News from Greece

The Greek islands, well known for their sunny beaches and clear blue waters, attract outdoor enthusiasts not only for activities such as diving, scuba diving, snorkeling, wind surfing, sailing or just sun bathing, but also for hiking and walking tours! Walking tourism has been gaining ground in the past few years, thanks to public and private initiatives sign-posting routes, publishing maps, organizing walking tours and operating special sites to inform people about available paths and walking tours. This form of tourism is particularly well suited to the Greek islands due to their mountainous morphology and stunning vistas to the endless blue. But there is more to explore; walking tours often include stops at archeological sites, spots of geological, natural, or architectural interest, deserted villages, wineries, artist’s galleries and more!

History of hiking trails on Greek islands

Directly connected to human activity from ancient times, paths crossing areas of high aesthetic and cultural value are nowadays central to alternative tourism activities in Greece. Hiking trails in the country are witness to its long history, rich culture and biodiversity. These paths «betray» uninterrupted human presence through thousands of years. They were formed by pedestrians and animals, mostly horses and donkeys that carried food and other materials from one place to another. These paths were the only land roads to facilitate communication and transport in times of peace and war. They connected cities to harbors, villages to watermills, inns, bridges, churches and monasteries.

Nowadays, the practical importance of these pathways has been significantly reduced, but they have found their new role in the context of the development of regional ecotourism. Old walking paths lined with herbs, offering their unique scents, run along island land; uphill, downhill or through ravines. The sea views from the hills unfailingly entrance hikers: Andros, Aegina, Sifnos, Evia, Tinos, Rhodes, Amorgos, Kea, Santorini, Kythnos, Kethyra, Kefalonia, Patmos, Skiros and Ios, to cite just a few Islands, all offer numerous walks, hikes and strolls, paths and routes.

Andros - An island made for walking

Lush green valleys, flowing rivers, beautiful beaches and ancient pathways compose the landscape of Andros. Andros Route is a continuous exciting hiking route extending from north to south. It is a continuous 100KM cross Andros track with a European Quality certification. It crisscrosses the mountain ranges of the island, passing by it most beautiful natural landscapes and important monuments. One can hike along this route and stay the night on different villages of the island enjoying the unique flavors and particularities of each area. Andros Route, on October 2015 got the distinguished European Quality Certification Leading Quality Trails-Best of Europe managed by the European Ramblers Association establishing  Andros as one of the Leading Quality Trails – Best of Europe.

Aegina - Discover paths of culture

Visitors to Aegina have the opportunity to learn the island’s history, to admire the beautiful landscapes and to taste local products, through a network of 9 hiking and cycling routes. They can choose among the Aphaia Temple path, the Mountain Ellanion path, the Sfentouri – Eleonas path, the Eleonas (Ancient Οlive Grove) path, the Chrysoleontissa path, the East of Aegina path, the Mythical Asopοs path, or follow the hiking paths in Paleachora, the island’s former capital (9th– 19th century A.D.) and explore this deserted “ghost town”, also known as the “Island Mystras” with its numerous Byzantine churches or take the Bicycle Ride in the woods.

Sifnos - The footpaths, a unique network of trails, some 200 km in all

Sifnos’footpaths is a unique network of trails some 200 kilometres in all, created especially to meet the needs of the agricultural way of life and the tending of livestock. Sifnos’ footpaths were in daily use, and the oldest have a history dating back as far as the 3rd millennium BC. Nowadays, they still lead the winding way to churches, beaches, through wonderful landscapes, used by local people and visiting hikers alike. Some of them are paved with stone or marble, and others are dirt tracks. On every trail, the hiker will encounter monasteries and churches, as well as artifacts that are monuments to the craft skills of the past, including wells, spring water fountains, dovecotes, ‘the monies’ (small farm buildings), ancient towers, remnants of mining activity, threshing floors, lime-kilns, mills, and stretches of drystone wall kilometers long. Βest times for hiking in Sifnos are spring and autumn. Herbs, cedars, undergrowth and wild flowers, some of which are protected, are to be seen along every trail, and have placed Sifnos among the 13 most important botanical paradises in Greece. The foot paths are well-signposted and properly mapped. Today there are 19 officially marked trails which visitors can view online, and hiking maps are available on the island.

