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.

Gastronomy

TO KIOUPI
This small, traditional, basement tavern has been operating since 1929 in the heart of Kolonaki Square (Filikis Etairias), serving delicious... more
LIBADIA
Just a step away from Omonia Square. Enjoy Greek souvlaki by the stick with free bread under the shade of... more
ROCK AND ROLL
The most classic bar / restaurant / club in Athens has not lost its magic touch after all of these... more
BRAZILIAN CAFE
Although recently renovated, this café still brings us all of the nostalgia of the days when the legendary Melina Merkouri... more
TO PETRINO
A tavern with traditional Greek tastes, in a warm, friend environment with beautiful décor. ... more
KAFENEIO KAPETAN MICHALIS
Small hangout for snacks in the heart of the business district of Athens and an ideal place for quick breaks... more
DOMINO'S PIZZA
Imported chain of restaurants, where the tasty pizza is simply the rule. Great offers for pick-up and on-line orders.... more
ARISTON
Has a variety of pies, such as the all-time classic, cheese pie. ... more
BOOZE COOPERATIVA
A neoclassical building that functions as events multi-space. Café, bar, club, exhibitions, live music, theater and seminars... more
ETHNIKON BRASSERIE
This historic café / bar is found directly on Syntagma Square and across from the Grand Bretagne Hotel. People from... more
AIOLIS
Bar-Restaurant on the pedestrian walkway of Aiolou Street with nice music choices.... more
TO KAFENEDAKI TOU KIPOU
For those who are looking for a natural green shelter in the heart of the city! A quiet café on... more
TO KAFE TOU NOMISMATIKOU MOUSEIOU
The well-cared-for garden of the Ilion Building offers the ideal surroundings for a stop on Elefterios Venizelos (Panepistimiou) Street.... more
CAFÉ MAGGIO
Small and charming coffee shop a few meters away from Ermou Street, to rest from the noisy market.... more
KRINOS
Old patisserie with traditional doughnuts and cream pies for customers of every age.... more
JAMES JOYCE IRISH PUB
Original Irish pub with traditional dishes and an impressive range of whisky and spirits.... more
DESPOINA
Famous millefeuilles, tried in ...Zaire, to finally end up in the nine shops of Athens and specialty plates.... more