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

The Greeks are quite straightforward and sincere in communication. They are emotional, they can touch the interlocutor during a conversation, raise their voice, suddenly start humming something and do it quite naturally, simply at the behest of the soul. If two Hellenes are loudly discussing something, waving their hands, do not worry – there won’t be a fight. It is possible that they are simply talking about the weather forecast or a new law. By the way, about the laws. Local people sometimes like to criticize their country and, in particular, the government and the decisions it makes. You can listen and resent – but God forbid if you agree with it. The Greeks tremblingly love their country and do not tolerate negative reviews about it from the foreigners.

From here also follows the easiest way to earn a Greek's sympathy – to praise his native land. Only sincerely, because local people do not lie and do not like hypocrisy from the others. You can tell about some common points of the historical path of Greece and your homeland – and a good attitude is assured. In order, for example, to get a discount in the store, this way is the best. The Greeks like to bargain but they consider the dispute about the price of the goods not a sporting event but a pleasant pastime, where both the seller and the buyer should receive their share of pleasure. Therefore, the impudence here is not the best strategy. By the way, if the trader does not want to give in to you, try to leave the store. The seller, who is ready to lower the price, will catch up with you. If this did not happen, then think – maybe you really offer too little?

Despite the fact that the Greeks drink a lot, here the lack of control over yourself due to drinking is a real shame. So if you do not want to make an unfavorable impression on local residents, then keep yourself in hand regardless of the amount that you’ve drunk. Going to remote villages, remember that the Greeks are rather conservative, and ultra short beach clothes are not something that will help you to endear them. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

In many respects, the hospitality of the local residents is dictated by the notion of honor, preserved by the Greeks to this day. Though the notion that it is not good to deceive the neighbor, and the word must be kept and the obligations fulfilled first of all affects the family and friends, the overwhelming majority of the local residents also treats travelers openly. In some taverns, tourists can even pay for all ordered meals the next day, although usually, this practice applies only to the locals. The attitude to the taverns here is generally quivering. Most of the locals have their dinners here, sometimes with the whole family, simply because this is one of the national traditions.

Local women are very fond of jewelry, and not necessarily expensive. Sequins, semiprecious stones, Swarovski crystals, and bijouterie – all this is very popular among the Greek women. Men try to show their experience in all situations and give advice of a wise person, even if no one specifically asks for it. Any representative of a strong half of humanity will stare at a beautiful girl, probably will give a compliment and flirt, not even being embarrassed by the presence of his wife. They get married late, not earlier than 30, and they usually have children at 35. To the elderly, the Greeks are very anxious, and even after leaving home, remain very close to their parents.

The Greeks are religious, and most of them are Orthodox. The Christian holidays are the most widely celebrated on the island. And not just Christmas or Easter. For example, the Easter Week is full of lavender fragrance, and the housewives prepare cookies and cheesecakes. The Assumption Day of the Virgin Mary is celebrated on August 15th. The day of the saints of Kosmas and Damian, the unholy ones, is celebrated on November 1st, although mostly by the medical workers, patients, and their families. The island also hosts the Wine Festival for gourmets and the festival "Alindia".