Evia - Tracking a Dragon

Meet one of the oldest ecosystems on earth on Mount Ochi in southern Evia dominating Karystos Town. The large trekking path network reveals under the radar gems such as unique geology, archaeological sites and monuments, a centenarian chestnut tree forest (at Kastanologgos) as well as the impressive Drakospito of Ochi (an archaeological mystery). The main path begins at Myloi Karystou heading towards the refuge located at 1100m altitude. At this point the marked trail will lead you to the top through some steep bare mountainsides. Make a stop at the rock-carved Prophitis Ilias Chapel and drink in the breathtaking view. At a stone’s throw away visit the age-old "Cyclopean" structure known as Drakospito of Ochi. Other suggested trekking trails include: Petrokanalo - Dimosari’s Gorge, Paths of Archampoli's coast, Centre of Environmental information - Agia Triada - Castello Rosso – Myloi, Platanistos - Helleniko - Potami beach.

Tinos Island - Nature Pilgrimage

Tinos Island, also known as the island of the Virgin Mary, is renowned for its pilgrim traditions. The island boasts unique architecture and rich cultural heritage in the hinterland. Visit traditional villages through cobblestone paths that reach 400km in length. The cliffs are adorned by remote dovecotes and old watermills, terraces and stone walls, chapels and shrines, granite boulders and castle ruins all with a spectacular sea view. Discover more paths: Monastery of Kechrovouni – Exomvourgo, Falatados - Livadas Bay, Myrsini - Prophet Ilias – Tsiknias, Kardiani - Isternia – Pyrgos, Falatados - Volax – Agapi.

Rhodes Island - Cosmopolitan trails

Rhodes Island, the capital of the Dodecanese, has a cosmopolitan aura and beautiful beaches. If you are a trekking lover this is where you will discover countless monuments, important cultural artifacts, pristine villages and forests. Dominating the island’s mountainous backbone is Mount Anavyros, where you can explore it’s demanding alpine paths (suitable for trained hikers). If you are a less experienced hiker you can follow two different trails beginning from Nymphi Springs that lead to Profitis Ilias Chapel and enjoy nature’s beauties. The first path heads directly to the chapel where the second one goes through the Butterfly Valley. For other suggested trekking trails: from the peak of Filerimos cliff in Trianta follow a two hours path through a pine forest ending up at the seashore; from Salakos Village up to the chapel of Agiou Nikolaou Fountoukli enjoy a 4-5 hours walk, on a moderate level of difficulty trail, through a shady forest and olive groves; from Kritinia walk up to the Castle (the best preserved crusader castle of the Knight Hospitallers on Rhodes Island), a perfect sunset-gazing spot; from Vlyha to Lindos; from Anchangelos to the Monastery of Panagia Tsambika; from Koskinou Village to Thermes Kalitheas.

Amorgos - Hiking with a sea view

The wild beauty of this island, with its clear waters and views of endless blue invites hikers to its picturesque shores, accessible via the various island trails. The wonderful landscape of Amorgos with its close-to-the-sea mountains invites you to walk, hike and enjoy both the rich flora and phantastic views at nearly every corner. You don’t need to be a mountaineer to experience the islands secrets and to discover the rich world of Amorgian herbs. With regard to hiking, there are still a couple of very old paths at Amorgos: you can hike from Katapola to Chora or to Minoa, but the queen’s hike is the longer trip on the mountain ridge of the island, from Chora to Egiali. Also the hikes from Egiali and from Arkesini and Kamari are truly wonderful. In addition, some of these hikes are clearly signposted.

Kea - Exciting hiking trails

Kea (also called “Tzia”) is an easily accessible beauty with scenic variety: steep mountains, small fields, olive groves, vineyards, valleys, picturesque coves, exciting hiking trails and off-the-beaten-track beaches. On the island with the largest oak forest in the Cyclades, bird-watching is a real delight. For those who are into geology, there are plenty of small caves (as in Kálamos and in Áyios Timótheos). The 36 km long cobbled trails will lead you to the four city-states of antiquity: Ioulis, Karthaia, Koressia, Poiessa).

Santorini - You won’t truly know the island unless you walk its streets, alleys and fields!

