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paharo45

Active member
I'm attending a Greek wedding soon, and I really want to join in on the traditional dancing! I've heard Greek dances like the Kalamatianos and Tsifteteli are integral parts of the celebration, and I don't want to feel out of place. I never really learned how to dance from my Americanized Greek family!

Does anyone have tips on the best way to learn these dances? Are there any specific online tutorials, classes, or YouTube channels you’d recommend? Also, what should I keep in mind in terms of dance etiquette at the wedding? Thanks so much!
 
So fun!

Here are some tips to help you get ready for the dances:

  • Online Tutorials: Check out YouTube channels like "Greek Dance Lessons" and "Dance with Opa" for step-by-step guides on Kalamatianos and Tsifteteli.
  • Classes: Look for local Greek cultural centers or dance studios that might offer Greek dance classes.
  • Practice: Practice at home by following online tutorials. Focus on the rhythm and basic steps.
Etiquette:

  • Join the dance circle when invited, usually by holding hands or shoulders.
  • Follow the lead dancer and watch others to stay in sync.
  • Smile and have fun—Greek dancing is about joy and celebration!
 
Check out YouTube for some great tutorials, just search for “Kalamatianos dance” or “Tsifteteli dance” and you'll find plenty of step-by-step guides.
 

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 Traditions from Childhood?

I’d love to hear everyone’s memories of Greek traditions from childhood, especially the small everyday things that may not even seem unusual until you look back on them later.

For me, some of the strongest memories are tied to food, church, family gatherings, name days, holiday preparations, and the feeling of constantly having people around. Even certain sounds and smells immediately bring everything back.

I’m also curious how traditions differed depending on region or family background. Did your family keep strong village customs? Were there things your grandparents insisted on doing a certain way? Any traditions connected to Easter, Christmas, weddings, coffee, hospitality, music, or food?

For me, we ate a family-oriented Sunday meal where everyone go together after church. That was a big part of things for me.

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.

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

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