As the practice of breaking plates in the Greek dance sirtaki is prohibited by the European Union, dancers in taverns are now being showered with carnations imported from Turkiye. For the New Year festivities, carnation heads valued at 3 million USD are being transported from Antalya to Greece this year.
Ismail Yilmaz, who is the President of the Central Anatolian Ornamental Plants and Products Exporters Association (OAIB), noted that due to the prohibition on breaking plates during the well-known traditional Greek dance sirtaki, women are now being showered with flowers. Yilmaz clarified that these flowers, which have taken the place of plate-breaking in taverns in recent years, are exported from Antalya, with especially high shipments during the New Year's period.
While detailing that the European Union's prohibition has resulted in the discontinuation of plate-breaking in entertainment venues, Ismail Yilmaz remarked, "Instead, they are now using flowers, which we also supply in large quantities. While enjoying themselves in taverns, people shower these flowers over each other's heads. The separated flower heads are dispatched to Greece for use in entertainment. In the past 6-7 years, a new sector has emerged."
Yilmaz mentioned that special flower heads are prepared for Greece during the New Year, stating, "This is a situation unique to the Greek market. They have created a type of celebration involving the pouring of flowers over women's heads. The flower heads are in high demand, especially during the New Year period. Approximately 5 million flower stems, just the head portions, are exported to Greece. This generates around 3 million USD in export revenue."
Source: Haberimiz Var
