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dimi_pat

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My cousin is getting married soon and I thought I'd help him out with some of the wedding planning. He's extremely torn about whether or not he should get a DJ or live music. Have any of you had experiences going to weddings with live music or DJs? What was better? My cousin likes traditional Greek music, but he also wants a few more modern songs that probably wouldn't be able to be played by a band. Any thoughts?
 
I personally like a mix of both - a live band for the Greek music, and a DJ for dancing to popular music. So like, the DJ and Band taking turns. Or, if the band would just play a set of popular music on their breaks. Most "Greek" weddings I've been to have had a mixed crowd of Greeks and non Greeks so... this is the best of both worlds.
 
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I personally like a mix of both - a live band for the Greek music, and a DJ for dancing to popular music. So like, the DJ and Band taking turns. Or, if the band would just play a set of popular music on their breaks. Most "Greek" weddings I've been to have had a mixed crowd of Greeks and non Greeks so... this is the best of both worlds.
I agree.... both for the ambience and atmosphere they would create,the band can play some old numbers and the DJs spinning the mixing and Sakis and Elena Paparisou,and Dhespina Vandi and Remos..oh I can already visualise a good time by all!👏....Have a good time.... post some images later on!.... Kalley Mera from Thailand!
 
I agree.... both for the ambience and atmosphere they would create,the band can play some old numbers and the DJs spinning the mixing and Sakis and Elena Paparisou,and Dhespina Vandi and Remos..oh I can already visualise a good time by all!👏....Have a good time.... post some images later on!.... Kalley Mera from Thailand!
That's true! There's a lot of wonderful, Greek club hits too. Having both would appeal to all ages and interests.
 
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That's true! There's a lot of wonderful, Greek club hits too. Having both would appeal to all ages and interests.
Agreed, not everyone knows traditional Greek dances
 
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And
Agreed, not everyone knows traditional Greek dances
And after a few drinks amazing even the Greek dancing lessons can begin!😂😂😂😂!!
 
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And

And after a few drinks amazing even the Greek dancing lessons can begin!😂😂😂😂!!
So true....after a few drinks I don't even feel like I need lessons! I turn into Anthony Quinn from Zorbas LOL
 
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We're doing both. We have a band hired to play Ipirotika and a dj for everything else.
 
So true....after a few drinks I don't even feel like I need lessons! I turn into Anthony Quinn from Zorbas LO
Opah!😂.....Afto!!!.....Zorbas at the Mykonos windmills all those years ago and I used to park my car there for many seasons before walking past the very same spot where Anthony Quinn did the famous dance making my way to the Delos Port to begin my working days!♥️♥️... Kalley Mera.
 
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I think it all depends on the situation! In a mixed crowd I prefer a DJ who has enough Greek music ready to go, but can also play some of the popular stuff we expect at weddings. A Greek band is great if the crowd is mostly Greek...
 

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?

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

Ideas for Celebrating the New Month - Kalo Mina

Growing up, I heard my family say this all the time when there was a new month. I finally started paying attention to the tradition and ritual of saying it.

Kalo Mina actually means "Good Month" but my family took it a step further. We developed the habit of doing something special as a family to celebrate.It depends which day it falls. Some things we've done:

- Brunch - We do this if it falls on a weekend.
- Dinner - Going out to dinner is great any time of the year!
- Journaling - We've done family journaling parties, sitting together reflecting on the month. Sometimes we read aloud what we write (depends how the month went LOL)
- Goals - No matter if we do anything, like go out to dinner or brunch, we always sit and review our goals for the month together.

Tips for Learning and Teaching Greek

I know how to speak Greek okay, but I am not great at it. I want to brush up on my skills, and I also want to teach some of my family members. I am good enough at it to the learn the basics. I am looking for advice, but I've also compiled some ideas:

1. Spend an extended period of time in Greece

There’s no better way to learn Greek than to immerse yourself in the language and culture of Greece. If you have the opportunity, consider spending an extended time in Greece, studying or working, taking a sabbatical, or just exploring the country. Living in Greece can help you understand the nuances of the language, such as the different accents, dialects, and slang that are used. You’ll also have the chance to practice your Greek with locals, watch Greek TV or films, and read Greek books or newspapers. I would imagine this is the best way to learn fast!

2. Use a language program

If you can’t travel to Greece or you prefer a more structured approach to learning Greek, consider using a language program. There are many language programs available online or in your local area, ranging from self-paced courses to interactive classes. Some popular language programs for Greek include Rosetta Stone, Duolingo, and Pimsleur. From what I understand these are all great options and I can learn at my own pace.

3. Take classes

Taking classes is another excellent way to learn Greek, especially if you prefer face-to-face interaction and feedback. You can find Greek language classes in community colleges, universities, language schools, or private tutors. Taking classes can help you improve your Greek skills, such as listening, speaking, reading, and writing. You’ll have a teacher who can guide you through the learning process, answer your questions, and give you homework or assignments that challenge you. You’ll also have classmates who share your passion for Greek and can practice with you.

4. Find ways to immerse yourself outside of Greece

Even if you can’t go to Greece or attend classes, you can still immerse yourself in Greek in your daily life. One way is to find Greek-speaking communities or events in your area, such as cultural centers, festivals, or meetups. You can also use online resources to connect with Greek speakers, such as language exchange websites, social media groups, or chat apps. Listening to Greek music, watching Greek videos or podcasts, or reading Greek literature can also help you familiarize yourself with the sounds and patterns of the language.

Honestly, I plan to try all 4 - whatever I can do. I think it will all help.

List of Cretan Dances?

I will be attending a Cretan wedding and am curious about the traditional Cretan dances! I know the dances are slightly different and I want to learn some. I don't know the names of the dances so that I can look them up. I did some research, though. Are any of these dances common at these weddings?
  • Pentozali
  • Sousta
  • Siganos
  • Chaniotis
There's a dance the wedding party typically does in Crete. Which dance is that?
Share and discuss Greek traditions related to Greek weddings, christenings, dance & holidays!

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