Just like the rest of the world, life in Greece has also become more up to date. Yet, Greek families still keep many cultural heritage and practices alive.

In Athens, it is no longer common to see young children at play while mothers watch over their young ones as they also chat with one another. Safety is now a great concern for parents, though one can still see many parents and children assembling in public parks and playgrounds.

One very memorable tradition in Greece is the evening walk. Families, relatives and friends all go on these relaxing strolls around squares and streets, and as they walk unhurriedly, they talk about events in their lives or even gossip. At this time, one can also find groups of young men who hope to catch the eyes of young ladies. It’s a fun time and everyone gets to enjoy a breath of fresh air. It’s great to be a part of a great big family. For Greeks, it is quite common to be close to their extended families as most children do grow up with some sort of relationship with most of their relatives. At times, one may wish for a bit of privacy since Greeks tend to take part in each other’s lives.

Each family member has a certain task or responsibility. For Greek women, they find pride in being called the ‘family managers.’ They take great pride in the keeping of the house and caring for the children. Food is important to Greek culture. Women are tasked to uphold and protect traditional recipes since they do most of the cooking at home. If you do get a chance to enjoy a homemade meal with a mother’s touch, like in Niko’s Taverna, you’ll come to understand the affection and skill that goes into food preparation. If only fast food chains aren’t ubiquitous today, a healthier diet regimen can better be implemented and even enjoyed by Greek kids.

For Greek children, growing up is similar to elsewhere. You go to school, you go to church with your family, you hang out with friends and family. When children grow up, it is just natural for them to pursue a college education. If opportunities present themselves, they can also do some traveling or get a job. Finally, there comes marriage, which is inevitable for some.

One thing that sets the Greek apart from others is the respect and importance that they give to family. The family is the primary institution where we first learn about patriotism, traditions and culture. It is also where we are first taught about religion and social manners. All of these play significant parts in children’s lives, and more so in their adult lives. People these days are enamored by modern devices, such as televisions and computers. Yet, there are those who pray and hope that what is great about Greek traditions will hold and will remain as they are.