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The image of people smashing plates is strongly associated with Greek celebrations in popular culture.
However, the practice has a more complicated history than the stereotype suggests.
Historically, objects could be broken during certain celebrations and social gatherings, but the modern image of routinely smashing plates in restaurants is not an accurate description of everyday Greek culture.
Other forms of celebratory E×ρréššion—including dancing, music, and throwing flowers—have also been associated with Greek nightlife.
The plate-smashing image became especially popular internationally through tourism and entertainment.
It demonstrates how a cultural practice can be transformed when outsiders repeatedly reproduce a simplified version of it.
A tradition can therefore develop one meaning within a community and a different image in popular culture.
© Greek National Tourism Organisation