Greek Traditions Community

Where is the best place to spend Dekapentaugouso in Greece (the Dormition of the Virgin or Assumption of Mary)?

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dubai_suzie

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Where are the best panigiria and celebrations?? I want to celebrate the Greek way :)
 
We would recommend spending time in a small village and often those are some of the best panigria celebrations!

Here is more information to look at:
www.greekboston.com

About the August 15th Panagia Celebrations in Greece

On August 15th, Orthodox Christians throughout the world celebrate the Dormition of the Virgin Mary. It is sometimes referred to as “Panagia” and even “Thekapendeavgousto”, which means “August 15th”. On... View Article
www.greekboston.com www.greekboston.com
 
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You need to go to a village. I go to the village (we are from a small village) for it and there are a couple thousand people who show up in the village to dance (they are from surrounding villages) and we go to each others' villages to celebrate... You may want to brush up on your Greek if you choose to go to a village (unless it's a touristy one) because many people in the villages don't speak English - you will find very few people in my village and the surrounding villages who speak English.

These are some videos taken from my wife's village and another village near by. As you can see, there are a lot of people. This is what you have to look forward to if you go to a village



 
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ellinasgolfer0320 said:
You need to go to a village. I go to the village (we are from a small village) for it and there are a couple thousand people who show up in the village to dance (they are from surrounding villages) and we go to each others' villages to celebrate... You may want to brush up on your Greek if you choose to go to a village (unless it's a touristy one) because many people in the villages don't speak English - you will find very few people in my village and the surrounding villages who speak English.

These are some videos taken from my wife's village and another village near by. As you can see, there are a lot of people. This is what you have to look forward to if you go to a village



Click to expand...
This looks amazing! Everyone coming together for a wonderful celebration, that's exactly what I was looking for, thank you. I think I'll ask around and see if my Greek friends have any family from smaller villages. Does this type of party happen at most villages? Or is it the more traditional ones?
 
I totally agree, you'll want to spend time in a village! If you're staying in a hotel, you might want to ask there, where to go for the celebration.
 
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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?

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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

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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)

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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:
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Where did plate smashing come from?

When Greeks feel happy and are dancing and have a good time, they've been known to smash plates. I've seen it! It's not just a tourist thing - but they don't do it much because I am sure they won't want to smash their expensive dish wear.

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