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

During a conversation with Greek people, remember that some of the common gestures have a different meaning on Lemnos and in Greece. For example, when a Greek touch or pat the lower lip, he wants to suggest or say something. When Greek people signal to somebody to join them, they extend their arms with their palms facing downwards. Don’t pretend to brush off the dust of the lapel of the jacket while communicating with a Greek person, it will insult him. When a Greek wants to say «thank you», he puts his palm to the chest. A Greek “yes” is tilting the head to either side and making a sideways motion while slightly closing the eyes. When locals want to say «no», they raise their eyebrows and their whole head upwards, while softly clicking with their tongue.

Greeks are very emotional people. They raise voice and use a lot of hand movements during a conversation. Moreover, they interrupt each other and touch people without a second thought. If private space is important for you, you should know that Greeks don’t want to offend anybody, it is just a norm of behaviour for them. Locals shake hands only at first meeting, then they greet each other by a kiss in both cheeks.

You should refer to the Greek by the first name as long as he did not ask to call himself by the second name. Local inhabitants are quite hospitable people. But if a Greek invites you to his house, it doesn't mean that you will have dinner there. Most of the locals prefer to eat in local taverns. However, they are good cooks, especially men who even attend culinary classes. Taverns play an important role in Greek culture. Locals love to visit a tavern after a working day. They meet with friends, drink local alcohol and have a meal under folk music. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Despite the fact that locals drink, you will hardly meet aggressive drunk people on the streets. The reason is that drunk people who can't control themselves deserve only mockery and contempt. This also applies to tourists, so if you want to win the favour of local people-try to control yourself. Greeks are patriots, but they like to criticize their government. But they can't bear when foreigners do the same. If you want to become friends with Greek people, say something pleasant about Greece.

Greeks still have their own ideas about honour. One of them states that you can’t deceive close people for your own benefit. Moreover, it applies to foreigners too. There are some taverns where you can eat today and pay tomorrow.

Lemnos is filled with relaxed atmosphere. It makes people forget about all the problems. The thing is that the most important thing for Greeks is to make the most of life. Locals will never work hard to earn money. Even if a Greek gets a large sum of money, he will immediately spend it on useless things or an evening in a tavern. Locals believe that there is no need for money if they don’t make you happy.

Siesta is a sacred ritual for Greeks. From 2 to 5 o’clock Greeks lie on a beach or sleep at home. Try to plan your day because almost all of the public places are closed during this period of time. If you a single lady who has come to the island, be ready for increased attention of local men. But don’t worry, they will only flirt with you and pay compliments, don’t take it seriously. Greeks are religious people and they celebrate all the main Orthodox holidays. The Assumption of the Virgin is celebrated on the 15th of August. The Feast of Agios Ioannis is celebrated at the village of Kaspakas on the 22nd of June. The traditional celebration in honour of Agios Sozon takes place in the Monastery of Agios Sozon in September. Reborn Festival is a cultural event. It is held every August in the village of Moudros.