Every year on February 9th, people around the world celebrate International Greek Language Day (Παγκόσμια Ημέρα Ελληνικής Γλώσσας).
This day honours the Greek language and its important role in literature, science, philosophy, and world culture. Greek, known as “Ελληνικά” in Greek, is one of the world’s oldest recorded living languages, with a history spanning over 3,400 years. It has influenced many other languages, including English, French, Italian, and Spanish.
Carnival in Greece is a big winter celebration, during which Greeks enjoy themselves, organize parties and eat a lot of meat!
In 2025, the festivities will take place between February 9th and March 2nd. Followed by “Kathara devtera” on March 3rd.
The aim of Carnival is to encourage all citizens, and visitors, to be a part of a lively, fun-filled celebration, which takes place in many venues, squares, streets and schools of villages, towns, or city neighborhoods. Read more about those traditions, while learning useful Greek vocabulary.
The Vasilopita is a nice Greek Tradition , a special cake for the New Year. When cutting the cake into slices on New Year’s Day, Greeks will name each slice as they cut it, after everyone in the family and friends. Usually, also a coin is hidden in the bottom of the cake. Whoever is lucky enough to get the coin in their slice is considered especially blessed in the coming year! So maybe a nice Greek tradition to also try it with your family and friends back home?
Stand-up comedian Fisfis has gained in popularity, thanks to his ability to turn mundane everyday situations into an endless source of laughter through his sarcasm and expressiveness. So, let us introduce you to well-loved Greek stand-up comedian, actor and screenwriter Lambros Fisfis.
All this, while improving your Greek of course 🙂
Omilo students attending a Greek course on the island of Syros usually take the opportunity to taste the traditional sweets of the island: loukoumi and halvadopita. In the capital of Syros island, Hermoupolis , you can see many shops selling these delicacies; so enjoy those little sweets along with your Greek coffee, or as a small treat with a glass of water.
How Do Greeks Celebrate Easter? And what are the Greek Easter Traditions?
Greek Orthodox Easter is probably the biggest celebration of the year for most Greeks, with a lot of special traditions and family gatherings.
It is also one of the reasons Omilo organizes every year a Greek Easter course.
For 26 years in a row, the Omilo-team is celebrating Easter together with students (except of the “covid years in 2020 and 2021”).
If you can not be in Greece during Easter time, but you are curious, then read below what Greek Easter is about, and/or watch some videos!
There are many Greek Christmas and New Year Traditions in Greece! Here below you will find more information about those traditions.
In the meantime, in order to improve your listening skills, you can click on the button below, where you will find the translation in Greek
as well as the Audio
The Onassis Cultural Center or “Stegi” is for sure something to visit, when staying some extra days in Athens.
The name Onassis is a synonym of Croesus, of a very wealthy man. Aristotle Onassis, the so-called “Golden Greek”, became worldwide known for oil tankers and Olympic Airways. However, he did much more than that. Let’s get to know him and have a closer look at the Onassis Cultural Center in Athens as well as the Onassis Foundation’s activities. Read more
Kathara Deftera, or Clean Monday is an important day for Greeks. We celebrate the end of the Carnival and the beginning of fasting which leads to Easter (forty days later). The name comes from the adjective “katharos”=clean. This day is also called “Koulouma”.
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