Walking along the caldera will surely be the most scenic route on the island of Santorini. In fact, there is a hiking path that lines up half of the volcanic caldera, from Fira up to Oia via Firostefani and Imerovigli. This hiking trail offers gorgeous views to the famous volcano and the Aegean Sea and also allows visitors to see the four most important villages of the island. This 10 km hike is easy to follow and takes about 3-4 hours. Starting from the centre of Fira (also known as Thira), the capital of the island, hikers pass the Orthodox Metropolitan Church, the Catholic Cathedral and the main shopping street of Fira, heading to the north. On the left lies the Aegean Sea and the volcano, so you will surely make many stops for photographs. Next village is Firostefani, which has actually become a continuation of Fira, with the hotels and houses of two villages almost attached.

Mot hikers stop at this point, but if the weather is not too hot, we suggest you continue with the rest of the route, as you will find some truly gorgeous spots along your way.Following the inland road through Firostefani, hikers shall pass the Monastery of Saint Nicolas, founded in the 17th century and hosting important Byzantine icons. Continue through Imerovigli, a truly picturesque village, much less busy than Fira. If you are feeling adventurous, hike up to the famous Skaros Rock to get the most breathtaking sea view. Continuing to the north, hikers shall pass the Church of Agios Antonios (Saint Antony) and the Church of Prophet Elias, both worth a short stop to see the stunning view over to Thirassia island and the wild caldera cliff. Oia will be seen after few steps from these two churches.Suggested hiking time is the afternoon: start from Fira early in the afternoon to arrive in Oia at sunset time. This well known Santorini hiking path from Fira to Oia, occasionally leads into the main street and then again enters the villages. The local municipality is planning to create a paved path along the caldera, exclusively for hikers.

Kythnos - Hiking with tranquility

If you are looking for tranquility, simplicity and authenticity, yet at the same time wish to combine your summer holidays with some walking, hiking and interesting cultural encounters, the secluded island of Kythnos is your perfect choice! Although it is one of the first islands to be reached by ferry from Athens, the island of Kythnos has remained an unexplored paradise, a true gem of the Cyclades islands. Traditional villages with Cycladic architecture, a superb coastline with more than 90 beaches, a significant history dating back to the Mesolithic era, agricultural fields, hot springs, numerous hiking trails, one of the largest caves in Greece (considered to cover an area of 3.500 sq.m.) and the delicious local cuisine will undoubtedly offer you active holidays on a Greek island. Follow the hiking trail from Dryopida village, one of the most picturesque and traditional settlements of Kythnos and it will soon take you to the beautiful beach of Lefkes. Then, get ready to explore Katafiki cave, one of the largest caves in Greece, most of which remains unexplored to date. Located at the edge of Dryopida village, at an altitude of 190 meters above sea level, the cave maintains a constant temperature of 17 degrees.

Kythera - Walking the Paths of Venus

Since October 2010, a team of experts devoted to the development of hiking trails networks under the name “Paths of Greece”, have been working on the project of the Paths of Kythera and Antikythera islands, called Kythera Hiking. It is an inclusive project of path network development, including environmental education actions for school kids of Kythera. Visit the official website of the project www.kytherahiking.com for more information about Coastal trails, Easy trails, Kids friendly trails, long trails, Loop, Short trails or Swim.

Patmos - Scenic panorama of island life

Patmos possesses a rich network of old footpaths, which join the various settlements with one another and with the Monastery, as well as with the island’s many monastic establishments and hermitages. ELLINIKI ETAIRIA – Society for the Environment and Cultural Heritage, in collaboration with the Municipality of Patmos and with the active involvement of the island’s schools, is implementing the project “Paths of Culture”, by carefully selecting and signposting a series of walks, thus giving visitors the opportunity to discover the island’s natural beauty and monuments in a healthy and eco-friendly way. Thus far, 7 trails have been signposted: Skala – Chora – Skala, Aporthianos, the Archaeological site of Kastelli , Chora – Grikos – Diakofti , Chora – Kipoi – Holy Monastery of Annunciation, Stavros – Prasovouno – Psili Ammos , Vaghia and Chora – Profitis Ilias.

Skyros - Paths developed to promote and conserve the islands’ biodiversity

On the beautiful island of Skyros, in the framework of the LIFE programme “Demonstration of the Biodiversity Action Planning approach, to benefit local biodiversity on an Aegean island - Skyros”, run, amongst others, by the Hellenic Society for the Environment and Cultural Heritage, “Paths of Greece” undertook to study, develop and signpost hiking trails. Skyros is one of the most important islands for biodiversity conservation, especially for bird wildlife. The paths of Skyros help in the promotion and conservation of this natural heritage.

