XpatAthens

Tuesday, 29 September 2020 07:00

Five Interesting Facts About The Acropolis Of Athens

Perched on a rocky hill above Athens, the Acropolis is one of the greatest architectural achievements of the classical world. A remarkable archaeological site and the birthplace of Democracy, the Acropolis is one of the most visited sights in the world and Athens’ crown jewel. Despite earthquakes, extensive looting, air pollution, and centuries of war, much of this incredible monument still survives. We’ve put together a list of interesting facts that will enable you to fully comprehend the grandeur and significance of one of the greatest ancient citadels ever to be built!

1. It’s Not The Only Acropolis In Greece

The term ‘Acropolis’ derives from the Greek words ‘akron’, which means highest point or edge, and ‘polis’, which means city. Therefore, the word acropolis literally means ‘Highest City’. Even though the term mostly refers to the Acropolis of Athens, there are in fact, quite a few acropolises in Greece such as Acrocorinth in Corinth, Cadmea in Thebes, and the Acropolis of Lindos in the island of Rhodes.

2. The Acropolis And The Parthenon Are Not The Same Thing

Many visitors to Greece come to Athens thinking that the Acropolis and the Parthenon are the same thing. However, the Acropolis is actually the hill where the Parthenon and other structures such as the Erechteion, the Propylaia, and the Temple of Athena Nike are built upon!

3. The Parthenon Is Perfect Due To Its Imperfections

Even though the Parthenon is often referred to as the ‘word’s most perfect building’ its perfection is actually achieved through a series intentional flaws. Ictinos and Kallikrates, used a couple of architectural tricks, such as the slight angling of the temple’s pedestal, and the unnoticeable barrel-like curves on its columns, to create an optical illusion of perfection and impeccable alignment.

4. The Parthenon Was Blown Up in 1687

In 1687 the Parthenon suffered the greatest damage in its long history! During the Morean War, a Venetian cannonball blew up the Ottoman gunpowder magazine that was located inside the Parthenon, causing great damage to the temple. Before leaving Athens, the Venetians considered blowing up the rest of the Parthenon to avoid its further use as a Turkish stronghold, but thankfully the idea was abandoned!

5. The Acropolis Used To Be A Kaleidoscope Of Color

Recent tests have revealed that the Parthenon, and other buildings on the Acropolis Hill, were once covered in color. Even though the colors have been bleached over the years, the traces of blue, red, and green pigments that were discovered on various archaic sculptures show that these sites were once painted in a kaleidoscope of colors.

When visiting the Acropolis Museum, keep an eye out for the Archaic sculptures that have retained traces of their original colors. Furthermore, the museum offers a fun interactive online application, which allows users to color, save, and print the statue of Peplos Kore.

This content has been sourced and prepared by Codico Lab

Published in Greek Language & Culture

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Monday, 25 February 2019 12:23

Greek: Europe’s Most Ancient Language

Greek is the most ancient language in Europe; it has existed for at least 4,000 years as an oral tradition and 3,500 years in writing. With the exception of two Chinese dialects, Greek is the only ancient language that hasn’t ceased to exist over the years– in other words, it hasn’t died. Languages older than Greek such as Sumerian, Akkadian, and Babylonian have all died. Even though Greek has evolved changed though the millennia it has remained alive!

Unfortunately, linguists mourn the loss of a language every 15 days. In fact, Quechua, a language spoken on the Falkland Islands by five individuals aged between 87 and 93 is expected to vanish in the next few years.

Greek Words That Cannot Be Translated In A Single Word

Palikari – A young or brave and proud man. During the Greek War of Independence, (1821-29), a palikari was a member of a fighting group, led by a captain, a thief or sinner, or a member of a gang of thieves.

Meraklis – An individual possessing the ability to thoroughly enjoy; one drawn by aesthetically tasteful things or delicious food, or who goes about doing things with love and zeal.

Levendis – A masculine, tall, and upright man with a proud stature. One who is brave, direct, honest, and generous.

Xerosfyri – Consumption of alcohol without accompanying food.

