Contemporary Greek culture and traditions are extremely rich and diverse, reflecting Greece’s location in the crossing point where the West meets the East and also the country’s great and turbulent history.The culture of Greece has changed over thousands of years - dating in the Paleolithic era and the birth from the great Minoan,Mycenaeanand Cycladic civilizations with the Classical Period - the Golden Age, reaching great amounts of prosperity that resulted in an unprecedented cultural boom, expressed in architecture, drama, science and philosophy, and nurtured in Athens within democratic environment, through the sequence of invasions and domination: through the Macedonians, the Romans, the Byzantine Empire and also the 400 years of Ottoman rule.
Greece culture and traditions are so great. culture and traditionsThroughout the second half of the 19th century and also the first half of the 20th century, Greece saw monarchies and ousting of royalty, fierce political fights, assassinations, and dictatorships, wars that added neighboring territories and new population, but additionally brought economic devastation and poverty. Following the defeat of Germany and also the end of World War II, Greece joined NATO in 1952 and experienced a bitter civil war between communist and anticommunist forces.
Tourists Tips for Traveling in Greece
- When a person says that you need to pay for a sun bed, do it because parts of beaches are owned in Greece. Sun beds are paid as well as toilets and other beach stuff.
- The Greek are not punctual at all. They live their own time, so don’t be surprised if your 10:30am bus comes at 11am or later. Try to get used to so-called “Greek Maybe Time.”
- Be properly dressed if you want to enter a Greek church or a monastery. “Properly” means that shoulders and knees should be covered. Women should cover heads too.
- Don’t ever try to split a bill if you are invited by a Greek. It will be taken as a very serious insult.
- Buy a present (flowers, chocolate, etc.) if you are invited to a Greek home. Presents are delivered when entering the house.
- Give tips in restaurants and hotels but don’t over-tip. About 10% of the sum will do well.