Apostolek from popular Kundera's story - performed by Czech actor Pavel Landovský.
Most Greeks in Brno have been refugees from the times of the Greek Civil War. As they have adapted perfectly in the Czech society during the last 60 years, it is suprising to find out that there were thousands of Greeks who came to Brno in the 1940s and 1950s (although thousands returned back to Greece in the 1950s and 1970s).
However, you can still spot the Greek influence on the culture of Brno and have some great Greek meals here.
Keeping the traditions alive
The Greek community tries to keep their cultural traditions through a club that offers courses of Greek language and organises cultural events.
Musicians Martha and Tena Elefteriadu were among the best known Greeks of Brno in the 1970s.
Greek restaurants
There are several Greek restaurants in Brno – I can recommend two of them: MrGyros and Pontos. Both have Greek cooks and moderate prices. For detailed information and pictures of the meals, see my recent post about exotic restaurants in Brno.
Greeks of Brno in popular culture
Milan Kundera published his first short story (my favorite one, by the way), called “I, the mournful God” in 1958. One of its main characters is a Greek man “Apostolek”, who is trapped in a cruel love triangle.
In the 1960s the short story was adapted into a film; Czech actor Pavel Landovský starred as unforgetable, funny but also tragic Greek.
