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

Amorgos is filled with relaxed atmosphere. Greeks can be hardly called workaholics. They try to make the most of life and enjoy every moment. It is not customed here to work hard, if a Greek gets a large sum of money, he can easily spend a large sum of money on useless things or an evening in a tavern. Money is just one more way to enjoy life. Locals think that there is no need for money if they don’t make you happy.

A typical Greek day starts at 8 o’clock. He wakes up, has a cup of coffee and a light breakfast, works till 2 o’clock and has 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 p.m and then the fiesta starts, it is time for leisure and meetings with friends.

All taverns are full of people in the evenings, they enjoy meals and local drinks. Greeks like to cook, but this way of spending time is a part of Greek tradition. Greeks love to gather around the table with friends and family, drink retsina and ouzo and discuss the day's events, watching dancers in traditional costumes, moving under folk music. Despite the fact that local citizens enjoy drinking local alcohol, you will hardly meet wild drunk people on the streets. This is because invariable behaviour is a disgrace for Greeks. So, if you don’t want to be condemned by locals, try to control yourself. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

During a meal, people behave relaxed and don’t follow the rules of etiquette, they chat all the time and can easily push a person or turn a plate with some food without any embarrassment. In general, Greeks are very emotional people and they usually behave very freely. If the Greek wants to laugh-he laughs if he wants to sing – he sings, even if it happens in public transport. Moreover, they can easily interrupt other people and raise voice during a conversation.

Remember that some of the common gestures have a different meaning in Greece. Tourists think that when locals nod, they agree with you, but that is not right. A Greek “yes” is tilting the head to either side and making a sideways motion while slightly closing the eyes. When they want to say something, they touch or pat the lower lip with the index finger. 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. If Greeks want to show neglect to a person, they pretend brushing off the dust of the lapel of the jacket.

Greeks love to teach people and it is getting worse with age, but elderly people are highly respected in Greece. Locals are very patriotic people. They love their homeland but always criticize their government. But they can’t stand when tourists do the same. So try not to discuss this subject if you don’t want to hurt the feelings of the locals. If you want to become friends with locals, say something pleasant about Greece or Amorgos. It is also customed here to greet everyone in public places such as taverns or banks.

Engaged or married men like to flirt with women. They are even not embarrassed by the presence of a girlfriend or a wife. If you are a woman and you’ve decided to visit the island, be ready to get compliments by locals. There are various religious festivals on Amorgos. Some of them are Easter, Feast Day of Agioi Anargyroi and Feast Day of Agia Paraskevi. The most vivid cultural festival is Psimeni Raki Festival Source. It is held every summer. Visitors drink rakia with honey and local food.