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francescool

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Traditional Greek weddings usually give wedding favors called koufeta, which are traditional chocolate candies. Nowadays, many people will skip the koufeta and have additional and more modern favors. I have seen small pots of honey or a small bottle of ouzo, which I thought was really nice. What are some Greek wedding favors that you have seen and that you have liked?
 
Traditional Greek weddings usually give wedding favors called koufeta, which are traditional chocolate candies. Nowadays, many people will skip the koufeta and have additional and more modern favors. I have seen small pots of honey or a small bottle of ouzo, which I thought was really nice. What are some Greek wedding favors that you have seen and that you have liked?
A lot of Greeks also call the candy coated white almond candy "koufeta". In fact, I have never seen chocolate candies called Koufeta. Does it maybe depend on the family or region of Greece as to what is called koufeta? I am in the Greek diaspora in the Northeast (near Lowell, MA).
 
Koufeta is candy that you give out at weddings, and it doesn't mean one particular type of candy.

I was just at a wedding in Nafplio last weekend and their koufeta was candy coated almonds. At my wedding the koufeta will be chocolate covered walnuts, sour cherry, orange, and stracciatella. We're also giving out a small bottle of olive oil to match the theme (olives)

Traditionally, the koufeta are the almonds, but when you walk into a store to pick out your bοbonieres (the wedding favor - typically a bag with koufeta, but really it can be anything such as a bag, a box, or anything you can think of) you will generally have several options of koufeta to choose from
 
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Koufeta is candy that you give out at weddings, and it doesn't mean one particular type of candy.

I was just at a wedding in Nafplio last weekend and their koufeta was candy coated almonds. At my wedding the koufeta will be chocolate covered walnuts, sour cherry, orange, and stracciatella. We're also giving out a small bottle of olive oil to match the theme (olives)

Traditionally, the koufeta are the almonds, but when you walk into a store to pick out your bοbonieres (the wedding favor - typically a bag with koufeta, but really it can be anything such as a bag, a box, or anything you can think of) you will generally have several options of koufeta to choose from
I love these favors, they are so unique!! Beautiful theme of olives as well. Is straciatella like the Italian cheese? Or are you referring to something else?
 
I love these favors, they are so unique!! Beautiful theme of olives as well. Is straciatella like the Italian cheese? Or are you referring to something else?
It's like the ice cream in Italy- a milk based cream with chocolate flakes in it
 
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It's like the ice cream in Italy- a milk based cream with chocolate flakes in it
Sounds amazing, I think this is a recipe for those who might want to make it
 
I love these favors, they are so unique!! Beautiful theme of olives as well. Is straciatella like the Italian cheese? Or are you referring to something else?
This is what our bobonieres and koufeta look like. Only two of the koufeta we're giving out are shown on this box (skryos and ithaki)

20220617_095505.jpg20220617_095516.jpg20220617_095315.jpg
 
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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!

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.

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?

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?

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

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