The Greeks have not always had it easy. Years of occupation, wars, economic crises, and disasters (such as fires and earthquakes) are part of their history and everyday life. Sometimes it might seem that hearing about yet another protest or fire makes us wonder if choosing a holiday in Greece was indeed a good idea. Yet, upon arrival at the airport, later at the hotel, and even later when meeting local residents, you constantly encounter people with unwavering smiles. This mood, this vibe, makes it so that despite the often difficult times, Greeks always find a reason to be joyful. And perhaps that’s what tourists love about them. It’s the Greek “kefi”.
Mood? Vibe? Fun? Good taste? There doesn’t seem to be a word in other languages that would precisely capture the meaning of “kefi”. And perhaps that’s even better – it makes it a Greek_only thing. Literally, it can be translated as “the desire to have fun despite everything”, but isn’t it better to stick with the original word? If your behavior, your everyday life, is full of joy, passion, physical and spiritual happiness, expressing positive emotions – in other words: if you love life, then you have “kefi”. It’s not just the mood we have at parties or when going out with friends. Kefi is a way of life, a state of mind, the “Greek spirit” – it applies to both family and professional spheres of life. If you feel like having coffee during the day, just sit down and go get one! If you want to relax at work, just do it. Kefi gives you that possibility even in tough times. It’s an understanding of life, which can be challenging. But doesn’t life go on? Isn’t it worth not letting negative emotions dominate us when we have no control over something? Why plan another 20-30 years when we don’t know what tomorrow will bring? In life, it’s worth having a goal – to enjoy our brief time on Earth.
Kefi has shaped Greeks since antiquity and their willingness to share the joy of life with others. Spending time with your loved ones is incredibly important – numerous families with hundreds of relatives keep in touch and invite each other to weddings or christenings. Your best friend, Mom, Dad, Nana or Papi are celebrating their name’s day? You better not forget! Celebrating with relatives is way more powerful – the more people with kefi, the better the fun – dancing, singing, feasts, or family dinners in taverns. Dance (zeibekiko) is the best example of this – it’s the true expression of our kefi.
Foreigners who visit Greece often misinterpret the expression of love for a joyful life that Greeks so eagerly display. It’s often misunderstood – for example, “Greeks are lazy”, “Greeks only care about having fun”, “They don’t take life seriously” – which is absolutely unfair. Greeks are conveying a message that we should interpret as: always have the desire to keep living, despite unpleasant events, try to smile and keep doing what you love. In short: have kefi.