Filotimo – A heightened feeling of dignity, honor and responsibility. In ancient Greek, the word meant ambition. Someone who possessed filotimo was bent on achieving honor and glory, which was not viewed positively.

Mangas – One who presents oneself as strong, brave or smart and usually behaves in a deceptive, provocative way. The term can also define someone who is capable and brave. During the interwar period, the word defined a marginalized, working class, urban male, characterized by flamboyant dress, movement and language, who was also particularly sensitive to matters concerning honor.

Meraki – Devotion, zeal and eagerness; strong willingness to carry out an activity.

Kaimos – Deep sadness, intense sorrow, longing, yearning, grievance.

Article Source: greece-is.com

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Thursday, 23 April 2020 09:00

The 4 'Greekest Places' In North America

Throughout the centuries of Greece's turbulent history, Greek people have gone through economic hardships many a time; prompting thousands to immigrate in search of a better future. In search of a better future, many Greeks people immigrated to foreign countries such as Germany, Australia, Canada, and the United States. There have been several immigration waves toward North America the first of which occurred around 1822. According to historical records, about 328 Greeks were living in the United States by 1860.

Luckily, the Greeks all over the world have managed to keep their culture very much alive, sometimes preserving traditions and customs more than the people in Greece.

Recently, the Pappas Post compiled a list of North America’s Greekest places, neighborhoods, and monuments; the places that make the United States and Canada significant fountains of Greek culture.

1. Nashville Parthenon, Nashville, Tennessee

The Nashville Parthenon was built for the World Fair in 1897 to the exact specifications of the original. It’s quite surreal seeing it in its full glory, even containing inside the golden and ornate statue of Athena — the original left only in literature and long melted away by invaders as victors’ wartime booty.

2. Danforth Avenue, Toronto, Canada

Claiming to be the “largest Greek neighborhood” in North America, Danforth Avenue is a mecca for all things Greek in Toronto. Dozens of restaurants, coffee shops and the Taste of Danforth one of the largest Greek street festivals in the world make this place unique and profoundly Greek.

3. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

This museum holds the most extensive collection of ancient Greek artefacts outside of Greece. Great effort has been made to collect and preserve ancient Greek relics and Byzantine artefacts, mainly thanks to Greek-American benefactors Mary and Michael Jaharis, who have an entire gallery named after them in the museum.

4. Mt. Olympus Park, Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

Mt. Olympus Park is like a big, fat, Greek Disneyland, featuring 44 water slides, seven rollercoasters, a wave pool with nine-foot waves, eight go-kart tracks, and numerous kiddie rides with attractions like a life-size Trojan Horse, roller coasters named after Hades, Cyclops, Pegasus and Zeus, Pan’s animal farm, and Poseidon’s underwater go-kart track.

To read the full list of Greekest places in North America, please visit: The Pappas Post

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Thursday, 09 September 2021 07:00

5 Great Heroes Of Greek Mythology

Greek mythology is full of epic sagas, brave deeds, and a long list of super-powerful heroes, muses, and mythical creatures. We have put together a list of 5 famous mythological heroes to get you acquainted with the magical world of Greek myths and legends.

1. Perseus

Source: Unsplash

Perseus the only son of Zeus and mortal Danae is one of the earliest heroes in Greek mythology. He is notorious for beheading Medusa and using her severed head as a powerful weapon in his adventures and for rescuing the Aethiopian princess Andromeda by slaying the sea monster Cetus. Andromeda became Perseus' wife and one of their sons, Electryon was the father of Alcmene, whose union with Zeus produced the most famous hero of Greek mythology, Heracles.

2. Hercules

Source: Unsplash

Hercules, the son of Zeus and Alcmene, is probably most known for his phenomenal deeds of strength and bravery, the famous '12 Labors of Hercules.' His labors include slaying the Nemean lion, capturing the Erymanthian boar, taming Cerberus, and stealing the golden apples of the Hesperides. Hercules died after his jealous wife Deianira, accidentally gave him a venomous tunic, which caused Hercules so much pain that he threw himself in a funeral pyre to die.

