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

When you are talking to the local residents, remember that not all gestures here have a traditional meaning. For example, the palm that is spread out and directed right at the interlocutor is often used to indicate the person’s rejection of anything and, in fact, serves as a protective gesture, for the Greek will be a serious enough insult. It is also important to remember that if in the overwhelming majority of countries the nod of the head means consent with the speaker, in Greece it means denial. At the same time, the locals nod and clink their tongues, all showing a skeptical attitude.

During the conversation it is accepted to gesticulate a lot and the Greeks always greet familiar people with a kiss on both cheeks, regardless of the gender. The handshake is used only at the first meeting. Local people usually do not restrain their emotions too much and often raise their voices in the heat of the conversation. By the way, if you hear that a Greek person is scolding his country, government or officials – never support him. The residents of Zakynthos can be not at all pleased with their government, but they do not tolerate any criticism of Greece from a foreigner.

If you decided to have a snack and realized that there are only males are sitting in a small tavern, with newspapers, discussing something, then it's better to find another place for your meal. For a long time, the Greeks have been preferring to spend time discussing philosophy, politics, sports, and everything else in social places and are not too happy about the presence of strangers in such places. Despite the fact that local people like alcohol and consume it in large quantities, unworthy behavior when you are drunk is very much condemned here. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

If your friend from the island did not ask you to call him by his first name, then you should call him by his last name. Were you invited for a visit? Great! The locals are hospitable and try to do everything to make the guest feel comfortable in their home. But there is one thing – the invitation does not always mean a common meal. If you find yourself at the table with the Greeks, remember that the rules of etiquette are constantly violated here. They take bread with hands, pushing a neighbor or spilling something in the process of taking food is a common thing, and the rule that you shouldn’t talk when you’re eating is certainly not in honor here. Live laughter and talks do not stop for a minute, even during a business lunch.

They like dancing here very much. In many taverns every evening you can see dancers in traditional costumes, performing to folk music. The most popular dances on the island are hasapiko, kochari, and sirtaki. The latter, by the way, appeared only in the second half of the 20th century and is not a national one. The majority of the islanders are Orthodox. The temples here are never empty, and church holidays are the reason for mass festivities for the Greeks of any age. On Easter, for example, thousands of candles are lit on St. Mark's Square, and many residents of the city take part in the ensuing battle on painted eggs.

The Day of St. Dionysius is celebrated on August 24 on a big scale. The festivities themselves begin a few days before this date and end with a grand procession and fireworks. In March, Zakynthos hosts the Carnival, a tribute to the Italian tradition. Medieval costumes, a show of trumpeters, music, and dancing – there’s definitely no boredom. In summer, the Ionio Festival of Classical Music is held in the open theater of Dermatousa. However, Zakynthos often hosts other music and folk festivals.