Event in honor of Constantine Cavafy in Brussels

The two-day series of events held by the Embassy of Greece in Belgium in honor of the great Greek poet Constantine Cavafy concluded on Wednesday, 29 April 2026 with a special event at Le Hall des Marbres of the Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB). 

The Ambassador of Greece, Ms. Sofia Grammata, welcomed the attendees, highlighting the timeless value and global resonance of Cavafy’s work. The Secretary General for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy, Ms. Maira Myrogianni, emphasized in her address the importance of organizing such events, which showcase the influential nature of the Greek language and poetry.

The central speakers also focused on the life and work of the poet. Ms. Christina Dounia, Professor Emerita at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and member of the International Scientific Committee of the Cavafy Archive of the Onassis Foundation, presented insights drawn from the poet’s library. Mr. Michel Volkovitch, writer and translator, highlighted the challenges involved in translating Cavafy’s work. 

This was followed by recitations of poems by Constantine Cavafy, delivered by Ms. Maria Patakia, Secretary of the Hellenic Circle – Cultural Association in Brussels, and Ioanna Koukia, a student of the Kestekideion Primary Greek School of Brussels, who moved the audience with their interpretations.

Following the screening of an ERT documentary on the poet, the evening concluded with a musical program by the Hellenic Choir of Brussels, conducted by Christos Gkakoudis, accompanied by Andreas Mantzaris on piano and choir member Matoula Forte on mandolin, featuring musical settings of Cavafy’s poems and songs about the Greek diaspora.

Εκδήλωση προς τιμήν του Κωνσταντίνου Καβάφη στις Βρυξέλλες
10 Images