Στην Ελλάδα [stin E-LA-dha] (Valentine’s day) is celebrated in Greece on February 14th as well. Even though Greece is an orthodox country, we celebrate this catholic saint with as much passion as the rest of the world. Valentine’s day was first introduced in Greece in the mid 80s, considerably later than the other countries. At first, there was a bit of opposition and skepticism, especially from the Church, since it seemed quite odd to celebrate a Saint who was not part of the Orthodox religion. There were even major efforts to establish another day as “Lover’s Day”, one which celebrates an orthodox saint, such as St. Yakinthos (July 3rd) or St. Akyla and Priskilis (February 13th); however, these efforts were unsuccessful.
Nowadays, Valentine’s Day is totally part of Greek culture and Greeks, especially younger people, celebrate it fully. There are many things that are typical and are expected on this day from red roses and gift giving to romantic getaways and fancy dinners. Greeks love going out and Valentine’s Day is not an exception!
A romantic walk in Πλάκα [PLA-ka], the old town of Athens, under the Ακρόπολη [a-CRO-po-li] (Acropolis) all the way to Φιλοπάππου [phi-lo-PA-pu] (Philopapou Hill), to the monument of Πνίκα [PNEE-ka] (Pnika) and the old Αστεροσκοπείο [a-ste-ro-sko-PEE-o] (Observatory) is highly recommended on this day, especially during nighttime when everything is lit up!
However, a romantic dinner on one of Athens’s rooftop restaurants overlooking the whole city, and especially the Λυκαβηττό [lee-ka-vee-TO] (Lycabettus), the 900 foot hill in the center of Athens, the Ακρόπλη and the ancient theater of Ηρώδειον [E-RO-dhi-on], is definitely a must on Valentine’s Day. You won’t be the only one though, so make your reservations early!
Last but not least don’t forget to say over and over again: Σ’αγαπώ! [sa-gha-PO] (I love you!)
Ηρώδειο (in front), Ακρόπολη and Λυκαβηττό (in back) at night
source:http://www.zentravel.gr/files/photo/998.jpg