3. Achilles

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Αchilles, the son of Thetis and Peleus, was one of the most heroic Greek warriors in the Trojan War. He was invincible all over his body except for his heel because, when his mother immersed him in the River Styx as a baby, she held him by one of his heels. During the Trojan War, Achilles was notorious for killing Hector outside the city gates. However, he didn't have much time to savor his victory; guided by the gods, Paris shot an arrow and struck the only vulnerable spot on his body: his heel.

4. Atalanta

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Atalanta is one of just a few Greek mythology female heroines; she grew up wild and free; she was a great hunter and a notoriously swift runner. She is possibly best known for vowing to marry the first man who could beat her in a footrace while punishing the defeated suitors to death. According to the myth, one of the suitors, Hippomenes managed to outrun Atalanta; using his wit and three golden apples, Hippomenes was able to distract Atalanta, win the race, and her hand in marriage.

5. Jason

Source: Unsplash

Jason was the son of Aeson, the dethroned king of Iolcos. To restore his rightful place on the throne, Jason assembled a band of heroes, called the Argonauts and set out on a quest to find the Golden Fleece. After encountering numerous adventures along the way, he finally succeeded. However, Jason's happiness didn't last long; his wife left him and he died sad and alone.

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Thursday, 23 April 2020 07:00

Useful Greek Words That You Really Need To Know

When Shakespeare wrote, 'It all sounds Greek to me' in his play Julius Caesar, he pretty much summed up how the Greek language sounds to a foreigner's ear. Incomprehensible as it may sound, Greek is notably rich in expressions and meanings; and knowing a few words may come in handy if you are traveling to Greece. But if you think this means sweating over an English-Greek dictionary, think again; because here you will find the Greek words that you really need to know.

Yia Sou

Possibly the most essential Greek phrase, and one of the most common Greek greetings, 'yia sou' [jaː su] is an informal way of saying 'hello.' What your Greek phrasebook probably won't tell you, is that 'yia' is a shorter version of 'iyia' [ijiːa], which means 'health' in Greek. By saying 'yia sou' you are greeting people by literally wishing them good health!

Ela

Ela is a Greek word with multiple meanings; It means 'come' or 'come on,' but Greeks also use it to casually answer the phone–given they know who is calling. By saying 'ela' they are not inviting the caller to come over; it is more of a way to acknowledge the caller and adding a friendly note to the phonecall.

Meraki

'Meraki' is one of the most beautiful Greek words; it means doing something with love, enjoyment, and attention to detail. 'Meraki' derives from the Turkish 'Merak' and is applied to tasks, usually crafts, but can be applied to any task at all.

Efharisto

While in Greece, you will most probably want to say 'efharisto' [efχaristoː] or thank you to a few people. Even if you don't speak a word of Greek, it is imperative to master this one little word, as a form of appreciation to locals!

Parakalo

In case you were wondering, the natural reply to 'efharisto' is 'parakalo' [parakaloː] - the Greek word for 'you're welcome.' However, the Greek language often attributes multiple meanings to just one word so keep in mind that 'parakalo' could also mean 'please,' or 'how can I help you.'

To discover even more delightful little Greek words, please visit: TheTravelPorter.com

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Wednesday, 04 March 2020 07:00

Greek Hospitality Explained

Greeks are famous for their hospitality toward guests, visitors, family, and friends. They are renowned for being philoxenoi, as if it is written in their DNA. Anthropologist Sofia Zinovieff, first lived in Nafplio, Greece in the late 80s as a postgraduate student researching modern Greek identity and tourism. Her article gives in-depth insight into the hidden aspects of Greek hospitality.

No matter how graceful Greek hospitality is, anthropologists argue there's more to the phenomenon than free-floating kindness. In essence, it's part of a system. In many pre-industrial societies, you automatically give a stranger a meal or a bed for the night, knowing that someone will do the same for you or your loved ones. Some degree of reciprocity is implied, even if it is not implemented. These habits become deeply rooted.

