Traditions and customs in Athens

1. Filoxenia

The duty of hospitality to strangers, an old and still active social norm rather than a marketing phrase.

2. Kafeneio and frappé

The traditional coffee house, and the shaken instant coffee invented in Greece in 1957 and drunk over hours.

3. Easter celebrations

The biggest festival of the year — midnight resurrection service with candles, then spit-roast lamb on Sunday.

• Best time: Orthodox Easter, usually later than the Western date

4. Plate smashing, and what replaced it

Largely banned on safety grounds and replaced by throwing flowers at musicians. Venues advertising smashing are staging it for visitors.

5. Name days

Celebrated more than birthdays; the person with the name day hosts and pays.