The word “bouzoukia” comes from the word “bouzouki” which refers to a traditional Greek instrument, a bit similar to a quitar, but with a different noise/melody and a slightly different shape.
When people refer to bouzoukia or mpouzoukia (μπουζούκια), they mean the Greek nightclubs that feature Greek Music and mostly Laiko music. There is no chance that a band playing in a Bouzoukia Nightclub will not consist of at least one bouzouki instrument, since most of the Greek Laiko music includes bouzouki in the melody!
People can go to bouzoukia and hear Greek Live music playing live by a band of musicians and singers, but also to drink, have fun and dance to Greek songs. Usually, numerous flowers are thrown by the audience/customers to the band and singers showing their appreciation for the entertainment they offer to them. In addition, many famous singers from Greece but also from Cyprus sing in Bouzoukia Nightlclubs as guests and as you can imagine, the audience is always over excited.
Bouzoukia Nightclubs have a different design than normal nightclubs and bars. Usually there is a stage where the band performs and in front of the stage there is a dancefloor where people can dance to the Greek songs such as “tsifteteli”, “zeimpekiko” and so on. Around the dancefloor are the tables and chairs where people sit at the beginning. Most of the times customers need to book a table from before in order to have their seats reserved. Front tables, which are close to the band, are always of high demand! Of course, there is always a bar, where someone can enjoy the Live program standing, or on an island bar. Bouzoukia is the favourite place for nightlife entertaiment for most of Greeks and Cypriots.
