Guide: all countries » Greece » Sifnos Island » Traditions and festivals

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

Once in Greece, it is hard not to notice how much the rhythm of life of the local residents differs from what is familiar to many Europeans. Here, no one is in a hurry, and at the forefront there is always the pleasure of life, not making a profit. The Greeks do not like to save money at all. Local people spend easily – on cars, phones, beautiful things, hikes in taverns. Here it is quite normal when a six-figure sum is spent on a single celebration. But it is for pleasure! In many respects, it is possible that this is why the locals easily relate to their work, without trying to strain themselves. A trip to Sifnos is ideal for a workaholic – it’s just impossible not to fit into the local rhythm of life.
Your active city break in Sifnos Island. Attractions, recreation and entertainment - best places to spend your day and night here
Sifnos is not just about architectural monuments, but also about a large number of opportunities to diversify your leisure time. For example, here you can become closely acquainted with … Open
Most often, the day of a Greek looks like this: in the morning an obligatory cup of coffee and the way to work. The work goes from 9-10 to 13-14. After that – siesta, the legal rest time, until 4 or 5 pm, depending on the specific organization. Another couple of hours in the workplace – and you can go have a rest. Closer to 21.00 everybody traditionally gathers in the taverns. For the locals, dinner in a tavern is more a cultural event than a meal. Here, they communicate with friends and relatives, flirt, dance, eat – in short, have a good time. In many taverns, in the evenings traditional music is playing and there is a dance program, in which young men and girls in national costumes participate.
The Greeks like to drink. Alcohol is consumed in fairly large quantities but, nevertheless, you rarely meet drunken rowdies on the street. The point is the mentality: the loss of self-control due to a large amount of alcohol consumed is considered here a disgrace, and this applies equally to the Greeks themselves and to the tourists. The locals are great patriots of their country, and they like to scold the government, laws, and all those in power. If you want to win over a Greek, then start a conversation about the greatness and history of Greece but in no case criticize the country and its inhabitants. Even if your interlocutor blows the officials to pieces. Copyright www.orangesmile.com
Best beaches and recreation areas around Sifnos Island
One of the most picturesque and popular places on the island is Vathi Beach; it’s a continuous series of quiet secluded bays. The beach is very popular among travelers going for … Open
If you met a local resident, and he did not ask you to call him by his first name, then refer to him by his last name. By the way, the Greeks are very emotional. When talking, they actively gesture, raise their voices, interrupt each other. Here it is not considered disrespectful, everyone communicates this way. At the first acquaintance, they usually greet each other by the hands, after that – kisses on the cheeks and hugs are common between the friends, regardless of sex. Local residents are very hospitable but the invitation for a visit does not imply a mandatory meal.
During the feast, the Greeks are quite relaxed, not trying to comply with all the rules of etiquette. It is quite normal to talk during meals, accidentally push a neighbor or sip the sauce while searching for the desired dish. All this is offset by the sincerity and openness to each other. In general, the Greeks believe that you should not deceive your neighbor and try to profit from the others. The concept of honor here has not yet been forgotten. Many local residents treat the travelers openly and sincerely, expecting honesty in return.
Top hotels in Sifnos Island for business trip or short vacation
Sifnos is ready to offer tourists about a hundred of attractive hotels, inns and apartment complexes that are sure to surprise guests with their unique hospitality. Discerning travelers … Open
There are a huge number of churches in Sifnos but they are usually filled with believers only during the church holidays. Almost the entire population of the island consider themselves Orthodox Christians, and therefore Christmas, Easter, Savior, Epiphany, and other important dates are celebrated here on a grand scale. The island is filled with travelers at the end of September, when Sifnos hosts a landmark event for all gourmets – the Cycladic Gastronomy Festival. Widely celebrated here are Women's Day on January 8th, and the Day of Flowers on May 1st.
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National traditions of Greece

The Greeks are very temperamental and emotional people. During a conversation, they often communicate in a high tone and actively gesture and touch each other. Ordinary gestures can take on new meanings. For example, a spread palm, if sharply directed towards a person, can be regarded as a gross insult. At a meeting, friends kiss each other on both cheeks irrespective of sex or age. Handshakes are usually used only when meeting. A nod, which is the traditional consent sign, means denial in Greece. To emphasize their disagreement the Greeks quickly nod from the bottom up and usually click their tongue. … Open

Traditions and festivals in cities around Sifnos Island

Seriphos Island
It is not customed here to work hard, if a Greek gets a large sum of money, he can easily buy an expensive mobile phone, jewellery or a new car or spend a large sum of money on an evening in a tavern. Money is just one more way to enjoy life. Locals think that there ... Open »
Milos Island
Perhaps the unusual approach of the Greeks to the hospitality owes it to the traditions of evening meetings with relatives in taverns. No one will leave you on the street in a critical situation, and in the house, a guest is always treated with honor and respect. But ... Open »
Folegandros Island
While communicating with Greeks remember that some of the gestures have a different meaning in this country. Nodding doesn’t mean that a person agrees with you. The Greek way to signal “yes” resembles the Americans' “no” gesture. A Greek “yes” is tilting ... Open »
Ios Island
It is customary to greet everyone in a tavern, shop or bank. It is customed to shake hands only at the first meeting. Then, people greet each other with a kiss on the cheeks. People usually refer to each other by the second name here. Locals are very hot-tempered ... Open »
Tinos Island
Of course, tourism is the mainstay of the island's economy today. This industry is actively developing. New hotels are opened every year. The service is also improving. But more traditional crafts are also preserved. In addition to processing marble, excellent ... Open »
Mykonos Island
Mykonos inhabitants love their homeland, but they often criticize the government. However, they can't stand when someone else does the same. Try not to discuss this subject if you don’t want to hurt feelings of the locals. Greeks love to teach people and it is ... Open »
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