Key Aspects of Greek Culture

• Φιλοξενία (Philoxenia – Hospitality)
  • Welcoming strangers and guests with generosity and warmth
  • Rooted in ancient Greek values and mythology (Zeus Xenios)
• Φιλότιμο (Philotimo – Honor & Integrity)
  • A uniquely Greek sense of responsibility, prideand moral duty
  • Guides behaviour in family, social life, and work
• Μεράκι (Meraki – Passion and Love for Work)
  • Doing something with care, creativity, and soul
  • Seen in food, art, music, and craftsmanship
• Time and Social Life
  • Flexible, relational, and human-centered approach to time
  • Greek phrase “Greek time” reflects cultural priorities
• Public Spaces and the Agora
  • Squares, parks, and streets as central social hubs
  • Continuity from ancient civic life to modern community
• Festivals and Celebrations
  • Easter, Apokries (Carnival)and name days
  • Mix of religious, historicaland social traditions
• Music, Dance, and Rhythm
  • Folk music, traditional dances, and regional variation
  • Cultural expression of history and identity
• Food and Social Eating
  • Meals as communal events, celebrating connection and hospitality
  • Dishes and customs rooted in history and local identity
• Language and Proverbs
  • Unique words, idiomsand expressions reflecting values
  • Examples: φιλοξενία, φιλότιμο, καιρός, μεράκι
• Connection to History
  • Pride in ancient achievements, philosophy and democracy

Modern Greek identity deeply linked to cultural heritage