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xmelissaa

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My Greek friend is getting married early next year but I still haven't received an invitation. Is this normal in Greek Culture? Because I know that in the states some people send them out year in advance or something like that
 
This is a great question!

I have not heard of a set time, the thought is the earlier the better, however during the pandemic I have heard of numerous Greek weddings in the US and Greece getting postponed several times so this is why they might be waiting to send out the wedding invitation.
 
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2-3 months is the norm in Greece. They don't send save-the-dates either. If your friend is in Greece, then it is possible that he/she doesn't know that wedding invitations are sent out several months in advance in some countries outside of Greece.
 
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I was invited to a Greek wedding once just two months before. It was a casual wedding and we were only invited to the church so it really wasn't a problem
 
I was invited to a Greek wedding once just two months before. It was a casual wedding and we were only invited to the church so it really wasn't a problem
We were already staying in Greece at the time so we didn't need to make plans in advance or anything. I guess that's the issue, if you're not living in Greece you will probably need to plan far in advance for your travel plans
 
In Greece, the mindset often is to invite everyone they know, and invites trickle in gradually. Weddings can be quite the party in Greece. Same thing as in the United States, but the difference is that there's a set process to follow in the United States, but in Greece it isn't like that. If someone told you loosely six months ago who is from Greece that the wedding is happening, it's almost like you can consider that your invitation.
 

What are your favorite name day traditions?

I’ve always loved the tradition of celebrating name days. In my family, they’re just as meaningful as birthdays, and sometimes even more fun because they bring everyone together in a different way.

When a big name day comes around, especially one that several family members share, we often turn it into a full family gathering. For example, on a name day like Nick/Nikolas, where there might be multiple people celebrating, it becomes almost like a mini family holiday. Someone hosts, there’s plenty of food, and everyone comes by to wish the celebrants “chronia polla.”

I also like the simplicity of the tradition. Even if there isn’t a big gathering, people still call or send messages to acknowledge the day.

Do you celebrate name days in your family? And are there certain ones that turn into larger celebrations because several people share the name?

Do younger generations still follow traditional Greek customs?

Lately I’ve been wondering how much traditional Greek culture is still being carried forward by younger generations, both in Greece and in the diaspora.

I’m not talking only about the big holidays or major family events, but the smaller everyday things too — name days, church traditions, hospitality, family meals, fasting periods, village festivals, coffee rituals, respect for elders, even certain sayings and customs. Do younger Greeks still actively participate in these traditions, or do they mostly happen because parents and grandparents keep them going?

I imagine the answer probably depends a lot on location, family, and lifestyle. Someone growing up in a village might have a different experience than someone in Athens or abroad. I’d love to hear from people of different ages, which traditions have stayed strong, which ones are fading, and are there any that younger generations are bringing back in new ways?

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.

Are most Greeks left or right?

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

Greek Easter Celebrations in Greece?

I’ve been thinking a lot about Greek Easter lately and realized I don’t actually know what it’s like to experience it in Greece itself.

I grew up with the traditions here, like church services, red eggs, the midnight “Christos Anesti,” and of course the big Sunday feast, but I’m curious how it all feels in Greece. Is the atmosphere different? More intense? More communal?

What are the days leading up to Easter like there, especially Holy Week? Are there specific customs, processions, or local traditions that stand out depending on the region?

I’ve also heard things about candles at midnight, fireworks, and entire towns participating, how true is that?

Would love to hear from anyone who has experienced it in Greece or grew up there. What are the moments that really define Greek Easter for you?
Share and discuss Greek traditions related to Greek weddings, christenings, dance & holidays!

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