Another very significant factor is the way hospitality contributes to social standing. Many of us may have witnessed Greek "big men" paying for everyone on an evening out or offering large feast in their homes to recognize the processes described above. The Harvard anthropologist Professor Michael Herzfeld believes that, on the island of Crete, hospitality creates a symbolic reversal of power relations. As Herzfeld writes, "At the level of collective representations… [hospitality] signifies the moral and conceptual subordination of guest to host."

After finishing her PhD, Sofia Zinovieff, returned to Greece with her Greek husband and 2 daughters. She writes, "In Athens, I soon saw that aspects of traditional hospitality and generosity have survived, even if circumstances have changed. The reality of millions of tourists visiting each year makes it harder to find the random acts of kindness encountered by earlier travelers. And while many Greeks have been inspiringly hospitable and openhearted towards refugees and migrants (whose mass arrivals coincided with the country's own recent economic crisis), we have also witnessed philoxenia's ugly opposite – xenophobia. Nevertheless, the tendency to maintain social ties and rules of hospitality within the city is still reminiscent of earlier times in more rural communities." "When you treat someone to a coffee or a meal or invite them into your home, you bind them to you in a fluid, open-ended debt that may never be repaid but that may help you in some way in the future. This is the village within the city."

However, the potential for self-interest does not diminish the positive impact of hospitality which creates a "virtuous circle". Hospitality remains hardwired in Greece, if fact you rarely come into someone's home without being offered a glass of water, sweets, and much more. Despite anthropologists' arguments, the potential compensations of hospitality are unlikely to be a concious motive of the giver or the receiver.

Even though Greece society has changed drastically in the recent decades, the self-worth and honor of an individual, their philotimo as it is called in Greece, is still reflected on the way they treat a guest.

To read this article in full, please visit: Greece-is.com

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Thursday, 07 May 2020 21:07

5 Greek Masterpieces Found In Museums Abroad

When the word “Greece” comes to mind, one image can describe it and it involves marble statues. For centuries, Greece has been globally famous for its mythology, architecture, and marvelous statues. However, throughout the course of time, many of these artifacts have either been destroyed, lost or taken from their homelands and given new homes in different museums, scattered all over the world. Here is a small list of artifacts that can be found abroad.

1. Venus De Milo, Louvre Museum, Paris, France

Venus, originally named Aphrodite by the Greeks was the goddess of beauty and love. This statue was sculpted by Praxiteles around 130-100BC and represents the perfection of Greek female beauty. It was found later in 1820 during the Ottoman Empire, amongst the ancient ruins on the island of Milos. Her arms for unknown reasons were lost and this is the form of the statue we know today.

2. The Red-Figured Water Jar (Hydria), British Museum, London, United Kingdom

Date of creation 420-400BC by potter Meidias and assembled by Sir William Hamilton who sold it to the British museum in 1772. The vase is divided in two zones. The upper zone illustrates the story of the abduction of the daughters of Leukippos by the Dioskouri and the Goddess Aphrodite conspiring in the abduction. The lower zone portrays Hercules’ final labor, Cerberus the guardian of the gates to the Underworld.

3. Statue Of Zeus Enthroned, National Archeological Museum, Naples, Italy

This 29-inch statue, who’s sculptor’s identity is unknown, was influenced by the 40-foot tall statue by the sculptor Phidias made by ivory and gold in around 430BC. The statue was displayed in the temple of Zeus in Olympia and was deemed one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

4. Apollo The Python Slayer, Cleveland Museum Of Art, Ohio, USA

This is another statue by Praxiteles, made in the 4^th century BC. This statue is made in bronze and portrays the god Apollo, god of the sun, poetry, and music. According to mythology, Apollo slayed Python, a dragon-like serpent, sent by Hera to harass his mother Leto, while she was pregnant with him and his sister the Goddess Artemis. Python had them on the hunt for a long time, until many years passed and when Apollo was old enough, he went after him and slayed him with the bow and arrow given to him by the God Hephaestus.

5. Caryatid, British Museum, London, United Kingdom

This statue is one of the 6 pillars of a temple named Erectheion (or Erechteum), located on the north side of the Acropolis in Athens, that was built around 421-406BC. In the early 1800s, Lord Elgin had one of the statues removed from the temple and sold to the British museum. Today, the remaining 5 statues can be found in the Acropolis Museum in Athens.

