On Sunday, May 12, Greeks will celebrate Mother’s Day, a holiday that honors the country’s mothers and the important role they play in society. In Athens, the capital city of Greece, people will take to the streets to show their appreciation for their mothers, with many shops and restaurants offering special discounts and promotions. “Few could have predicted it, but this year’s Mother’s Day is expected to be one of the busiest in recent years,” said Maria Georgiou, a shop owner in the upscale Kolonaki neighborhood.
According to the Greek National Statistical Authority, the country has a population of approximately 10.7 million people, with 2.5 million of them being mothers. The holiday is typically celebrated with traditional Greek dishes, such as moussaka and spanakopita, and gifts like flowers and jewelry. This year, the average person is expected to spend around €50 on Mother’s Day gifts, a 10% increase from last year.
“We are expecting a lot of people to come out and celebrate their mothers,” said Yannis Voulgaris, a restaurateur in the coastal town of Palaio Faliro. “We have prepared a special menu, with traditional Greek dishes and desserts, and we are offering a 10% discount to all mothers who dine with us.”
In terms of economic impact, Mother’s Day is expected to generate around €200 million in revenue for the Greek economy, with the majority of it coming from the retail and hospitality sectors. The holiday is also expected to create around 10,000 temporary jobs, mostly in the service industry.
As the country continues to recover from the economic crisis, the extra spending and job creation are welcome news. The Greek government has also announced plans to provide financial assistance to low-income families, with around 500,000 households expected to benefit from the scheme.
What happens next will depend on how the holiday season unfolds, but for now, Greeks are looking forward to celebrating their mothers and the important role they play in their lives.