In this installment of our guide to holidays in Greece we look at Greece's culture...
Greece is a country of a great interests and diverse cultures, influenced by its location, at the junction between the East and the West, and by the many occupations endured by the Greek people throughout history. Their people are particularly proud of their culture and country and speak of it with an intense passion.
Greek is the national official language and is the native tongue of the vast majority of the population, but English-speaking visitors encounter no significant language problem since English is the most widely studied and understood of foreign languages in Greece (followed by French, Italian, and German).
About 10% of the country's population, or roughly a million people, were born elsewhere. Eastern and Central Europe are the most common sources of immigrants, with others coming from the Middle East, South and Southeast Asia, and Africa. This has made the country linguistically and culturally diverse.
A very religious country, 97% of the population class themselves as Christian Orthodox. Officially, and like in all European countries, the Greek State and the Orthodox Church are separated, but this separation is not written or regulated by the Constitution and the Greek Orthodox Church has a great power in Greek society.
Greeks, particularly in rural areas, tend to be more superstitious than other Europeans. Many still spit to ward off misfortune or keep away the devil and older people will often bless a fresh loaf of bread by making the sign of the cross with a knife before cutting into it. However, less common traditions and superstitions will vary from region to region, and even from village to village.
In Orthodox tradition, Easter is the most important holiday. It involves religious processions and costumed parties, and Easter Sunday is marked with a feast. But Christmas tends to be more private, a family holiday, even though public places across Greece are adorned with lights and decorations. Many towns and districts also have regional festivals at various times of the year that mark local patron saints, wine harvests or historical events.
Greece is a country of a great interests and diverse cultures, influenced by its location, at the junction between the East and the West, and by the many occupations endured by the Greek people throughout history. Their people are particularly proud of their culture and country and speak of it with an intense passion.
Greek is the national official language and is the native tongue of the vast majority of the population, but English-speaking visitors encounter no significant language problem since English is the most widely studied and understood of foreign languages in Greece (followed by French, Italian, and German).
About 10% of the country's population, or roughly a million people, were born elsewhere. Eastern and Central Europe are the most common sources of immigrants, with others coming from the Middle East, South and Southeast Asia, and Africa. This has made the country linguistically and culturally diverse.
A very religious country, 97% of the population class themselves as Christian Orthodox. Officially, and like in all European countries, the Greek State and the Orthodox Church are separated, but this separation is not written or regulated by the Constitution and the Greek Orthodox Church has a great power in Greek society.
Greeks, particularly in rural areas, tend to be more superstitious than other Europeans. Many still spit to ward off misfortune or keep away the devil and older people will often bless a fresh loaf of bread by making the sign of the cross with a knife before cutting into it. However, less common traditions and superstitions will vary from region to region, and even from village to village.
In Orthodox tradition, Easter is the most important holiday. It involves religious processions and costumed parties, and Easter Sunday is marked with a feast. But Christmas tends to be more private, a family holiday, even though public places across Greece are adorned with lights and decorations. Many towns and districts also have regional festivals at various times of the year that mark local patron saints, wine harvests or historical events.
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