Ios - Donkey steps

Ios acquired a full travelogue network of hiking paths through picturesque beaches, churches, archaeological sites, etc. The restoration of this network was completed by a group of volunteers of the Greek Cultural Mountaineering Club of Fyli, in its long quest for the emergence of old paths. After their recovery from the team of volunteers of the Club, the view of the ornate stonework or the carved steps on the already existing rocks was revealed and the passage through them in now unobstructed. Some of these paths are part of the main axis of the old hiking route of Ios, connecting small villages or harbors with the city. Four old trails have been cleared and are now open for hikers with a total length of 13.5 kilometres: 1) from Mylopotas to Sanounochoma and Klima, 2) from Chora to Ag. Spyridon, Perivolia, Ag. Prokopis, Anemogennitries, Ag. Anargyri and Ag.Thedoti 3) from Psathi to Ormos Domino and 4) from Ag. Theodoti to Ormos Avlaki Kastrou. The old trails are connected to other paths and provide Ios with a complete hiking network.

Kefalonia - The paths of Erissos

Working together with the Cultural and Environmental club of Erissos “Asteris”, “Paths of Greece”have completed the sign-posting of a network of hiking trails in Fiskardo. In total, three trails of 850, 4.7 and 10km have been sign-posted. While walking these paths, one can enjoy all the landscapes of the peninsula, as well as discover cultural secrets that no car can access! The Battery Trail, the Lighthouse trail and the Cypress trail have the advantage that they can easily be accessed even in summer, since they are largely covered by dense shade, thanks to the forests of cypresses, pine and of strawberry trees. 

Sources: VisitGreece, Paths of Greece, news.travelling.gr, trailsbeyond.gr, greekacom.gr , androsroutes.gr, monopatiapolitismou.gr, sifnos.gr

Greece’s Carnival season, known as "Apokries", is the festive season preceding Lent, a period of masquerading, eating, drinking and dancing, which reaches its peak with extravagant parades of giant floats and colorful street groups. Traditionally, it begins ten weeks before Greek Orthodox Easter and culminates on the weekend before "Clean Monday," (Ash Monday) the first day of Lent. "Apokria", literally means "goodbye" to the period of meat-eating, or abstinence from meat (Apo-kreo, meaning away from meat).

The first week of the carnival is typically free from fasting up to Meatfare Sunday, which is the last day of meat consumption until Easter. The Thursday preceding Meatfare Sunday kicks off a long weekend of celebration that gives everyone the perfect excuse to get the meat out of their freezers and refrigerators – and is also another excuse to have a party; this Thursday is known as Tsiknopempto -literally Charred, Smoky or Barbeque Thursday- because of the all-pervading scent of grilled meat in the air, as family and friends gather at taverns or backyards to consume generous quantities of meat and celebrate before the beginning of Lent.

The last Sunday of the Carnival period is known as Cheesefare Sunday or Tyrofagos as only dairy products can be consumed on this day. On this weekend preceding Clean Monday, carnival celebrations around Greece culminate with parades and masquerade parties that revive local traditional customs, as carnival in Greece is directly linked to each region’s cultural heritage.

Clean (or Ash) Monday is a public holiday in Greece, marking the end of the festive carnival season and the beginning of 40-day period of Great Lent, known as "Sarakosti". Weather permitting, people spend Clean Monday outdoors, hold picnics, and children fly kites. Since it marks the beginning of the fasting period, the consumption of meat, eggs and dairy products is traditionally forbidden, with fish being eaten only on major feast days, though shellfish and mollusks are permitted. Thus special food is laid on the table for the Clean Monday feast: lagana (a special unleavened bread eaten only on this day), taramosalata (a fish roe spread), dolmadakia (vine leaves stuffed with rice), grilled octopus, gigantes plaki (oven-baked broad beans), seafood salads and shellfish, as well as a special tahini dessert known as halvas, are but a sample.

