The Children of Pireaus" (Τα παιδιά του Πειραιά) which is in the movie Never on a Sunday.
 
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I read once that there are thousands of Greek dances. I live in the United States and when I attend Greek festivals, it seems like there are a few main ones. I know how to dance those: Zybeikiko, Tsiftitelli, Kalamatianos, Tsamiko, Hasipiko, Hasaposervikos, Syrtaki, Pentazali (I keep needing a refresher on this one), and also the "Never on a Sunday" (I have no clue on the Greek name, if there is one).
This is something that I struggle with. I always want to join in on the dances but I don't have the eye and rhythm to pick them up on the spot
 

Ideas for Celebrating the New Month - Kalo Mina

Growing up, I heard my family say this all the time when there was a new month. I finally started paying attention to the tradition and ritual of saying it.

Kalo Mina actually means "Good Month" but my family took it a step further. We developed the habit of doing something special as a family to celebrate.It depends which day it falls. Some things we've done:

- Brunch - We do this if it falls on a weekend.
- Dinner - Going out to dinner is great any time of the year!
- Journaling - We've done family journaling parties, sitting together reflecting on the month. Sometimes we read aloud what we write (depends how the month went LOL)
- Goals - No matter if we do anything, like go out to dinner or brunch, we always sit and review our goals for the month together.

Greek tradition of hanging onions on the door?

I just came from my friend's house and I saw there were onions hanging on the door! I asked them about it and learned it was a New Year's tradition. Here's what my research pulled out:

The Greek New Year is celebrated on the 1st of January, but the preparations for the celebration begin on the New Year’s Eve. As per tradition, the Greeks hang onions outside their house, balcony, or anywhere visible to attract good fortune, prosperity, and luck. The onions are hung, infused with various symbols like coins, bread, honey, and olives, representing prosperity, food, and success. This concept reminds the Greeks of their grandmothers, who hung onions outside their homes and gatherings during special occasions, especially New Year’s Eve.

Beyond the symbolic value of the onions, for Greeks, hanging onions also has medicinal and therapeutic benefits. Onions can purify the air and keep away harmful bacteria and impurities due to their sulfur compounds. Additionally, they are believed to have great health benefits and can help boost your immunity, reduce the risk of cancer, and regulate cholesterol levels.

Hanging onions is also a fun activity that the family enjoys together. Everyone gathers around and writes their wishes on the onions and ties them with a red thread, symbolizing good fortune. The onion is then hung outside the house, allowing the wishes to come true. The onions can also be collected at a later stage and used for cooking, acting as a souvenir that remains with the family for the rest of the year.

The notion of hanging onions is an ancient tradition in Greece, and the country takes pride in it. The ritual dates back to ancient Greece, where they were hung on doors and windows to keep away evil spirits and other unwanted energies. In Greece, the land of myths and legends, the onion symbolizes the new life that arises from the depths of the earth, representing hope, fertility, and growth.

Advice about making Greek coffee

I've developed a fascination with Greek culture and cuisine, and one aspect I'm particularly eager to explore is Greek coffee. I've heard that it's a unique and delicious brew, but I'm not quite sure how to make it at home.

I understand that Greek coffee is traditionally prepared using a special pot called a briki, but beyond that, I'm a bit lost. What type of coffee grounds should I use, and how finely should they be ground? Are there any specific brands or blends that are favored for making Greek coffee?

I'm also curious about the brewing process itself. Is there a particular technique for achieving that rich, foamy texture that Greek coffee is known for? And what about serving suggestions? Are there any traditional accompaniments or customs that I should be aware of?

Thanks in advance!

When does Orthodox lent start this year?

I noticed our Easter is late - May 5th - but Western Easter is at the end of March. Has Lent already started for them? When does our Lent start?

This year, I plan to do a stricter Lenten fast, so I want to plan some things out in advance.

Lent is a time for introspection, repentance, and spiritual growth. Through the dedicated practice of fasting, prayer, and charity, believers seek not only to grow closer to God but also to better understand themselves in relation to God’s will.

List of Cretan Dances?

I will be attending a Cretan wedding and am curious about the traditional Cretan dances! I know the dances are slightly different and I want to learn some. I don't know the names of the dances so that I can look them up. I did some research, though. Are any of these dances common at these weddings?
  • Pentozali
  • Sousta
  • Siganos
  • Chaniotis
There's a dance the wedding party typically does in Crete. Which dance is that?
Share and discuss Greek traditions related to Greek weddings, christenings, dance & holidays!

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