St. Stephen's Day

📣 Traveler notes

Greece has a rich culture and history. Locals are generally warm and value personal connection. Learning basic Greek phrases ('thank you': Ευχαριστώ; 'please': Παρακαλώ) is recommended.

• Major national holidays include January 1 (New Year's Day), January 6 (Epiphany), and Clean Monday (first day of Lent, variable date).
• Dress modestly when visiting churches (shoulders covered for women, knees covered for all).
• A strict fire ban is enforced from May 1 to October 31, prohibiting bonfires, barbecues, and fireworks.
• The Greek Orthodox Church is fundamental to national identity, though society is secular.
• Critique of the Greek government or economy by foreigners is generally unwelcome.
• Greece is categorized as Southern Europe, not Eastern Europe or the Balkans.