REBETADIKA

The roots of rebetiko music have their birth in the early 20th Century, when those of the urban subculture, secondary citizens, hashish smokers and the criminal element began playing a certain style of music in small pubs ("tekedes") and in the prisons of Athens, Piraeus and Thessaloniki. During those precocious years, the lyrics of the rebetikon spoke of drug use, smuggling, hard life, jail, social pressures, persecution and societal exclusion. The mysterious sound of the music was full and heavy. The singer ("rebetis") was always male with a metallic, horse and hard voice. A real rebetis, also known as a "mangas" ("rascal"), provoked the forces of social power, without taking any form of activist action.

During that same time period, the music of "Aman Café" – a type of cabaret musical styling – flowered simultaneously in the cities of Smirni and Constantinople. This music, well known as "Smirnaiki", was more complex, emotional and not as heavy in the lyrics it used to describe love, romantic disenchantment and, later, the loss of the land of Micro-Asia and happiness. Characteristic of "Aman Café" were the far-reaching improvisational and aesthetic female voices that were accompanied by provocative dancing.

The two contradictory musical movements described above clashed violently after the permanent exchange of the Greek and Turkish populations in 1923. The Micro-Asians had their own culture and upbringing but faced huge problems adjusting, in addition to being hungry and unemployed, upon their return to the metropolis. Therefore, many of these newcomers were initiated into the rebetadika and later, the first amalgamations of "Aman Café" using rebetes singers began appearing. In this way, rebetika broke the minority barriers and became a popular form of music in mainstream society.

From 1946 and on – with the guidance of one of the most famous rebeton singers, the charismatic Vasilis Tsitsanis – the rebetadika clubs reached the pinnacle of their popularity. This style of music became to be thought of more traditional and accepted by its listeners. At the same time, however, with its transformation, the rebetadika began to be looked upon with disdain. The changes and dizzy rhythms of the 20th Century brought about the end of this music’s natural evolution, which is now listened to simply as a reminder of another time and an expression of timeless sorrow and pain. For this reason, rebetika – with its dark atmosphere and "den of thieves" style of performance – still has a fanatical following to this day.

Shopping

TO KOMBOLOI TOU PSIRI
Worry beads of every kind and size with value of 5 Euro to 5,000 Euros in an exceptional store.... more
WINE GARAGE
The modern art deco and how their wine is displayed are worth seeing in themselves. The Wine Garage invites its... more
GLOU
A great selection of well made clothes by this Greek company that is continuously expanding to the international stage.... more
GERMANOS
Germanos has 35 outlets all over Athens that sell mobile & standard phones, Internet connections, computers, games and more. Their... more
ANAVASI
Maps and Navigation Systems in a nice travel bookstore in the Arsakios arcade with a wide variety of foreign-titled books.... more
ANTIQUA
Established by the Yannoukos family in 1952, Antiqua has a sterling reputation amongst experts and lovers of art. The client... more
PAPASOTIRIOU
This bookstore chain offers foreign language publications ranging from Fiction, The Arts to Children’s and Educational books. ... more
TOI & MOI
Women’s apparel on two differently designed floors that tempt customers to visit their displayed collections. A favorite brand amongst Greek... more
MARKS & SPENCER
In the Ermou store you will find Women’s wear, Men’s wear, Children’s wear, Lingerie as well as a Home department.... more
SWISSCORNER
Center of Swiss watches for women\\\'s and men\\\'s.... more
LOUIS VUITTON
The world renowned luxury brand name speaks for itself. In this store you will find Leather Goods & Accessories, Women’s... more
BENAKI MUSEUM SHOP III
A beautiful space filled with unique souvenirs from the Benaki Museum – such as ceramics, silver vessels, reliefs and sculptures,... more
ZARA
International brand name. Beautiful and trendy clothing at reasonable prices that in a large, multi-storied buildings.... more
ZOLOTAS
Boasting two fine boutiques in Athens and one on the Place Saint-Germain dès Prés in Paris, Zolotas has won the... more
NEWSSTAND & ELEFTHEROUDAKIS
Simply the largest (and possibly oldest) bookstore in Greece, offering everything except the kitchen sink in an 8-story building. Deepen... more
APOSTOLART
Apostol’s bronze and glass sculptures have gained popularity for their extraordinary design and craftsmanship. He has had exhibits in many... more
SWEET ALCHEMY
Chocolates and other sweets that are difficult to resist, made by the famous pastry chef Stelios Parliaros.... more