We were thrilled to celebrate the birthday of our Californian student, Sabra, who brought her sunny spirit and vibrant energy to our school community. The celebration was spontaneous, cheerful, and uniquely Greek — complete with the traditional birthday song, sung loudly and warmly by students and teachers alike:
“Να ζήσεις Σάμπρα και χρόνια πολλά,
μεγάλη να γίνεις με άσπρα μαλλιά,
παντού να σκορπίζεις της γνώσης το φως,
και όλοι να λένε: να ένας σοφός!”
(Translation: “Live long, Sabra, and happy birthday, may you grow old with white hair, spreading the light of knowledge everywhere, and may everyone say: there goes a wise one!”)
It’s always touching to see our students make the most of their time in Athens — combining language learning with life experiences. Celebrating a birthday here isn’t just a party, it’s a moment of connection, a memory in Greek, and a unique cultural immersion.
Special vocabulary tip:
- Χρόνια πολλά = “Many years” (a common birthday and name day greeting)
- Γενέθλια = “Birthday”
- Πάρτι γενεθλίων = “Birthday party”
- Να ζήσεις! = “May you live!” (festive expression)
We’re always happy to host joyful moments like this. After all, what better gift to yourself than an educational journey full of language, culture, and celebration?
