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mastichas09

Active member
Greeks don't celebrate halloween like they do in the US and around the world. Greeks have another holidays called "apokries" which is celebrated ten weeks before Greek Orthodox Easter. Everybody dresses up in costumes and there is usually a parade in the street. So don't expect to see much on October 31, even though there are some western celebrations now a days.
 
Great point! There is no halloween (like the US) in Greece. I would compare apokries in Greece to be a bit more like mardis gras than Halloween.

Here is a bit more information to check out:
 
Halloween is a pagan and demonic celebration, that's why real Greeks don't celebrate it.
 
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Halloween is a pagan and demonic celebration, that's why real Greeks don't celebrate it.
Whereas "Originally, Apokries was derived from an Ancient Greek celebration dedicated to Dionysius, the Greek god of wine and revelry." according to both articles posted above. Of course, as a theological "investigator" I realised that the religion most Greeks currently follow is a foreign religion having arisen in the middle east some 1,800 years ago. If I were to follow a faith-based religion, it would be the religion of my forefathers, therefore I could embrace the Apokries celebration. I do, however, prefer the "religion" that has no gods which King Menander also realised and followed about 2,150 years ago.
 
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Whereas "Originally, Apokries was derived from an Ancient Greek celebration dedicated to Dionysius, the Greek god of wine and revelry." according to both articles posted above. Of course, as a theological "investigator" I realised that the religion most Greeks currently follow is a foreign religion having arisen in the middle east some 1,800 years ago. If I were to follow a faith-based religion, it would be the religion of my forefathers, therefore I could embrace the Apokries celebration. I do, however, prefer the "religion" that has no gods which King Menander also realised and followed about 2,150 years ago.
I didn't know that's where apokries came from! So cool, thanks!
 
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What Does Philotimo Mean to You?

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the word, or really, the concept, of philotimo. It’s one of those Greek words that just doesn’t translate neatly into English. I was recently trying to explain it to a non-Greek friend, and I realized how difficult it is to put into words!

I ended up talking about ideas like honor, dignity, courage, generosity, and doing the right thing because it’s simply the right thing to do. I even used some historical examples, including the 300 Spartans at Thermopylae and the spirit of Ochi Day, to try to explain the sense of duty and selflessness that I associate with philotimo.

But I know the concept can also show up in much smaller, everyday ways. How would you explain philotimo to someone unfamiliar with Greek culture? What does the word mean to you personally?

Does your family make fanouropita for Saint Phanourios Day?

I recently saw a news article about Saint Fanourios Day, and it showed people bringing fanouropita cakes to a church to be blessed. I knew about fanouropita and the tradition of making it when you’re hoping to find something that has been lost, but I didn’t realize how much of a church tradition it could be on the saint’s feast day itself.

Does your family make fanouropita for Saint Fanourios Day? If so, do you bring the cake to church to be blessed, or do you usually make it at home and share it with family and friends?

I’m also curious whether this is something that is still widely done in Greece or if it depends on the region, parish, or family. Are there any other traditions your family follows for Saint Fanourios Day?

I’d love to hear how people observe the day and whether fanouropita is part of your family’s tradition.

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.

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.

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!
Share and discuss Greek traditions related to Greek weddings, christenings, dance & holidays!

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