Nightclubs in Greece
Encyclopedia
Nightclub
s in Greece
are divided into two main categories: those that feature live Greek music with artists, and the usual foreign music discotheques or bars
.
music in Greece are popularily called bouzoukia (deriving from the plural of the main Greek instrument bouzouki
), or sometimes pejoratively "skyladika" ("dog joints" - dog meaning here the one involved in bouzoukia). Their typical arrangement includes an elevated stage ("pista") where singers, dancers and musicians perform, and a court of elongated tables positioned at right angles to the stage so that every guest can see the spectacle. The corridors between those tables are usually very narrow so as to increase store capacity, which makes access by customers and the waiters themselves quite difficult.
A short menu is available to those who want to eat, but is rarely ordered, since the customers usually limit their consumption to alcoholic beverages with assorted nuts or raw vegetables.
Whole tables are reserved days earlier, especially when the singers are popular, and the customers are expected to "make a damage" (bill) proportional to the prominence of their table's position. The most advantageous tables are considered those immediately adjacent to the stage and in the center ("proto trapezi pista"), and are always reserved for rich and famous (i.e. spending) customers.
Throwing plates at the performer's feet was a practice popular until the 1970s when "plate smashing
" was forbidden by law. It rarely happens today, despite the belief of some foreigners that it is a widespread Greek custom.
Throwing flowers or other items that will not cause injury (e.g. napkins) has become more common. Flowers are sold separately by the club's "wardrobe" in trays or baskets of ten or twenty pieces and are thrown en masse on artists, singers, dancers, and other spectators (quite often along with the trays, or even in piles of many trays). They are also used as a means for courtship and flirting. In practice, the bill in Greek bouzoukia, especially on the more advantageous tables, is largely based on flowers, and can sometimes exceed the cost of a brand new car. Such exaggerations in this practice are highly criticized as showing off one's social status. However, most customers indulge in flower throwing to the extent they can afford.
Westernized pop music genres began activity in Greece
in the late 20th century, however, for the most part artists active in these genres performed mostly at similar venues. In the late 2000s, new nightclubs became more prominent to accommodate more pop programs, thus instead of tables and meals the set up is more like a typical dance club or small concert venue to be more interactive. These venues are less prominent as very few artists would be able to fit into this category of musicians in Greece and traditional practices such as serving alcohol and throwing flowers are still maintained.
Many prominent Greeks were known for their habit of visiting bouzoukia, notably the late tycoon Aristotle Onassis
, the former president of Greece Constantine Karamanlis
, and the former prime minister Andreas Papandreou
.
Nightclub
A nightclub is an entertainment venue which usually operates late into the night...
s in Greece
Greece
Greece , officially the Hellenic Republic , and historically Hellas or the Republic of Greece in English, is a country in southeastern Europe....
are divided into two main categories: those that feature live Greek music with artists, and the usual foreign music discotheques or bars
Bar (establishment)
A bar is a business establishment that serves alcoholic drinks — beer, wine, liquor, and cocktails — for consumption on the premises.Bars provide stools or chairs that are placed at tables or counters for their patrons. Some bars have entertainment on a stage, such as a live band, comedians, go-go...
.
Bouzoukia
All nightclubs that feature laïkóLaïkó
Laïkó ), is a Greek music genre. Also called folk song or urban folk music , in its plural form is a Greek music genre which has taken many forms over the years...
music in Greece are popularily called bouzoukia (deriving from the plural of the main Greek instrument bouzouki
Bouzouki
The bouzouki , is a musical instrument with Greek origin in the lute family. A mainstay of modern Greek music, the front of the body is flat and is usually heavily inlaid with mother-of-pearl. The instrument is played with a plectrum and has a sharp metallic sound, reminiscent of a mandolin but...
), or sometimes pejoratively "skyladika" ("dog joints" - dog meaning here the one involved in bouzoukia). Their typical arrangement includes an elevated stage ("pista") where singers, dancers and musicians perform, and a court of elongated tables positioned at right angles to the stage so that every guest can see the spectacle. The corridors between those tables are usually very narrow so as to increase store capacity, which makes access by customers and the waiters themselves quite difficult.
A short menu is available to those who want to eat, but is rarely ordered, since the customers usually limit their consumption to alcoholic beverages with assorted nuts or raw vegetables.
Whole tables are reserved days earlier, especially when the singers are popular, and the customers are expected to "make a damage" (bill) proportional to the prominence of their table's position. The most advantageous tables are considered those immediately adjacent to the stage and in the center ("proto trapezi pista"), and are always reserved for rich and famous (i.e. spending) customers.
Throwing plates at the performer's feet was a practice popular until the 1970s when "plate smashing
Plate smashing
Plate smashing, a traditional folk custom involving the smashing of plates or glasses on either celebratory or mournful occasions. It is seen in various cultures, including those in Greece and the Philippines...
" was forbidden by law. It rarely happens today, despite the belief of some foreigners that it is a widespread Greek custom.
Throwing flowers or other items that will not cause injury (e.g. napkins) has become more common. Flowers are sold separately by the club's "wardrobe" in trays or baskets of ten or twenty pieces and are thrown en masse on artists, singers, dancers, and other spectators (quite often along with the trays, or even in piles of many trays). They are also used as a means for courtship and flirting. In practice, the bill in Greek bouzoukia, especially on the more advantageous tables, is largely based on flowers, and can sometimes exceed the cost of a brand new car. Such exaggerations in this practice are highly criticized as showing off one's social status. However, most customers indulge in flower throwing to the extent they can afford.
Westernized pop music genres began activity in Greece
Greece
Greece , officially the Hellenic Republic , and historically Hellas or the Republic of Greece in English, is a country in southeastern Europe....
in the late 20th century, however, for the most part artists active in these genres performed mostly at similar venues. In the late 2000s, new nightclubs became more prominent to accommodate more pop programs, thus instead of tables and meals the set up is more like a typical dance club or small concert venue to be more interactive. These venues are less prominent as very few artists would be able to fit into this category of musicians in Greece and traditional practices such as serving alcohol and throwing flowers are still maintained.
Many prominent Greeks were known for their habit of visiting bouzoukia, notably the late tycoon Aristotle Onassis
Aristotle Onassis
Aristotle Sokratis Onassis , commonly called Ari or Aristo Onassis, was a prominent Greek shipping magnate.- Early life :Onassis was born in Karatass, a suburb of Smyrna to Socrates and Penelope Onassis...
, the former president of Greece Constantine Karamanlis
Constantine Karamanlis
Konstantínos G. Karamanlís , commonly anglicised to Constantine Karamanlis or Caramanlis, was a four-time Prime Minister, the 3rd and 5th President of the Third Hellenic Republic and a towering figure of Greek politics whose political career spanned much of the latter half of the 20th century.-...
, and the former prime minister Andreas Papandreou
Andreas Papandreou
Andreas G. Papandreou ; 5 February 1919 – 23 June 1996) was a Greek economist, a socialist politician and a dominant figure in Greek politics. The son of Georgios Papandreou, Andreas was a Harvard-trained academic...
.
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