greek traditions Archives | The Greek Vibe

Category: Culture & Music/Featured/Learn

Erotokritos: The Lamenting Lyre of Love

Posted On February 14, 2020February 14, 2020 By Maria Paravantescomment

A Greek Romeo & Juliet, Erotokritos is an epic poem written in the 17th century by Cretan poet Vitsentzos Kornaros about undying devotion and love.

Category: Culture & Music/Experience/Learn

Greek Carols for the New Year – The Kalanta Tradition

Posted On December 27, 2019January 10, 2020 By Maria Paravantescomment

Greek New Year’s carols, or “kalanta”, are musical masterpieces conveying the centuries-old wisdom of love, compassion and kindness.

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Drinking tsipouro, raki, or ouzo

These three Greek alcoholic drinks are literally mischievous ‘spirits’ and need to be enjoyed at a slow pace always accompanied by titbits of food – known as “mezedes” – and plenty of water. According to seasoned tipplers, for every sip of ouzo or tsipouro, you should always drink two sips of water.

Then chat a bit with your friends, or free yourself of any irksome thoughts, and then one more round… languidly as if time is of no matter, enjoying the good life right this very moment. As for the toast…? “Stin Ygeia Mas” (Health to All).