In this section of The Greek Vibe you can find posts on Greek culture, traditions, customs, food and heritage. Join me and let’s discover Greece beyond its beautiful beaches, picturesque villages, and breathtaking mountains.
#yournextgreeceadventure begins here!
- The Enduring Legacy of the Authentic Cretan Knifeby Maria ParavantesDiscover the artistry and history behind Crete’s iconic handmade knives and where to find the authentic knife for you on Crete.
- Eiresione: An Ancient Greek Tradition that Inspired the Christmas Treeby Maria ParavantesDid you know that the Ancient Greek ‘Eiresione’ branch tradition may have inspired the Christmas tree we all love and have today?
- Karavaki: The Greek Christmas Boat of Hopeby Maria ParavantesBefore the Christmas tree, Greeks, on the islands and coasts, decorated boats. The ‘karavaki’ Christmas boat custom is now making a comeback.
- 10 Perfect Greece-inspired Gift Ideas by Maria ParavantesLooking for great gift ideas for your loved ones inspired by Greece? Here are 10 presents that will make them smile.
- Fantastic Greek Gift Ideas for Friends and Familyby Maria ParavantesYou can always carry a bit of Greece in your heart with these 16 fantastic Greece-inspired gift ideas for friends, family or even yourself.
- The Medieval Festival of Rhodes and its Magicby Maria ParavantesDancers in royal red robes, fleeting fairies, daring fire eaters, jovial jesters, crazy jugglers, wicked witches, and of course, valiant knights in shining armor can all be seen roaming around the Medieval Town of Rhodes, in Greece.
- How to Enjoy Coffee Like a Greekby Maria ParavantesThe unwritten rules and the art of drinking coffee in Greece. The secret? It’s all about sharing and being present.
- How to Drink Ouzo, Raki or Tsipouroby Maria ParavantesTried and tested tips on how to enjoy Greece’s favorite ‘spirits’ ouzo, raki, or tsipouro like a Greek by a Greek.
- Things You Didn’t Know About Greek Easterby Maria ParavantesThere is much more to Greek Orthodox Easter than Easter Sunday. These are the things you didn’t know about Greek Easter.
- Holy Friday: A Greek Orthodox Day of Mourningby Maria ParavantesHoly Friday in Greece is one of the most eventful times of the year. It’s a day of sorrow, the culmination of Christ’s Passion. An experience you shouldn’t miss.
- The Authentic Greek Blues (Rebetiko) and Where to Hear it Liveby Maria ParavantesVisiting Greece? This is what you should know about the original Greek blues and where to get the true rebetiko experience
- Welcoming Spring the Greek Way with a ‘Martis’by Maria ParavantesWhat’s the best way to welcome spring like a Greek? With a “Martis” of course and this is why.
- How to Prepare the Best Tsiknopempti BBQ Feast Like a Greekby Maria ParavantesThe ultimate tips on how to host the best Tsiknopempti barbeque feast like a Greek. Meat-lovers start grilling! Carnival is here!
- George Dalaras: Greek Singer Extraordinaireby Maria ParavantesSinger George Dalaras is one of the few Greek performers to have taken Greek music outside the country’s borders.
- Meet A World Famous Greek Raisinby Maria ParavantesJuicy, tangy and sweet: Ladies and gentlemen, meet the naturally sun-dried Corinth raisin, which also goes by the name: Zante currant and is a tiny wonder unique to Greece.
- How To Pick The Greek Island That’s Perfect For Youby Maria ParavantesThe Top 10 tried-and-tested tips on how to choose the perfect Greek island or islands for your vacation to Greece.
- All You Need to Know for Your Trip to Greeceby Maria ParavantesThe Top 25 things you should know about before you plan your trip to Greece to make sure it’s smooth sailing once you get here!
- Epiphany Day: When Greeks Bless The Waters To Mark A New Startby Maria ParavantesEvery year on January 6 in Greece we celebrate Epiphany Day, or the Blessing of the Waters, to welcome new beginnings.
- A Pomegranate Full of Wishes for Greek New Yearby Maria ParavantesIt is tradition in Greece to smash a pomegranate on the first day of the New Year because it brings abundance, good luck and prosperity.
- 10 Unique Gift Ideas for Greece Loversby Maria ParavantesTen fabulous Greece themed gift ideas that are easy to find and just perfect for your family, friends and yourself.
- What Do Greeks Do for Christmasby Maria ParavantesWhat do Greeks do for Christmas? Family and friends gather around the dinner table, where all the holiday action takes place.
- 8 Unique Heritage Traditions You Shouldn’t Miss in Greeceby Maria ParavantesFind out where or how to experience unique Greek traditions, customs or practices included on UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
- Travel to Greece from Your Home in 7 Easy Stepsby Maria ParavantesDreaming of Greece but can’t make it yet. No worries. You can always bring a bit of Greece into your heart and home with these 7 easy steps.
- Ioannina’s Silversmithing Museum: A Great Experience for Young and Oldby Maria ParavantesA fun thing to do in Ioannina, Greece, is visit the town’s Silversmithing Museum, great for young and old, and a few hours very well spent.
- Unlocking the Secrets of the Asclepions: Greece’s Ancient Wellness Centersby Maria ParavantesThe ancient Greeks had gods for everything they either feared, hoped for or treasured. Obviously, good health and wellbeing were among these so they created Asclepius, the god of health and healing and flocked to his temples to seek comfort.