Colors of Kalymnos Island - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

While communicating with Greeks, remember that they are emotional people and can easily interrupt each other and raise their voice even during a dialogue with close people. Locals touch people during a conversation without any embarrassment. You should refer to the Greek is by the first name as long as he did not ask to call himself by the second name. People shake hands only at the first meeting, then they greet each other by a kiss in both cheeks.

Some of the gestures have a different meaning in Greece and on Kalymnos. When Greek people signal to somebody to join them, they extend their arms with their palms facing downwards. Then they open and close their fists, their fingers moving up and down. When they want to say something, they touch or pat the lower lip with the index finger. An important thing is not every nod on Kalymnos means that a person agrees with you. A Greek “yes” is tilting the head to either side and making a sideways motion while slightly closing the eyes If Greeks want to show neglect to a person, they pretend brushing off the dust of the lapel of the jacket. When locals want to say «no», they raise their eyebrows and their whole head upwards, while softly clicking with their tongue.

Greeks are great patriots. If you want to make a good impression, say something pleasant about Kalymnos or tell about some events of Greek history. It is customed in Greece to greet everyone, entering public places such as a bank or a tavern, even if there are only strangers. Try to speak Greek even if you don’t know it well. Remember that only Greek people can criticize their government, they can't bear when foreigners do the same. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Kalymnos is filled with relaxed atmosphere. Even real workaholics come here and forget about all problems. It happens because most of the Greeks don’t like to work hard and get money at all costs. Money is not important for the Greek people. Even if a Gree gets a large sum of money, he will easily spend it on a beautiful and useless thing or an evening in a tavern. Locals believe that there is no need for money if they don’t make you happy.

A typical day in Greece starts at 8 o’clock. Locals wake up, have a cup of coffee and a light breakfast, work till 2 o’clock and have siesta till 5 o’clock. Try to plan your holiday, because almost all the cafes, shops and public places are closed during the period of siesta. Locals sleep at home or sunbathe during this time, they try to gain strength to finish the working day. The working day is finished at 8 pm and then the fiesta starts, it is time for leisure and meetings with friends. You will hardly find a free table in a tavern because they are full of people in the evenings, they enjoy meals and local drinks. Greeks like to cook, by the way, Greek men are very talented cooks, but this way of spending time is a part of the national tradition. Greeks love to gather around the table with friends and family, drink local alcohol and discuss the day's events, watching dancers in traditional costumes, moving under folk music. Most of the Greeks are Orthodox Christians and they celebrate different holidays here. You can come on Kalymnos and visit the February Carnival. There are also popular Kalymnos Climbing Festival and Kalymnos Climbing Festival.

Greeks love to teach people and give advice. This quality is getting worse with age. Greek men value their family and marry late, but they can easily flirt and pay compliments to women. Greek are honest people, they expect the same behaviour from other people. Despite the fact that locals like to drink wine and ouzo, you will hardly meet drunk people on the streets. The reason is that invariable behaviour is a disgrace for Greeks. So, if you don’t want to be condemned by locals, try to control yourself.