A video circulating on Reddit, showing a group of tourists loudly singing Mamma Mia in the middle of a quiet street in Greece, has sparked anger. The clip shows the group of young women walking and belting out the ABBA classic seemingly late at night, a move that drew criticism for what some said was disrespectful and inconsiderate behaviour.
The video, shared in the “I am the main character” group, was accompanied by the title: “Group of tourists sing loudly on the streets during quiet hours. The video has caused a debate in Greece about growing anti-tourist sentiment.” One Reddit user criticised the women, saying: “Didn’t even have to unmute the video to know that they would be singing Mamma Mia… no wonder the locals are tired of tourists.” Other users echoed the sentiment, describing the behaviour as disruptive. One comment read: “It’s called common sense. You are in a completely different country, wandering the streets at night and shouting the Mamma Mia song. Girl, you are not in a Meryl Streep movie-have some f****** respect. People try to sleep at night or at least get some rest.”
Greece, like many southern European countries, depends heavily on tourism.
However, the large influx of visitors recorded in recent years has brought growing tension between economic benefit and quality of life for residents. Locals in popular destinations such as Athens, Santorini and Mykonos have increasingly voiced frustration at the anti-social behaviour mass tourism can bring.
Some online users defended the group filmed in the clip, but most were highly critical of them. One wrote: “As a person who loves to travel, tourists like this are the worst part of it because I do not want to have any kind of connection with them that is even remotely possible.”
Others wrote: “Ooofff, the lack of social awareness is remarkable.”
Another said: “Living in a city with a bunch of bars, I’ve gotten used to rowdy nights, but tourists think they’re above local noise rules ? ‘Mama Mia’ sing-alongs at 3 AM are a dead giveaway they’re not respecting the locals.”
A fourth user said: “Why are tourists such a******? I just want to go to exotic places, eat the food, stare quietly at cool stuff, and go home.”