ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Rebetiko

Rebetiko is a kind of music that is played in Greece. It uses guitars, violins, and sometimes other instruments too. The songs are usually sad and tell stories about struggling and hardship. They are often about people who had a really tough time in the past, like refugees or prisoners.

These songs were first played in the early 20th century in Greece. Many people who played rebetiko music were poor and had a hard time making a living. They played the music at small taverns, where people would come to eat, drink and listen to the music.

Some people didn't like the music because they thought it was too sad or too vulgar. They thought that people who played rebetiko music were bad and didn't behave well. But many other people loved the music and thought it was real and authentic.

Nowadays, people still play rebetiko music in Greece, but it has become more mainstream and respected. It is a part of Greek culture and history that people are very proud of. Even if the songs are sad, listening to them can make people feel connected to their roots and the struggles of their ancestors.
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