Greece

Little Things Greek Americans Don’t Know About Local Greeks

Written By: Will Anagnos

I had a conversation with my sister recently about all the things that surprised her when she moved from America to Greece. It’s pretty interesting, watching her absorb all the same minor cultural shocks I experienced when I left for Greece a few years prior.

Let’s say you want to settle down with a nice Greek guy – which my sister has been considering. Chances are, if he’s under 35, he probably still lives with his mother.

Interviewing for Greek Citizenship? Here’s Three Keys To Success

Written By: Christophoros

Obtaining Greek Citizenship through naturalization requires applicants to successfully pass an interview conducted by a government official, in accordance with Article 10 of the Greek Nationality Code. Of course, not everyone pursuing citizenship needs to go the naturalization route – only those whose parents weren’t citizens, and therefore must link their ancestry through a more distant relative, such as a grandparent or uncle.

Many people are curious about what the interview entails, and the easiest way to explain it is by characterizing the test as a measure of one’s Greekness. Those who have completed it say they’ve been asked anywhere between two and 30 questions regarding their knowledge of Greek history, Greek affairs and their subjective love of Greece.

Tradition: The Antidote to Radical Leftism

Written By: Alexandros

Radical leftism is a social contagion. I should know. Take it from someone who grew up in Seattle, WA – it’s about as liberal as any place in the world.

I was raised in the early 2000s and reached my teens by the mid-2010s. I saw my hometown slowly devolve from a pretty normal place into an environment where hyper-sexualism, self-worship, and radical liberal ideals became not just popular – but trendy.

An Unbiased Breakdown of Greece’s 10 Main Political Parties

Written By: Dimitris Karnavas

Greek politics have utilized a Parliamentary Democracy since 1974, operating under a multi-party system that stands in stark contrast to the two-party political landscape Americans are accustomed to.

Today, Nea Demokratia (or New Democracy) leads Greece as the ruling party, but there are many other organizations nipping at their heels and rounding out the expansive political arena. Here is a straightforward breakdown of the 10 political parties in the Greek Parliament, listed from most left-wing to centrist to right-wing.

I Was Blindsided When I Moved To Greece: Here’s What You Should Know Before You Visit

Written By: Will Anagnos

Before moving to Greece in 2016, I thought I had prepared myself well. I wanted to understand and fit in as much as possible, anticipating the cultural differences I would encounter while living in a foreign country. However, there were many things about Greece — and the Greeks — that I hadn’t expected.

Here are a few things that stood out to me:

1. The Way Greeks Communicate
   Greek conversations can sound intense, even if they’re just casual discussions. For an American ear, this might come across as abrupt or rude, but that’s not the case. It’s just the way people communicate, with more passion and volume than we might be used to in the U.S.
2. Coffee Preferences Have Shifted
   Frappe used to be the quintessential Greek coffee, but times have changed. Freddo espresso is now the go-to coffee, reflecting a shift in tastes that might surprise some visitors.
3. Fashion is Different
   Greek fashion choices, like pre-ripped pants and gelled hairstyles, might seem unusual to American eyes. These trends are likely similar across Europe, but they do stand out if you’re coming from the U.S.
4. Generational Bonding
   It’s common for people of all ages to socialize together. Unlike the U.S., there’s less division between age groups, which can lead to a more relaxed attitude about things like swearing. It’s just part of the culture here.
5. The Weather is Unpredictable
   The weather in Greece can be a bit surprising. September brings an early chill, but then it gets warm again. Winters, especially in February, are colder than many might expect, and snow in the mountains is common.
6. Family Life and Living Arrangements
   Many Greeks live with their families well into adulthood. It’s a cultural norm, and family plays a huge role in everyday life.
7. The School System is Different
   The structure of schools in Greece can be quite different from what we’re used to. Many schools, especially in villages, lack resources and teachers. The schedule is also more flexible, with students often leaving school early.
8. Tavernas Offer a Unique Dining Experience
   At a traditional Greek taverna, don’t rely too much on the menu. Instead, servers will list what’s available, which may vary from day to day. This casual approach is something I’ve gotten used to over time.
9. Long Coffee Breaks Are Common
   Spending hours drinking coffee is normal here, and it’s not just about the coffee — it’s a social experience. It was surprising at first how much time people spend doing this, but it’s part of the lifestyle.
10. The Meaning of “Volta”
    The word “volta” can be confusing. While I initially thought it meant going for coffee, it actually covers a range of activities, from a walk to a drive, or even a day trip. It’s a flexible term for any kind of outing.
11. Business Practices Reflect Economic Realities
    Due to high taxes and economic pressures, many businesses operate informally to stay afloat. It’s common to see transactions in cash and for workers to be paid under the table. It’s a practical approach to navigating the tough economic climate.
12. Education and Career Paths Differ
    In Greece, it’s not unusual for people to attend culinary or trade schools, especially in smaller villages. These paths are seen as practical and valuable, and reflect different priorities compared to the U.S.
13. Stray Animals Are Everywhere
    Cats and dogs are a common sight in the streets and even in some stores. While it can be sad to see so many without homes, it’s something that people are accustomed to here.
14. Health Regulations Are More Relaxed
    It’s not common to see health inspector certificates in restaurants, and stray animals can sometimes wander in. While this might seem off-putting at first, it’s accepted as part of the laid-back culture.
15. Souvlaki Is a Big Deal
    Souvlaki isn’t just a meal — it’s a frequent topic of conversation. It’s a dish that people take seriously and love to discuss, which was new to me coming from a place where food isn’t typically a conversation starter.
16. Nightlife for All Ages
    In Greece, there’s no strict age limit for nightlife. Younger and older people often go out to the same clubs or bars, which can feel different if you’re used to the U.S. where social scenes are often divided by age.
17. A Slower Pace of Life
    The culture here is more laid-back than what I was used to. Long meals and coffee breaks are the norm, and the pace of life is generally slower, which took some adjustment.
18. Summers Are Short
    Summer in Greece is shorter than I expected, with school continuing until late June and starting up again in August. While the summer season is brief, it’s packed with activity, especially in the coastal areas.
19. Athens in Summer
    Athens can be extremely hot in the summer, and many locals leave for the islands or villages. This means the city is mostly filled with tourists during this time, which changes the dynamic.
20. English-Speaking Greeks Are Sometimes Shy
    While many Greeks speak English, they may be hesitant to use it. This isn’t due to a lack of skill, but more from a fear of making mistakes.
21. Meal Schedules Are Different
    Meals follow a different schedule here, with lunch being the biggest meal of the day and dinner happening much later, especially during the hot summer months. It’s an adjustment, but it’s a rhythm that works well in the local climate.
22. Summer Work Delays
    During the summer, it’s common for things like repairs or business tasks to be delayed. The slower pace of life extends to work, especially during the hottest months.
23. Newcomers Are Noticed
    In smaller villages, it’s hard to go unnoticed. When a new person arrives, everyone takes notice — something to be aware of if you’re visiting for the first time.
24. Lamb is Reserved for Special Occasions
    While many Americans associate Greece with lamb, it’s actually reserved for specific holidays like Easter. It’s not as commonly eaten as you might think.
25. Frequent Holidays and Name Days
    Greece has a lot of holidays and name days, leading to many long weekends, especially around Easter. It’s a nice break from work or school, and something that adds to the relaxed pace of life.

Ultimately, living in Greece has been a series of adjustments and learning experiences. While some things may feel unfamiliar or unexpected, they also offer an opportunity to see things from a different perspective. Greece is a place full of surprises, and it’s these differences that make it unique.

Why Greek Americans should visit Greece

Written By: Stavros

Greece is one of the most popular summer tourist destinations around the world – known far and wide as the perfect vacation spot for many reasons.

For one, as an EU member state it is accessible, and English is commonly spoken by Greeks living there. Also, most places have fair prices. The natural beauty in the mountains and at the beaches draws in tourists by the hundreds of thousands. It is a place where it is easy to relax, but also safe to explore.

