1 - 6 of 6 Posts

efhernandez_

Active member
-Syrtaki
-Zeibbekiko
-Kalamatiano
-Tsifteteli
-Hasapiko

Drop any more in the thread!
 
It depends on the area of Greece you're from and they're all important. Some areas of Greece won't dance the most well known traditional Greek dances that are known outside of Greece - they'll dance what is most popular in their area (e.g. people from Ipiros will mostly dance Ipirotika, and people from Crete will dance Kritika)

That said, the most well known dances to foreigners that I can I think of are:

Καλαματιανό
Ζεϊμπέκικο
Πεντοζάλη
Τσάμικο
Χασάπικο
Συρτάκι
Ικαριώτικο
Συρτός

The area where my family is from (ipiros and thessaly) mainly dances sta dyo, sta tria, karagouna, kalamatiano, and tsamiko.
 
  • Like
Reactions: efhernandez_
It depends on the area of Greece you're from and they're all important. Some areas of Greece won't dance the most well known traditional Greek dances that are known outside of Greece - they'll dance what is most popular in their area (e.g. people from Ipiros will mostly dance Ipirotika, and people from Crete will dance Kritika)

That said, the most well known dances to foreigners that I can I think of are:

Καλαματιανό
Ζεϊμπέκικο
Πεντοζάλη
Τσάμικο
Χασάπικο
Συρτάκι
Ικαριώτικο
Συρτός

The area where my family is from (ipiros and thessaly) mainly dances sta dyo, sta tria, karagouna, kalamatiano, and tsamiko.
How could I forget about tsamiko!! Thanks
 
I read once that there are thousands of Greek dances. I live in the United States and when I attend Greek festivals, it seems like there are a few main ones. I know how to dance those: Zybeikiko, Tsiftitelli, Kalamatianos, Tsamiko, Hasipiko, Hasaposervikos, Syrtaki, Pentazali (I keep needing a refresher on this one), and also the "Never on a Sunday" (I have no clue on the Greek name, if there is one).
 
I read once that there are thousands of Greek dances. I live in the United States and when I attend Greek festivals, it seems like there are a few main ones. I know how to dance those: Zybeikiko, Tsiftitelli, Kalamatianos, Tsamiko, Hasipiko, Hasaposervikos, Syrtaki, Pentazali (I keep needing a refresher on this one), and also the "Never on a Sunday" (I have no clue on the Greek name, if there is one).
That wouldn't surprise me because villages have their own versions of each dance and sometimes their own dances.

So Never on a Sunday (Ποτέ την Κυριακή) isn't actually a song, it's a movie. In the USA, "Never on a Sunday" is the name used when people are talking about the song "The Children of Pireaus" (Τα παιδιά του Πειραιά) which is in the movie Never on a Sunday.
 
  • Like
Reactions: paharo45
I read once that there are thousands of Greek dances. I live in the United States and when I attend Greek festivals, it seems like there are a few main ones. I know how to dance those: Zybeikiko, Tsiftitelli, Kalamatianos, Tsamiko, Hasipiko, Hasaposervikos, Syrtaki, Pentazali (I keep needing a refresher on this one), and also the "Never on a Sunday" (I have no clue on the Greek name, if there is one).
This is something that I struggle with. I always want to join in on the dances but I don't have the eye and rhythm to pick them up on the spot
 

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?

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.

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 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?

What Does Philotimo Mean to You?

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the word, or really, the concept, of philotimo. It’s one of those Greek words that just doesn’t translate neatly into English. I was recently trying to explain it to a non-Greek friend, and I realized how difficult it is to put into words!

I ended up talking about ideas like honor, dignity, courage, generosity, and doing the right thing because it’s simply the right thing to do. I even used some historical examples, including the 300 Spartans at Thermopylae and the spirit of Ochi Day, to try to explain the sense of duty and selflessness that I associate with philotimo.

But I know the concept can also show up in much smaller, everyday ways. How would you explain philotimo to someone unfamiliar with Greek culture? What does the word mean to you personally?
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