Culture in Greece

Gyros is a popular Greek dish consisting of thinly sliced, spicily marinated meat that is grilled on a vertical rotisserie. Traditionally, it is made with pork, but variations with chicken or lamb are also common.

Gyros can be served in various ways, such as a main dish with fries, tzatziki, and coleslaw, or wrapped in warm pita bread, accompanied by fresh onions, tomatoes, and sauce.

Tzatziki is a refreshing Greek sauce traditionally made from yogurt, grated cucumbers, garlic, olive oil, and a hint of lemon juice or vinegar. It can also be seasoned with dill or mint.

Tzatziki is traditionally served as an appetizer with bread but also serves as a versatile side dish. For example, it pairs perfectly with grilled meats like souvlaki or gyros. It can also be used as a dip for vegetables or as a flavor enhancer in pita wraps. The creamy consistency and cool, slightly tangy taste make tzatziki a favorite in Mediterranean cuisine.

Souvlaki is a popular Greek dish consisting of small pieces of meat skewered and grilled. The meat for souvlaki is marinated in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and spices. Typically, pork is used, but chicken or lamb can also be used for souvlaki.

Souvlaki is often served with pita bread, fresh vegetables, tzatziki, and French fries, making it a tasty and popular street food.

Dolmadakia, often simply known as dolmas, are tender grape leaves carefully wrapped around an aromatic filling of rice, herbs, and spices. These small parcels are steamed or cooked and often served with a splash of lemon juice.

They are a popular appetizer or side dish in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine and are enjoyed both warm and cold. The Greek version of the dish is characterized by being typically prepared without meat.

Spanakopita is a savory Greek pastry filled with a lush mixture of spinach, feta cheese, onions, and herbs, wrapped in crispy phyllo or filo dough. This traditional dish is distinguished by its layered texture and delicate yet savory flavor. Spanakopita is often served as an appetizer or snack and is a popular delight at Greek festivals as well as in everyday life.

The most famous Greek drink is likely Ouzo. This clear, anise-flavored liqueur is often served as an aperitif and traditionally diluted with water and ice, which turns it a milky color.

The clear spirits Tsipouro and Raki are similar to Ouzo but without the anise flavor. Tsipouro is often enjoyed after meals, sometimes accompanied by small snacks or mezedes. 

Similar to Mocha, Greek coffee is brewed in a small pot called a briki. It is known for its strong flavor and thick sediment at the bottom of the cup.

A popular cold coffee variation in Greece is the Frappé. It is made from instant coffee, water, and sugar, and shaken to create a frothy top.

Even those who don't like coffee don't have to miss out on regional hot beverages in Greece. Known as "Tsai tou vounou," Greek Mountain Tea is an herbal tea made from various plants found in the Greek mountain regions. Depending on the different herbs that grow in a region, various local varieties of Greek Mountain Tea are common. All of them are popular for their aromatic flavor and health benefits, such as aiding with colds or digestive problems.

Panigiri is also, in a broad sense, a form of name day celebration. It is a traditional village festival held in honor of a church's patron saint on their feast day. These festivals often take place in the summer and include traditional music, dance, food, and drink.

The Greek Easter celebration is the most significant festival in the religious calendar of Greece. It is observed with numerous customs, such as dyeing eggs, baking Tsoureki (Easter bread), and the midnight mass on Holy Saturday. On Easter Sunday, there are large family meals, traditionally featuring roasted lamb.

The Epiphany or Theophany festival on January 6th commemorates the baptism of Jesus Christ. A highlight is the ritual throwing of a cross into the water and the competitive diving of young men to retrieve it. The one who finds the cross is said to have good luck for the coming year.

Carnival in Greece is a joyful time with parades, costumes, and celebrations. The city of Patras hosts the largest and most famous carnival in Greece, celebrated with colorful processions and parties.