kids encyclopedia robot

Greek Americans facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Greek Americans
Ελληνοαμερικανοί
Flag of the United States.svg Flag of Greece.svg
Total population
2,500,000
0.75% of the U.S. population (2010)
Regions with significant populations
Languages
Religion
Predominantly Greek Orthodox

Greek Americans (Greek: Ελληνοαμερικανοί, Ellinoamerikanoi) are Americans who have full or partial Greek ancestry. More than 2.5 million people in the United States have Greek roots. In 2010, about 350,000 people over the age of five spoke Greek at home. This shows how many Greek Americans keep their language alive.


Coming to America: Greek Immigration

Many Greeks came to the United States looking for a better life. This movement of people is called immigration. Most Greek immigrants arrived in the late 1800s and early 1900s. They often came from small villages in Greece. They hoped to find jobs and new opportunities in America.

Why Greeks Immigrated

Greeks left their homeland for several reasons. Some were looking for work and a chance to earn more money. Others wanted to escape difficult times in Greece. They heard that America was a land of opportunity. Many young men came first, planning to earn money and then return home. However, many ended up staying and building new lives.

Where Greek Immigrants Settled

When Greek immigrants arrived, they often settled in big cities. These cities included New York City, Chicago, Boston, and Detroit. They also formed strong communities in places like Tarpon Springs, Florida. This city has a very high percentage of Greek Americans. In these communities, they could find support and keep their traditions.

Greek American Culture and Traditions

Greek Americans have worked hard to keep their culture alive. They celebrate their heritage through language, food, and religion. The Greek Orthodox Church is very important to many Greek Americans. It serves as a center for faith and community gatherings.

Celebrating Greek Heritage

Greek Americans love to celebrate their culture. They often hold festivals with traditional Greek music and dancing. These events are a great way to share their traditions with others. You can find many Greek restaurants in American cities. They serve delicious dishes like moussaka, souvlaki, and baklava.

Greek Language and Media

Even though most Greek Americans speak English, many still learn Greek. This helps them connect with their heritage. In the past, there were Greek-language newspapers like Atlantis. These papers helped immigrants stay informed and connected. Today, Greek American communities still have schools and cultural centers. These places teach the Greek language and traditions to younger generations.

Greek American Contributions

Greek Americans have made many important contributions to the United States. They have succeeded in many fields, including business, politics, and the arts. Their hard work and dedication have helped shape American society.

Community Organizations

Organizations like the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) are very important. They help Greek Americans connect and support each other. These groups also work to promote Greek culture and values. They often help new immigrants and support educational programs.

Famous Greek Americans

Many Greek Americans have become well-known figures. They have served in government, started successful businesses, and excelled in sports and entertainment. For example, US presidents often celebrate Greek Independence Day. This shows how much Greek Americans have contributed to the country.

Images for kids

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Inmigración griega en Estados Unidos para niños

kids search engine
All content from Kiddle encyclopedia articles (including the article images and facts) can be freely used under Attribution-ShareAlike license, unless stated otherwise. Cite this article:
Greek Americans Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.