Photo: Thalia Galanopoulou

The bouzoukia—flashy night clubs where Greek popular music is performed live—are an essential part of Athenian nightlife. Plate smashing is off the table these days, but dancing on them (and carnation throwing) are still going strong, so don't play hooky from the bouzouki.

By Stavros Dioskouridis

This crowd is ready to party all night at the bouzoukia.

Photo: Thalia Galanopoulou

A short diversion, if I may. A few years ago, a Greek friend married a Frenchman. The wedding was on the remote island of Donousa and lots of French guests flocked to the ceremony. At the wedding party, there was a live band playing Greek music. Their instruments and voices were completely out of tune and they didn’t know half the lyrics to the songs. Initially, us Greeks found it funny, but as the night wore on, we began to lose our minds. But the French didn’t stop dancing. I asked one guy why and he said: “I was possessed by Dionysus.”

A singer belts out a tune onstage.

Photo: Thalia Galanopoulou

Live music at the bouzoukia.

Photo: Thalia Galanopoulou

This light show brings the drama.

Photo: Thalia Galanopoulou

These carnations are eventually going to end up thrown at the singer or the band.

Photo: Thalia Galanopoulou

Going to the bouzoukia is truly an experience unlike any other.

Photo: Thalia Galanopoulou