1 - 7 of 7 Posts

kosta_karapinotis

Active member
This is one of the lesser known customs that people don't know about!! Between the 6th and the 8th of January, people get dressed up with symbolic and often scary masks to exorcise the evil spirits from the city. I thought it would be nice to share with all of you. Are any of you from Kastoria? That's where this custom is practised

 
  • Like
Reactions: efhernandez_
This is one of the lesser known customs that people don't know about!! Between the 6th and the 8th of January, people get dressed up with symbolic and often scary masks to exorcise the evil spirits from the city. I thought it would be nice to share with all of you. Are any of you from Kastoria? That's where this custom is practised

Woah this is so cool! I would love to visit Kastoria and see this in action
 
Woah this is so cool! I would love to visit Kastoria and see this in action
I agree! I wonder if other people on here have been, I'd love to hear about it...
 
My wife lived in Kastoria for 6 years, but she has never spoken about this. I'll have to ask her about it.
 
  • Like
Reactions: dubai_suzie
My wife lived in Kastoria for 6 years, but she has never spoken about this. I'll have to ask her about it.
Commenting so I get notified on this thread! I would love to know :) :)
 
Asked my wife about this.

She said no one really dresses up as any thing scary, but no one will stop you if you want to - people dress up however they want. People see this is like Apokries. On the last day of Ragoutsaria, everyone wears matching outfits and you have to pay someone to give you the matching outfit. Most people are just drinking and partying for Ragoutsaria, but things can get really crazy/weird depending on how much you're drinking...
 
  • Like
Reactions: nadellii
Asked my wife about this.

She said no one really dresses up as any thing scary, but no one will stop you if you want to - people dress up however they want. People see this is like Apokries. On the last day of Ragoutsaria, everyone wears matching outfits and you have to pay someone to give you the matching outfit. Most people are just drinking and partying for Ragoutsaria, but things can get really crazy/weird depending on how much you're drinking...
That is so cool! Thanks for posting. I see this with many traditions, some of them are slowly dying out, but a few strong tradition holders keep them going
 

Thinking about the Greek way of hospitality...

I thought I would ask your thoughts oh Philoxenia - or the Greek way, or art, of hospitality. I noticed this when I travel in Greece. People are so kind, they often go out of the way for us, when I feel that they don't have to! How can one describe this to someone?

From what I understand, Philoxenia is not merely a practice but a deeply ingrained value within Greek culture that extends far beyond the simple act of hosting. It reflects a genuine, heartfelt welcome to strangers, treating them with the same respect and generosity one would show to a dearly beloved friend. This beautiful tradition, passed down through generations, turns the act of hosting into an art form, embodying warmth, respect, and a profound sense of human compassion. There have been so many stories I can think of...

This thought process was triggered because we were watching My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 - someone in the village had taken on a Syrian refugee. Is this a Greek hospitality thing? Philoxenia?

Greek Name Days Celebrations

I have been encouraging my family and friends to let me know when their name days are. I know for my immediate family, of course, but I want to start honoring name days in addition to birthdays like they do in Greece.

But aside from wishing someone Chronia Polla, or happy name day, what else can we do? How do people in Greece celebrate? Is it much like a birthday?

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?

Navigating Greek Lenten Fasting - Advice?

Lent is here and all my friends and family have been asking "what are you doing for lent this year?" They're all "giving something up" but I decided I wanted to fast. I would love your help and advice because this is the first time I am doing things in a stricter way. I resolve to see it through!

It's supposed to be a a time of reflection, purification, and preparation for the celebration of Easter, and the diet plays a significant part in this spiritual journey. I don't want to get so obsessed with the "rules" that I lose myself in them and forget why I am fasting int he first place.

Thanks in advance!

Learning about hospitality in Greece

I was trying to explain to some non-Greek friends about hospitality in Greece. I feel like it's next level, but how do you explain it?

Could anyone help me explain any of the following:
  • Traditional welcome gestures in Greece
  • Common household customs when visiting a Greek home
  • Etiquette for showing appreciation to Greek hosts
  • Any specific do's and don'ts that a foreigner should be aware of
Share and discuss Greek traditions related to Greek weddings, christenings, dance & holidays!

WorldwideGreeks.com is a free online forum community where people can discuss Greek food, travel, traditions, history and mythology.
Join Worldwide Greeks here!

JOIN COMMUNITY FOR FREE

LOGIN TO YOUR ACCOUNT
Back
Top