This content has been sourced and prepared by Codico Lab

Published in Greek Language & Culture

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Tuesday, 16 June 2020 16:17

The 3 Distinct Orders Of Ancient Greek Architecture

Ancient Greek architecture was produced by the Hellenic people who thrived on the Greek mainland, the Peloponnese, the Aegean Islands, and in the colonies in Anatolia and Italy from around 900 BC until the 1st century AD. The earliest remaining architectural works dating from about 600 BC.

Ancient Greek architecture is famous for its temples–the Parthenon being a prime example–that are found throughout the country, mostly in ruins, but a few surviving surprisingly intact. Other types of ancient Greek buildings still surviving today are open-air theaters, processional gateways (propylaea), public squares (agoras), storied colonnades (stoes), town council buildings (bouleuteria), monumental tombs (mausoleums), and stadiums.

There are 3 distinct orders in Ancient Greek architecture: Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian. The Romans adopted all 3 orders around the 1st century BC, and since then, they have been continually used in European Neoclassical architecture.

Even though sometimes the Doric order is considered the earliest, there is no concrete evidence to support this. In fact, the Doric and Ionic orders seem to have made their appearance at around the same point in time; the Ionic in eastern Greece and the Doric in the west and mainland.

The Temple of Hera in Olympia is the oldest, well-preserved Doric style temple dating back to about 600 BC. The Doric order later spread throughout Greece and Sicily, where it continued to be the leading monumental architectural style for 800 years.

Doric Order

The Doric order originates in the mainland and western Greece. It is the starkest architectural order and is characterized by short, organized, massive columns with plain, round capitals, and no base. With a height that is just 4 to 8 times its diameter, Doric columns are the shortest of all orders. The shaft of the Doric order columns is channeled with 20 flutes, while the capital consists of a simple ring necking or annulet. The echinus is convex, or circular cushion-like stone and the abacus is a square slab of stone. Above the capital is a square abacus that connects the capital to the entablature. The frieze of the Doric entablatures is consists of triglyphs and metopes. A triglyph is a section that consists of 3 vertical bands, separated by grooves, while a metope is the plain or carved relief located between 2 triglyphs. The Greek forms of the Doric order come without an individual base, and they are placed directly on the stylobate.

Ionic Order

The Ionic order originates from eastern Greece and is distinguished by slender, fluted columns with a broad base and two opposed volutes or scrolls in the echinus, which is adorned with an egg-and-dart motif. The Ionic shaft comes with 24 flutes, 4 more than its Doric counterpart. At its base, an Ionic column has two convex mouldings called tori, separated by a scotia. A column of the Ionic order is 8 times its lower diameter. The architrave of the entablature usually consists of 3 stepped bands, and its frieze is sometimes adorned with continuous ornamental carved figures.

Corinthian Order

The Corinthian order is the most intricate of the Greek orders. It is distinguished by a slender fluted column and an ornate capital, which is decorated with 2 rows of acanthus leaves and 4 scrolls—the Corinthian order is widely considered the most graceful of the 3 orders. The shaft of a Corinthian order pillar has 24 flutes, which is usually 10 diameters high. According to the Roman writer Vitruvius, the invention of the Corinthian order is attributed to Callimachus—a Greek sculptor of the 5th century BC. The oldest known Corinthian style building is the Choragic Monument of Lysicrates in Athens that was erected between 335 and 334 BC.

This content has been sourced and prepared by Codico Lab

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Friday, 13 November 2020 14:20

Enjoy An Athens Culture Trip From Home

A curated guide to experiencing Athens’ dynamic cultural life on-line—whether you want a full day fix, a half-day holiday, or just an hour’s escape.

Theatre, art, wine and song. Athenians have been culture-mad since antiquity. While we stay on the sidelines for the greater good, culture is one of the best escapes still left to us. From virtual museum and gallery tours to contemporary stage productions and feel-good concerts, here’s our constantly updated armchair guide to the best on-line arts and entertainment that cultured Athens has to offer for those times when you can't get here yourself. Best of all, it won’t cost you a cent.

