This part of our guide to holidays in Greece covers the culture of the country...
Greece lies where the Middle East meets Europe, this location and its many occupations by foreign powers have given the country a colorful and diverse culture. Most Greeks have a strong passion for their culture and country.
The national language and native tongue of the vast bulk of the population is Greek. But English is relatively widely studied and understood and English-speaking visitors usually encounter no significant language problems. French, Italian, and German are the next-most commonly studied foreign languages.
In fact, 1 million residents there (equivalent to 10% of the population) are foreign-born (mainly from Eastern and Central Europe, Middle East, South and Southeast Asia, and Africa); which has contributed to not only language diversity, but also to the Greek cultural landscape in general.
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.
Easter is the most celebrated holiday, and involves feasts and costumed parties, whereas Christmas tends to be a private, family holiday, though lights and decorations still adorn city squares across the country. In addition to Easter and Christmas, many towns and regions have their own regional festivals throughout the year commemorating various historical events, local patron saints, or wine harvests.
Greece lies where the Middle East meets Europe, this location and its many occupations by foreign powers have given the country a colorful and diverse culture. Most Greeks have a strong passion for their culture and country.
The national language and native tongue of the vast bulk of the population is Greek. But English is relatively widely studied and understood and English-speaking visitors usually encounter no significant language problems. French, Italian, and German are the next-most commonly studied foreign languages.
In fact, 1 million residents there (equivalent to 10% of the population) are foreign-born (mainly from Eastern and Central Europe, Middle East, South and Southeast Asia, and Africa); which has contributed to not only language diversity, but also to the Greek cultural landscape in general.
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.
Easter is the most celebrated holiday, and involves feasts and costumed parties, whereas Christmas tends to be a private, family holiday, though lights and decorations still adorn city squares across the country. In addition to Easter and Christmas, many towns and regions have their own regional festivals throughout the year commemorating various historical events, local patron saints, or wine harvests.
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