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Plate smashing is a Greek custom that peaked in the 60s and 70s, involving the intentional smashing of plates or glasses during celebratory occasions. Inpopular culture, the practice is most typical of foreigners'stereotypical image ofGreece, and while it occurs more rarely today, it continues to be seen on certain occasions, such as weddings, althoughplaster plates are more likely to be used.
The practice was started by an entrepreneur, Babavea, who opened the Folies d'été cabaret at the end ofHerodes Atticus.[1] During thejunta period, plate breaking was fought and banned as a separate offense by law punishable by up to 5 years in prison.[2] Despite the junta ban, the breakup continued and many celebrities were referred to the prosecutor, such as the ex-husband ofZoe Laskari,Petros Koutoumanos,Aristotle Onassis andOmar Sharif. The junta finally issued a special opinion, which ruled that there was no offense if the breaking of dishes was accompanied by the acceptance of the behavior of the person doing this act by those present.[2]
Today there are still patrons who let off steam by smashing plates in nightclubs and other objects. The only gypsum plate manufacturing industry operating today in Greece is that of Gentzos Constantinos, based inDiavata,Thessaloniki.[3] The practice of breaking seems to have been replaced by throwing flowers towards the stage where the artist is singing, which was first started byMarinella.[2]