Why Third Generation Greeks Have One Last Chance to Claim Their Heritage

Written By: Christophoros

If you’re a third generation Greek living in America, Canada, Australia or any other major hub of Hellenes worldwide, there’s a good chance you are still clinging onto your Greek heritage.

That’s a good thing, but it must be said that those members of the Diaspora statistically have a very consequential decision to make: they can either repatriate themselves back to Greece, or let the forces of Western culture erase their children’s heritage, and the heritage of their children’s children.

What KTE’s Founders Learned Working at a Greek Restaurant in Greece

Written By: Christophoros

This summer my brother and I lived out the Greek American dream: we spent a season working for free at a Greek restaurant in Greece.

Working in our homeland, a place our Pappou fled after WWII, was extremely eye-opening and one of the richest life experiences we have shared together. My brother Alexandros and I are open and honest about the fact that we are Greek Americans, not Greeks. However, like many Greek Americans, we crave a return to Greece and felt its call grow in the truest sense from everything we learned working at Medusa Milos, one of the best authentic restaurants in all of Greece.

Greece is my Medicine

Written By: Christophoros

Greece is my medicine. Many other Greeks living abroad know what I mean when I say this – I need to visit the homeland of my ancestors regularly to reconnect with the culture, language and spiritual traditions I have admired all my life.

Diaspora Greeks are part of a uniquely split identity between the Greek heritage we treasure and the Western environment our relatives willingly sought out. Yes, my ancestors fled Greece after WWII in pursuit of greater economic promises, but now that those promises have been fully explored and American society has fundamentally changed for the worse, I crave a permanent return to Greece for myself and my future children.

Discovering the Greek Family Unit, From a Generation X Perspective

Written By: Penelope

I’ve always been proud of my Greek heritage – that’s an understatement for myself and many fellow Hellenes.

In my youth, I embraced it in what I thought was its entirety. I learned how to Greek dance, regularly attended Greek Orthodox Church, enrolled myself in Greek school, strictly followed the religious calendar and dyed my Easter eggs red.

Growing up, I participated in JOY, GOYA and YAL. I taught myself to cook all of my favorite Greek dishes. In college, my homemade dinners to roommates included pastitsio, dolmathes, spanakopita and baklava for dessert. I thought I knew all about what it meant to be Greek.

Two Versions of Greece

Written By: Alexandros

There exists two distinct versions of Greece: the one imagined and lived by those in the diaspora, and the one imagined and lived by Greeks who remain, to this day, in the fatherland.

The Greece that is imagined by the current population is one desperately trying to impersonate America and its neighbors. It is consumed by consumerism, it hastens to glorify American art, music, and its heroes, and it is becoming secular and modern in every way imaginable by the West.

De-Stigmatizing Right Wing Politics

Written By: Alexandros

The stigmatization of right wing politics is something that has plagued Greece for a long time, and it all comes back to what happened with Golden Dawn (Χρυσή Αυγή). Those familiar with 21st century Greek politics remember Golden Dawn for their ascription as a neo-Nazi and neo-fascist organization that defined the right wing political space before its leadership were sent to prison and the party was permanently dismantled in 2020.

The New Colonization of Greece

Written By: Alexandros

Remembering our four centuries under Ottoman rule, Greeks should consider the cultural infiltration of America a new kind of societal subversion and defend our traditions accordingly.

Greece was once a colony of the Ottoman Empire. Across nearly 400 years, Greeks were second-class citizens in the land they inhabited for millennia. During this period of occupation and the many wars of reconquest that were fought to reclaim Hellenic territory, untold millions of Greeks were lost due to genocide, starvation, famine, war, and forced conversion and assimilation.

The Need for Right-Wing Consolidation in Greece

Written By: Alexandros

As of the European Parliament election results, nationalist parties in Greece account for nearly 20% of the Greek electorate. This would place the combined nationalist parties in the second place spot, ahead of left-wing SYRIZA and center-left PASOK. However, given the fragmentation of the Nationalist space in Greece, the support is distributed between 4 separate polling parties, with further fragmentation resulting from voters being drawn to the large center-right party Nea Dimokratia as well as several smaller right-wing parties that fail to garner the necessary 1% to register on polls.