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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.
 
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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.
 
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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
 

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?

Greek Naming Traditions?

I have noticed that in Greece, there are some traditions associated with naming their children. Although some Greek families in the United States have done this, many have seemed to lose the traditions.

Does anyone know what some of these traditions are? I am helping a friend name his upcoming child... Here's some of what I have learned:

1. Firstborn daughter names after maternal grandmother
2. Firstborn son named after paternal grandfather
3. Firstborn son named after father

Those are the ones I have figured out. I don't know what is traditional from Greece and what has just been made up amongst Greeks in the US.

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

Netflix Show about Alexander the Great

I just noticed there was a show about Alexander the Great on Netflix. How is it?

I have been noticing some buzz that it's fairly controversial, but those who are unhappy about it ... I can't tell if they actually know about him, or if they are just upset about how he was depicted.

I am trying to figure out if I want to watch it so your honest reviews are welcome.

I have studied Alexander the Great a little bit and no a bit about his life, so I am sincerely hoping it's worth my time. I am between shows at the moment.

Greek Wedding Traditions Roundup

I am helping someone plan her Greek wedding. I wanted to make a list of all the traditions we need to keep in time for the big day. Did I miss anything?

The Stolisma

The wedding day begins with the ritual of 'Stolisma,' where the bride and groom are prepared separately by their families. It's a moment filled with emotion, songs, and blessings, setting the tone for the day. I had honestly never heard of this. Do people still do it?

The Krevati

An amusing tradition is the 'Krevati' (bed making), where family and friends gather to decorate the couple's future bed with baby items, symbolizing fertility and a happy family life. Money is also often thrown on the bed for good luck and prosperity.

The Crowning (Stefana)

One of the most iconic rituals during the ceremony is the exchange of crowns or 'Stefana.' I believe they need to buy the crowns they want in advance?

Koufeta

No Greek wedding would be complete without 'Koufeta'—sugar-coated almonds given to guests as wedding favors. These bittersweet treats represent the ups and downs of married life and are shared in odd numbers to symbolize indivisibility and shared life.
Share and discuss Greek traditions related to Greek weddings, christenings, dance & holidays!

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