History At Home

Skip back through the millennia to learn about Health, illness and treatment in Ancient Greece in the Museum of Cycladic Art’s digital classroom as part of their new Home Activities platform. What could be more timely? Just a few clicks more and you’ll fall under the spell of filmmaker Georgis Grigorakis’ hypnotic contemporary video sculpture as he depicts hyper real Aegean seascapes, inspired by timeless Cycladic Art. It’s also part of the Museum of Cycladic Art’s Home Activities series.

Get a jump start on your next Athens city break with a digital stroll through more of our riveting museums. Thanks to the Google Arts & Culture platform, you can eyeball ancient marvels like Pheidias’ 5th century BC Parthenon sculptures in high-definition detail on a virtual visit to the world-famous Acropolis Museum.

Next, snoop around all four of the Benaki Museum’s sites on 360 degree virtual tours. Start from the flagship Benaki Museum of Greek Culture which offers a one-stop panorama of Greek history from prehistoric times, and end with the stunning exhibits of the Benaki Islamic Art Museum collection. Bone up on your art education with Hellenic Together, and hear video talks about everything from wedding rituals in Classical Greece to the charmed 20th century lives of British grecophiles Patrick Leigh Fermor and John Craxton.

Affairs Of The Art

Step inside the mind of American art superstar George Condo as he leads a fascinating video tour through the light-filled spaces of the Cycladic Museum and explains how these ancient wonders inspired his recent collection.

Dive into the Neon Art Foundation’s colourful video bank and watch Athens-based dialogues with famous international artists who’ve staged recent projects in the Greek capital like Michael Landy and Lynda Benglis.

Ogle at one of the world’s most astounding private art collections (including a 1580s El Greco). The Basil and Elise Goulandris Foundation has uploaded a virtual exhibition of 198 masterpieces on display at their new Pangrati gallery. Flit between Van Goghs, Rodins and Picassos and give yourself a crash course in the leading lights of modern Greek art as well (such as Parthenis, Tsarouchis, Moralis and Tetsis). There are detailed descriptions and background to each work in English.

Soak up Athens’ red-hot street art scene with our slideshow gallery of the city’s most loved murals, such as WD’s piercing, all-seeing owl in Metaxourgio or the Praying Hands of Pavlos Tsakonas that descend God-like over Pireos Street.

Opera lovers and drama queens of all ages can roll back the clock with the Greek National Opera’s immersive photography archive of productions, spanning the last 80 years. Worth it for the incredible costumes alone!

Take a crash course in what to see (and why) at Greece’s new contemporary art temple EMST - then listen to the gallery staff talk about their favourite exhibits in English here. Or take the temperature of Athens’ hottest emerging art hub, Piraeus, with a virtual tour of new art space, Carwan gallery.

Contemporary & Alternative Culture

For the ultimate escapism, grab a front row seat at the history-making fashion show of Greek designer Mary Katrantzou, staged last year at Poseidon’s mighty temple at Cape Sounion, with an original score by the legendary Vangelis.

From digital dives down black holes, to an immersive new world of BioArt, glimpse a future where art meets science as trippy visual arts platform, Athens Digital Arts Festival (ADAF), broadcasts live highlights for both adults and kids. Tune in on their ADAF Live YouTube channel.

From sold-out shows and virtual cinematic experiences to secret concerts, the Onassis Stegi has launched a brilliant free library of content through its We Stay Close, Not Closed showcase (some of it never before seen). New content is made available every week but here are some current highlights:

• In these dystopian days, what could be more cathartic than tumbling down the rabbit hole with the scriptwriter who lit the spark for a new golden era of Greek Cinema with Dogtooth and The Lobster? Get lost in Efthimis Filippou’s bizarre Emata (Bloods), a performance-concert about our open wounds that’s ripe with oddness and black humour (Greek and English sub-titles available).

• Hear hot New York author Daniel Mendlesohn riff on the Narcissism of Homoerotic Relationships or Hollywood star Paul Giamatti ponder Narcissus and Acting in front of a live audience.

