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knicks_fan87

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This question is out of pure curiotisty! What do my fellow Greek-Americans and Greek-Canadians do for thanksgiving? Do you eat turkey? Do you even celebrate?
 
I was born and raised, for the most part, in America. Why wouldn't I celebrate it? Of course I eat turkey. There is nothing in the Orthodoxy that prevents me from eating it. I celebrate it like other Americans.
 
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This question is out of pure curiotisty! What do my fellow Greek-Americans and Greek-Canadians do for thanksgiving? Do you eat turkey? Do you even celebrate?
I am a Greek- American. My family does a lot of the American-traditional stuff (like serving a turkey, pumpkin pie, that kind of thing), but we also add some favorite Greek dishes. My family "stuffing" involves rice, allspice, and chestnuts and I have heard many Greek Americans say they serve the same thing. I don't even know what it is or what the origin is. Last year, we served spanakopita for an appetizer, and Ek Mek Kataifi for dessert alongside pumpkin and apple pie. For the record, the Ek Mek actually stole the show!
 
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Great question!

Not sure on the Greek Canadian side of things, but here is some information about how Greek Americans celebrate Thanksgiving:

 
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I am a Greek- American. My family does a lot of the American-traditional stuff (like serving a turkey, pumpkin pie, that kind of thing), but we also add some favorite Greek dishes. My family "stuffing" involves rice, allspice, and chestnuts and I have heard many Greek Americans say they serve the same thing. I don't even know what it is or what the origin is. Last year, we served spanakopita for an appetizer, and Ek Mek Kataifi for dessert alongside pumpkin and apple pie. For the record, the Ek Mek actually stole the show!
I loooove ek mek kataifi!! Is there any recipe that you used that you could divulge for us?
 
We Australian Greeks do not have Thanksgiving. BUT in 2006 we were in New York. My sister and I went to the Thanksgiving Day Parade. Didn't realise how freezing cold it was, left my gloves behind. A vey kind lady next to me gave me her leg warmer as my hands had turned purple. We had dinner at our cousin's in Astoria. They had everything (turkey, stuffing, lamb, chicken) as they didn't know what we would eat. We had to say what we were thankful for. Our Mum and Aunt very tearfully said that we were there to join them. And we were very, very grateful and thankful.
 
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We Australian Greeks do not have Thanksgiving. BUT in 2006 we were in New York. My sister and I went to the Thanksgiving Day Parade. Didn't realise how freezing cold it was, left my gloves behind. A vey kind lady next to me gave me her leg warmer as my hands had turned purple. We had dinner at our cousin's in Astoria. They had everything (turkey, stuffing, lamb, chicken) as they didn't know what we would eat. We had to say what we were thankful for. Our Mum and Aunt very tearfully said that we were there to join them. And we were very, very grateful and thankful.
Sounds beautiful. Kudos to your family for making so much food, that is truly the Greek way, making sure that everyone is taken care of
 

How was your experience using a virtual concierge at a luxury resort?

Booked a fancy resort for a once-in-a-blue-moon getaway, and they keep hyping up this “virtual concierge” thing like it’s the next big miracle. I’m kinda torn. Part of me loves the idea of ditching phone calls, but part of me worries it’ll feel cold or glitchy, like talking to a chat bot instead of a real human who actually cares if my room smells weird or if I need extra towels. If you’ve used one before, was it helpful or just marketing fluff? I’m trying to figure out if I should trust it or just stick to the front desk.

Are most Greeks left or right?

Are most Greeks liberal leftist progressives? Most that I encounter are. Not only that but self hating. WHY?

How did your family spend summers in Greece?

I’m curious how many of you spent summers in Greece growing up.

My experience was a little different. My parents both worked full time, so we never packed up and spent entire summers in Greece the way some Greek families did. But I had friends and cousins who seemed to disappear every June and come back just before school started, full of stories about village life, island beaches, family gatherings, and adventures with cousins.

I always found those stories fascinating and sometimes wished I had experienced that myself.

For those of you who did spend summers in Greece, what was it like? Did you stay in a village, a city, or on an island? What did your typical days look like? Are there any traditions, memories, or experiences that still stand out to you today? I'd love to hear your stories!

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.

Information About Apokries?

I’ve been curious about how people experience Apokries and what it looks like in different parts of Greece. For some, it seems centered on big public celebrations and costumes, while for others it’s more about smaller gatherings, food, and local customs.

I’m especially interested in the traditions people grew up with. Was Apokries something your family actively celebrated, or did it feel more like a community event? Did you attend costume parties, parades, or specific local festivities? And how did days like Tsiknopempti fit into it for you?

I’d also love to hear whether your experience changed over time, for example, celebrating differently as a child versus as an adult, or noticing differences between village and city celebrations.

For those who no longer live in Greece, do you still mark Apokries in some way, or has it faded with distance?

I’m looking forward to hearing how this tradition shows up for others.
Share and discuss Greek traditions related to Greek weddings, christenings, dance & holidays!

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