Breaking Plates in Greece

The Greek custom of smashing plates is difficult to define historically. It seems to have predominantly been an activity conducted in nightclubs in Athens in the early 1900s. Fast paced songs were specifically written to inspire soldiers going to war. To climax the emotion, plates would be smashed to symbolize their fight to break free. The plate becomes dust in an instant, but the thrower stands victorious. There was an emotional energy behind the event that gave strength to the soldiers resolve.

Breaking plates has been deemed dangerous and is illegal in public establishments without a plate breaking license. There is a technique for both traditional and safety reasons. A plate is never thrown at another person. When it is thrown, it is tossed face down so that the pieces flow downwards and across the floor. Because of the curvature of the plate, if you smash it face up, the shards fly upwards and outwards like shrapnel. Not a good way to entertain patrons. Also, be aware that in establishments that do break plates, the plates are not free. They will be added to your bill at the end of the evening. A person can get caught up in the moment and rack up an extensive tab.

The tradition seems shrouded in different perspectives and approaches. Perhaps that is the core of the tradition. The act is an expression and every person expresses themselves differently. It is how you feel when the plate smashes that makes the event your tradition.