• Dose up on the exquisite melancholy of Rebetika: The Blues of Greece as Lena Kitsopoulou and her band of traditional Greek musicians transport you to the backstreets of Athens and Piraeus from Joe’s Pub in New York.

To read more, please visit This is Athens

Whether you've just arrived in town – or have been here for years – Athens always has new secrets to share! This is Athens is the official guide to this captivating city of ancient energies and booming urban culture. Compiled by a team of specialist local writers, This is Athens brings you an authentic and intimate portrait of a living Athens beyond the guidebooks – along with daily curated listings of all the best events and great weekend inspiration all-year round. From must-know neighbourhoods and emerging art hubs, to gourmet hotspots, cool shopping and the buzziest bars, This is Athens will help you to get the most out of living in Athens!

Thank you This is Athens for your contribution as an XpatAthens Partner.

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Monday, 23 November 2020 16:36

Dancing The Kalamatianos!

Greeks Definitely Love Dancing!

Greek dances are very important in Greek culture and there is an amazing variety. The music, the pace, the steps can vary depending on the area in Greece. However, there are some dances that are danced all over Greece and almost every Greek knows to dance. This is, because they usually also learn some dances during their gymnastic lesson in primary school, and Kalamatianos is one of them.

The Origin

The Kalamatianos is a popular dance, often referred to as ”sirtos”. Its roots are lost back in antiquity: on ancient vases, we can see dancers dancing like in the Kalamatianos, and there are ancient inscriptions referring to the “sirtos” dances.

The name “Kalamatianos” indicates its modern origin from the Peloponnese (Kalamata: city in south Peloponnese). Thanks to the cheerful music and its pleasant rhythm, the dance was introduced throughout Greece with several variations.

The Steps

This dance is danced by both men and women. The dancers dance in a circle. The first person in the row can improvise and make figures. He/she often holds a white scarf in his/her right hand.

The dance has 12 steps. Depending on the area there are small variations, e.g. the way you cross your legs. The steps may seem to be a lot, but the most important thing is to keep up with the rhythm of the music. Even if you do not know the steps, do not hesitate to enter the circle and follow the rhythm of the other dances. Do not worry if it goes wrong, the goal is to have a good time!

The Music

The music that accompanies the Kalamatianos is usually cheerful and the pace varies depending on the area. So sometimes the rhythm of the music is very fast and therefore the circle moves quickly, and in other areas, the music has a much slower pace, and you will have more time to adjust your steps and learn it more easily! Click here for an example of foreigners dancing the Kalamatianos in Greece.

The most representative song is the ” Mantili Kalamatiano” (=scarf made in Kalamata), where the singer asks her beloved to bring her a silk scarf as a sign of his love on his way back from Kalamata (Kalamata was known for producing silk scarves of high quality). Listen to the song, here.

The Village Feasts – Πανηγύρια

During summer, feasts with live music are organized in many villages, accompanied with food, drinks and many hours of dance. If you are lucky, and you are on the right place, the right moment, do not hesitate to join the circle, trying your dancing steps. If you prefer to

just “observe”, that is also a great experience. Click here to see one of my experiences on the island of Skiros, where I joined the circle together with our daughter.

If you also love Greek music and dance, then feel free to download my free eBook, on the masaresi.com webpage!

This content was originally posted on masaresi.com

About MASARESI

Masaresi.com was founded by Maya Cornelissens-Andreadi, who shares her experience about how “to integrate in Greece and feel like a local”. Masaresi = μας αρέσει = we like it! Discover the “real Greece," while delving into all the aspects of Greek life – from modern lifestyle and culture to history, literature, traditions, and many more.

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Five Interesting Facts About The Acropolis Of Athens

Greek: Europe’s Most Ancient Language

The 4 'Greekest Places' In North America

5 Great Heroes Of Greek Mythology

Useful Greek Words That You Really Need To Know

Greek Hospitality Explained

5 Greek Masterpieces Found In Museums Abroad

The 3 Distinct Orders Of Ancient Greek Architecture

Enjoy An Athens Culture Trip From Home

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