Typical Greek Dinner with Breaking Plates Dance in Athens

Last updated: 01/11/2019

How about including in your trip to Athens a typical Greek dinner with performances of folkloric dances, including the famous dance of the “break plates”? Check out our gastronomic tip to enjoy the best of Greece.

GREEK DINNER AND DANCE “BREAKING PLATES”

Between the 10 things we love about Greece is, without a doubt, the cuisine. We were raving about the Greek delights which surprised us very positively. Greek cuisine is part of Mediterranean cuisine and is heavily influenced by Turkish food. It uses a wide range of vegetables, grains (wheat and barley), olives, herbs, bread, extra virgin olive oil, nuts and dried fruits.

It is believed that the famous “plate breaker” dance has its origins over 4,000 years ago! The custom is related to the way of being of the Greeks, who broke dishes as a way of showing their detachment from material things. The meal for the Greek people was an important moment, in which all the senses of the human body were used (sight, smell and touch). Hearing, the only missing element in this process, is made with the great noise caused by the breaking of cymbals. Currently, this practice is used in Greek festivals, more as a way of showing happiness. The performance includes several typical Greek dances, in addition to the “break plates” ceremony.

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TYPICAL GREEK DINNER IN ATHENS

Currently, restaurants geared towards the tourist public often combine dance performances with a typical Greek dinner to show a little more about Greek culture. We had dinner at the Kalokerinos Taverna, located in the Plaka district, in the historic center of Athens. This tavern is one of the oldest and most traditional in the city. dinner has duration of 3 hours and includes with 3 typical Greek dishes and local wine.

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The restaurant has a stage where various folk dances are demonstrated with typical music played live by Greek musicians. Greek male and female dancers take charge of introducing them and make several costume changes. They also encourage visitors to join the party too! A lot of people end up getting excited and dancing too.

We don't dance, but we don't miss the opportunity to break plates! Of course, they save the dancing for the end of the performance, as the stage is littered with pieces of broken plates. Dancers hand out special plates, which we assume to be plaster, to visitors. One of the highlights of the performance is the song “Sirtaki”, by Mikis Theodorakis, which is featured in the movie “Zorba the Greek” (1964). This song has become one of the most famous in the country and very popular with tourists.

Read more: Athens: 3 Days Itinerary in the Capital of Greece

 

BOOK TO GUARANTEE A GOOD PLACE

As the restaurant has limited seats and fixed performance times, you must book in advance to guarantee your place, as demand for dinner is high. You can make a reservation directly through the restaurant's website or you can purchase packages that include meals, drinks and transportation from your hotel to the restaurant. Tip: Read reviews to select the most suitable tour.

HOW TO GET TO THE RESTAURANT

It is very easy to reach the place by public transport. In addition to having many bus lines nearby, the restaurant is located between two subway stations at acropolis (M2) and the Syntagma (M2 and M3).

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Kalokerinos Tavern

• Address: Kekropos 10, Athens 105 58, Greece
• Schedules: daily from 8pm to 11pm

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Read more about Athens and Greece:

• Greece: The must-see Acropolis Museum in Athens
• Greece: Accommodation tip in Athens near the Acropolis
• 10 things we love about Greece