If you like Greek traditions, then read more about the bracelet for the month of March;
The “Marti bracelet” or just “Marti” is an ancient custom for the beginning of Spring. It is believed it dates back to ancient Greece and it is known all over the Balkans.


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Greek Mythology combined with Halcyon days! You might wonder what this means, but as in every country and season, there are natural phenomena.

A Greek winter can be cold and in the mountainous areas, it always snows. However, every year there are also some very warm days with a lot of sunshine. They are called the “Halcyon days” or “Alkionides Meres“. Unfortunately, we never know on which days exactly those calm bright days will come. Usually, it is the period after Christmas until the end of January when there is a non-interrupted period of days with clear blue skies and warm temperatures, which at least in the Athens region can reach more than 20°C during day-time.
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The Athens Classic Marathon is one of the most important sports events hosted by the city of Athens. Thousands of runners from all over the world participate in every year’s race. Apart from the sportive event, they have the chance to enjoy Greek hospitality, to discover the fascinating landscape and to explore a city which is constantly improving its standards.

Of course, nowadays the Marathon race is held in many major cities around the world, but there is only one “Authentic Marathon”, in Greece 🙂
It takes place every year in Attiki, from the village of Marathon till centre Athens, beginning of November.

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Naxos island is the largest island of the Cyclades island group in the Aegean Sea.
It is known for its beautiful beaches, ancient ruins, and rich history, as well as its production of marble and agricultural products. Naxos is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors with its scenic landscapes, traditional villages, and vibrant culture.
At Omilo, we are teaching our summer courses on the island of Syros, since 2005, from where we can see Naxos island, with clear weather.
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Syros island and Hermoupolis town, are locations our students love deeply.
Every Summer, since 2005, Omilo organizes Greek Language and Culture Courses on the Cycladic island of Syros.
After all those years, the island feels like a second home to the Omilo team, as well as to many returning students.
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Greek University Entrance Exams or Πανελλήνιες are taking place every year at the end of the school year, and it is a stressful period for many students as well as parents.

 

 

Studying at a Greek state university might officially be “for free” for students, but there are some conditions to consider; The exams leading to it are an intense and challenging process for all seventeen and eighteen-year-olds around the country. Parents usually pay a lot of money for private lessons for their children, in order to get the best results. This extra private education for preparing towards the exams usually is paid for minimum one year, but often for much longer as well. Therefore, knowing the difference between practice and theory, we believe it is not really correct to call the Public Greek Educational System “free”.

Continur reading and learn more about the Greek Public Educational system and University exams

 

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Lefkada, also called Lefkas, is a beautiful Greek island in the Ionian Sea on the west coast of Greece; south of Corfu, and North of Kefalonia island.
The island is connected to the mainland by a long causeway and floating bridge.
Because Omilo organizes every year a  Greek Language and Culture courses on Lefkada island, during the month of May / June,
we love to introduce you to some facts as well as to the rich mythological tradition of this Greek island.

The Myth Of Lefkada

Almost every place in Greece has a mythical tradition. Ancient Greeks always wanted to associate places with stories about Gods or famous heroes. Read more

Greek songs which also became international hits, are more than you might think! However, few people today realize that some classic songs were actually written by Greek composers,
When you regularly visit, you definitely have understood that  music  plays a very important role in the life of Greeks. In joy and sorrow, Greeks sing. And the truth is that they have the opportunity to choose among several categories of songs, in order to express every time their feelings: there are plenty of folk songs, rebetika, laika, entexna  as well as rock and pop songs.


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How to travel to Syros island, from Athens or Mykonos? Because Omilo organizes Greek Language and Culture courses on the island of Syros during the summer months, this is a question many Omilo students are asking us frequently.
First of all, if you looking for a 1- or 2-week course during summer, then click below and check out the dates and availability

For all the details and course dates of  the 1-week courses, click here

For all the details and course dates of the 2-week courses, click here

Second, here below you find details, tips and useful information on how most students travel from their country to the course location on Syros island.

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The Greek Traditional Christmas Boat is very popular again since the last decade.

Do you prefer a Christmas tree or a Christmas boat?

(Greek text below)

The decoration of the Christmas tree is not a Greek habit. It is said that the first Christmas tree in Greece was introduced and decorated by the Bavarian king Otto in 1833. In Greece, according to tradition, we decorate a boat, mainly on the islands. The boat symbolizes the maritime identity of the country. Greeks, a seafaring nation, of course, combined the celebration of Christmas with the sea. The decoration of the ship was also a kind of honor and welcome to the sailors returning home to celebrate Christmas with their families.

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