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francescool

Active member
Greek weddings can get pretty pricey, especially if you have a lot of guests and you're planning on getting married in the peak summer season. The best thing you can do is start planning your wedding early, so that you have time to shop around and see which vendors and venues will be the cheapest. Your wedding dress and suit will definitely be much cheaper if you buy it from Greece, so I do suggest that you get it there if you're able to get it done in time for the wedding. Outdoor venues also tend to be a lot cheaper indoor ballrooms. My last tip of advice, it's going to the destination that isn't so popular. If you want to get married in Santorini or Mykonos, your budget is definitely going to be much bigger in comparison to the mainland or Crete for example. Let me know if you have any more tips and if this helps!
 
If you do a wedding at a "κτήμα/ktima" (can be inside or outside) then it'll be more expensive than a "αίθουσα/ethousa" (always indoors). Weddings at an ethousa can cost €19-€35 per person, and at a ktima it will start at €30+ per person.
 
If you do a wedding at a "κτήμα/ktima" (can be inside or outside) then it'll be more expensive than a "αίθουσα/ethousa" (always indoors). Weddings at an ethousa can cost €19-€35 per person, and at a ktima it will start at €30+ per person.
Wow that is so much cheaper than most areas of the world...good to know! Does this price apply for most areas of Greece? And does it include food? Thanks for your insight :)
 
Wow that is so much cheaper than most areas of the world...good to know! Does this price apply for most areas of Greece? And does it include food? Thanks for your insight :)
I should be more specific.. This is around Athens and this is for the food only. The dj might be about ~€500 (we paid €300), and a band could cost €800+ depending on who you want. Decorations are probably €2000.
 
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I should be more specific.. This is around Athens and this is for the food only. The dj might be about ~€500 (we paid €300), and a band could cost €800+ depending on who you want. Decorations are probably €2000.
Great advice, thank you!! :)
 
I should be more specific.. This is around Athens and this is for the food only. The dj might be about ~€500 (we paid €300), and a band could cost €800+ depending on who you want. Decorations are probably €2000.
This is helpful, and it still sounds less expensive than other places in the world. And with the Euro currently being closer to the dollar it's even better, if you are coming from the United States.
 

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!

Greek Easter Family Traditions

I am curious what your family traditions are for Greek Easter. I know lent hasn't even started yet, but I've started doing some planning to make sure my family has all of its traditions all set. Sometimes it takes me a while to find ingredients for some of the foods I serve, etc.

Of course we spend Holy Week in church. We do our best to fast during Lent, and once Easter comes, it's all about serving our traditional dishes. This year I might spend part of lent in Greece to visit some religious sites.

What do you guys all do?

Tips for Learning and Teaching Greek

I know how to speak Greek okay, but I am not great at it. I want to brush up on my skills, and I also want to teach some of my family members. I am good enough at it to the learn the basics. I am looking for advice, but I've also compiled some ideas:

1. Spend an extended period of time in Greece

There’s no better way to learn Greek than to immerse yourself in the language and culture of Greece. If you have the opportunity, consider spending an extended time in Greece, studying or working, taking a sabbatical, or just exploring the country. Living in Greece can help you understand the nuances of the language, such as the different accents, dialects, and slang that are used. You’ll also have the chance to practice your Greek with locals, watch Greek TV or films, and read Greek books or newspapers. I would imagine this is the best way to learn fast!

2. Use a language program

If you can’t travel to Greece or you prefer a more structured approach to learning Greek, consider using a language program. There are many language programs available online or in your local area, ranging from self-paced courses to interactive classes. Some popular language programs for Greek include Rosetta Stone, Duolingo, and Pimsleur. From what I understand these are all great options and I can learn at my own pace.

3. Take classes

Taking classes is another excellent way to learn Greek, especially if you prefer face-to-face interaction and feedback. You can find Greek language classes in community colleges, universities, language schools, or private tutors. Taking classes can help you improve your Greek skills, such as listening, speaking, reading, and writing. You’ll have a teacher who can guide you through the learning process, answer your questions, and give you homework or assignments that challenge you. You’ll also have classmates who share your passion for Greek and can practice with you.

4. Find ways to immerse yourself outside of Greece

Even if you can’t go to Greece or attend classes, you can still immerse yourself in Greek in your daily life. One way is to find Greek-speaking communities or events in your area, such as cultural centers, festivals, or meetups. You can also use online resources to connect with Greek speakers, such as language exchange websites, social media groups, or chat apps. Listening to Greek music, watching Greek videos or podcasts, or reading Greek literature can also help you familiarize yourself with the sounds and patterns of the language.

Honestly, I plan to try all 4 - whatever I can do. I think it will all help.

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.

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

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