Greek Celebrations & Festivals
Greek celebrations (© Copyright: Jim Polakis)
Greek Celebrations & Festivals
Religion is an important part of Greek culture. Religious holidays and name days are socially highly regarded. The Greek Orthodox Church has a great influence. In many schools, prayers are said before classes and religious instruction is compulsory. The church is also integrated into many political affairs.
For example, Greece was even until 2001 the only country in the world that showed religion on identity cards. 97% of the Greek population belongs to the Greek Orthodox Church. Muslims, Catholics, and Protestants make up only a fraction.
On the other spectrum are the various festivals in Athens created just like in the ancient days of celebrating the god of pleasure and fertility, Dionysus, with wine, music, and dance. Moreover, festivals commemorating athletics are also highly meaningful in the land of the Olympic Games.
