Greek traditions

The country is currently indulging in Tsiknopempti, one of the most important dates on the calendar in Greece.

Spring is (almost) in the air in Greece, and Greeks will soon begin preparations to welcome the new season by celebrating an ancient annual custom. The Greek tradition of “Martis” entails that everyone, regardless of age, adorns themselves with...

The story of the Greek Orthodox custom of the vasilopita with the lucky coin inside begins in Asia Minor, and more specifically in the city of Caesarea in Cappadocia, more than 1,600 years ago. Here's a recipe for Vasilopita...

From Christmas Day until the Feast of the Epiphany, on January 6, Greeks watch over their homes especially carefully, looking for moved items or stolen Christmas goodies. That's because, according to Greek folklore, a group of tiny goblins, called...

Greece is steeped in fascinating holiday traditions, with its Christmas carols, or kalanda, being some of the most heartwarming seasonal customs. Every year, Greeks anxiously await Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve, and January 5, the day before the Epiphany, when...

In Mykonos, the wind blows all year-long. This is the reason why its windmills have become the island's iconic landmark.

The natural sea salt that comes from the Greek island of Kythera, once considered an exclusive delicacy, is now gaining renewed attention for its nutritional value. The harvesting process for this salt is notably demanding, requiring both endurance and patience....

Greeks consume 5.5 kilos of coffee annually per capita, putting the country into fifteenth position in a global list of top coffee drinkers. Probably one of the most important traits of modern Greek society, coffee is not just part...

The kiosk, or ''periptero,'' as Greeks call it, is an integral part of everyday life in Greece, selling everything from newspapers and cigarettes to snacks, soft drinks and ice creams. However, the economic crisis, the pandemic, and new consumer...

Siesta time is a sacred tradition of the Greeks, spanning back many centuries. Although modern life has had an impact on the short nap (taken in the early afternoon often after the midday meal), in the less touristy parts of...