Greek Traditions Community

The best tradition in Greece is kerasma!

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D

dubai_suzie

Active member
The concept of kerasma (treating other people) is so great. I love going to restaurants here and have them offer free watermelon or shots of raki, it makes me feel so welcome even if it's a small gesture. Thank you to all of the generous Greeks who have opened their hearts and their homes :) This pic is from two summers ago, oh how I wish I could go back

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That's common practice in Greece but not so much in touristy areas. After your meal the house will offer free sweets or watermelon (in summer).
 
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Jerry s said:
That's common practice in Greece but not so much in touristy areas. After your meal the house will offer free sweets or watermelon (in summer).
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The best is gliko tou koutaliou!
 
I found kerasma in Greece in all restaurants, shops (especially liquor shops). Ranged from gliko to koutali, semolina halva and raki. They would ask where were we from - Sydney Australia. Ii would say I speak Ligo Ellinka. And for whatever reason we were stars. Gigantic helpings of meals - thank God the boys eat lots. They loved the fact that I only spoke Greek and my sister and the boys didn't.
In Turkey, no matter what shop we went into - out came the glasses of tea. They were very impressed when we said our grandparents were born in Kalkan Asia Minor. We didn't say they were "asked" to leave in 1919. Patisqua
 
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This is so true, wherever you go in Greece they really appreciate that you try and communicate with them in Greek. To me this shows respect, care and effort. Whenever I travel to a new country I at least try to learn a few basic words like hello, thank you etc.
Patisqua said:
I found kerasma in Greece in all restaurants, shops (especially liquor shops). Ranged from gliko to koutali, semolina halva and raki. They would ask where were we from - Sydney Australia. Ii would say I speak Ligo Ellinka. And for whatever reason we were stars. Gigantic helpings of meals - thank God the boys eat lots. They loved the fact that I only spoke Greek and my sister and the boys didn't.
In Turkey, no matter what shop we went into - out came the glasses of tea. They were very impressed when we said our grandparents were born in Kalkan Asia Minor. We didn't say they were "asked" to leave in 1919. Patisqua
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Free watermelon and raki - two of my favorite things during my time on Crete! Dining in Greece in general is a beautiful event. I have also gotten free Loukoumades for dessert, and sometimes on the house Greek yogurt smeared with honey and sprinkled with walnuts for dessert.
 
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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?

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