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auroracoor1

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I noticed that there is a taverna culture of "gaming". I see tavli played all the time. Are there other games people play?

I am wondering if people play chess, checkers, that kind of thing? What about physical games like bocci like they play a lot in Italy? I have seen this game in Switzerland and other places, too, and wonder if the Greeks also play it.

Also, what do kids play for games in Greece?
 
People do play chess, checkers, I have also seen bocci if there was enough space... I also don't always see people playing games, too. There is ALWAYS a tavli player.
 
Tavli is definitely a popular game in the taverna culture, but there are also many other games played in Greece as well. For example, there's a card game called "Ξερή" (Xeri) which is similar to the game of Poker, and another one called "Πριμοστίχοι" (Primosticho) which is a trick-taking game.

As for physical games, I'm not sure about bocci specifically, but there is a game called "Καβάνα" (Kavana) which is similar to horseshoes, where players try to throw metal rings onto a target.

Have you heard about the blackout bingo scam that's been going around? It's important to be vigilant and aware of these types of scams, no matter where we are in the world.
 
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Tavli is indeed a popular choice, and you might also find Greeks enjoying classics like chess and checkers. Physical games like bocce might be less common, but it's possible you'll come across them too.
As for kids, they often have their own set of games. In Greece, you might see kids playing traditional outdoor games like tag, hide and seek, and variations of catch. It's a wonderful way for them to stay active and have fun.
By the way, if you're curious about trying out a unique gaming experience, you might want to check out the Solitaire Cash app. It's a modern twist on the classic card game and offers a chance to win while playing.
 
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I always wanted to learn both Tavli and Bocce. The only one I know how to play is checkers! Might be worth learning ahead of my next Greek trip.
 
I watched people playing Tavli while I was in Greece, but I didn't understand the rules of the game.
 
Tavli is everywhere in Greece—I swear, every taverna has at least one game going. I’ve also seen people playing card games like "Ξερή," which is kind of like poker in a way. Physical games like bocci aren’t super common, but there’s a game called "Καβάνα" that’s similar to horseshoes, and it looks like a lot of fun.
When it comes to kids, they’re usually running around playing games like tag or hide and seek. Keeps them busy for hours. Oh, and if you’re into trying something different, I’ve spent some time on Slot77 Online—it’s a pretty fun way to pass time when you’re in the mood for games but not hanging out at a taverna.
 
When I visited Greece, tavli was by far the most common game I saw, especially in cafes. I did spot a few people playing chess in public parks, but never really saw physical games like bocce taking place, mostly because outdoor tavernas usually don't have the open space for it. For kids, they were always outside, mostly playing tag, soccer, or hide and seek in the evenings. If you're into traditional games but can’t get out much, I found there are digital versions and online communities for lots of classic games. For something with a different cultural spin, you might like the online sabong matches and other games they feature at www.i-sabong.asia. It’s a fun way to experience traditional sports in a modern way.
 
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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?

How did your family spend summers in Greece?

I’m curious how many of you spent summers in Greece growing up.

My experience was a little different. My parents both worked full time, so we never packed up and spent entire summers in Greece the way some Greek families did. But I had friends and cousins who seemed to disappear every June and come back just before school started, full of stories about village life, island beaches, family gatherings, and adventures with cousins.

I always found those stories fascinating and sometimes wished I had experienced that myself.

For those of you who did spend summers in Greece, what was it like? Did you stay in a village, a city, or on an island? What did your typical days look like? Are there any traditions, memories, or experiences that still stand out to you today? I'd love to hear your stories!

Anyone here struggle with outpatient rehab not being enough?

I’m curious if anyone else has been through this. I’ve been trying to get sober for a while now and started with a standard outpatient program because it seemed easier to balance with work and daily life. At first it felt okay, but after a couple weeks I noticed I was slipping back into old habits way faster than I expected.
It kinda feels like once the session is over, you’re just thrown back into the same environment with very little structure or support. I’m starting to wonder if outpatient is just too “light” for some people, especially if relapse has already happened before.
Has anyone here switched from regular outpatient to something more structured like IOP or medication-assisted treatment? Did it actually make a difference, or was it just more time in treatment with the same results?
Would really appreciate hearing real experiences — good or bad.

What alternatives to Linktree offer robust customization for bio links?

Trying to level up my bio link setup because Linktree feels kinda stiff for what I want to do. I’ve been tweaking my branding this year and I need something that lets me mess with colors, layouts, maybe even some light animations without feeling boxed in. I’m running a mix of art commissions and small merch drops, so having more control would help a ton. If anyone’s found a link-in-bio tool that lets you get creative without needing to code like a pro, I’d love to hear what’s working for you.

Does your family make fanouropita for Saint Phanourios Day?

I recently saw a news article about Saint Fanourios Day, and it showed people bringing fanouropita cakes to a church to be blessed. I knew about fanouropita and the tradition of making it when you’re hoping to find something that has been lost, but I didn’t realize how much of a church tradition it could be on the saint’s feast day itself.

Does your family make fanouropita for Saint Fanourios Day? If so, do you bring the cake to church to be blessed, or do you usually make it at home and share it with family and friends?

I’m also curious whether this is something that is still widely done in Greece or if it depends on the region, parish, or family. Are there any other traditions your family follows for Saint Fanourios Day?

I’d love to hear how people observe the day and whether fanouropita is part of your family’s tradition.
Share and discuss Greek traditions related to Greek weddings, christenings, dance & holidays!

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