Patras: The King of Greek Carnivals

The port city of Patras hosts the biggest carnival in Greece, and one of the biggest in Europe. The "king" of Greek carnivals begins in January with an announcement by the town crier, featuring a variety of events, including balls, parades, street theatre and much more. The carnival reaches its peak on the last weekend, with a parade on the Saturday, in which participants take to the streets holding torches, and the spectacular floral, artistic, and satirical floats parade on Sunday, complete with Carnival King and Queen in full splendor. The Patras carnival is best known, however, for the many thousands of participants of all ages, the events taking place at homes, bars, and streets all around, which turn the whole city into one gigantic party.

Float parade in Patras (Image ©AMNA)

Xanthi: The Folk Carnival

The city of Xanthi in northeastern Greece hosts one of the most popular carnivals in the country. The Xanthi carnival began in 1966 as an urban event, but has come to incorporate many elements that rest on the city’s multicultural character, making it the most folkloric of urban carnivals. The highlight is the Folk Parade on the Saturday before Clean Monday: folk dance groups from the town’s Cultural Associations and guest groups from all over Greece parade through different neighbourhoods of the picturesque Old Town, singing and dancing, and finally merging in an all-night Balkan folk music fiesta in the main square. Cheesefare Sunday leads to the custom of Burning the Tzaros, a human effigy placed on top of a pile of brushwood.

Burning of the Tzaros (Image ©cultureofxanthi.gr)

The "Old Men" of Skyros

The carnival on the Aegean island of Skyros comes alive with the sounds of clanging goat bells. These are worn around the waists by local men who take part in the carnival playing the role of geros (old man), a figure dressed in a hooded black cape and hanging goat skin. The "old men" run through the streets individually or in groups, singing, dancing and making as much noise as possible, while locals and guests toast, drink and dance with them.

"Flour War" in Galaxidi

The harbor town of Galaxidi in Central Greece is one of Greece’s top destinations, especially during carnival season. The picturesque town never fails to impress with its tranquil charm and its rich maritime heritage, notably the old captains’ mansions - the so-called kapetanospita. During Carnival, the town revives the unique custom of "alevromoutzouromata", which dates back to the heyday of the town’s merchant fleet as a fun event for departing sailors at the end of the Carnival season. On Clean Monday, Galaxidi is transformed into a battlefield, as hundreds of people pelt one another mercilessly with large quantities of flour and dance around the fires – the most daring even jump over them!

Alevromoutzouromata (Image ©AMNA)

"Genitsaroi and Boules" in Naoussa and "Ragoutsaria" in Kastoria

The custom of “Giannitsaroi and Boules” is the most renowned happening in Naoussa. Participants include exclusively unmarried men who dress-up as "Genitsaroi". "Boula", the bride, is also performed by a man. Children, together with musicians playing traditional instruments, also take part in the event. "Ragoutsaria", as the Carnival of Kastoria is called, refers to the revival of the ancient Dionysian ceremonies and aims to help the locals forget the troubles of the year. Beyond its symbolic interpretations, Ragoutsaria give the city’s festivities a playful touch, attracting visitors from all over Greece.

"Genitsari" in Naoussa (Image ©AMNA)

Read also via Greek News Agenda: Carnival Festivities around Greece

Could cutting-edge science provide the solution to Greece’s decades-long campaign concerning the return of the Parthenon Marbles and the reunification of one of the world's greatest cultural monuments? The Institute of Digital Archaeology believes it can recreate an exact replica of the Parthenon sculptures with 3D printing technology, using scans taken by 3D cameras.

Ioannis Raptakis, the Greek Ambassador to the UK, has welcomed the announcement, saying that the British government now has a unique opportunity to end an injustice that weighs on all Greeks. More specifically, as Ambassador Raptakis noted: “Greece is willing in return to give to the British Museum cultural treasures on loan which have never left the country or to explore the idea to let the British Museum make a high-quality marble copy not just of the sculptures it has, but of the Parthenon sculptures that are in the Acropolis Museum in Athens.”  

In a recent leading article (14/2), the British newspaper “The Times” encouraged the British Museum to "embrace this technological opportunity", after recently having shifted its editorial position concerning this issue: “For more than 50 years, artists and politicians have argued that artifacts so fundamental to a nation’s cultural identity should return to Greece. The museum and the British government, supported by The Times, have resisted the pressure; but times and circumstances change. The sculptures belong in Athens. They should now return.”

As pointed out by Janet Suzman -the chairperson of the British Committee for the Reunification of the Parthenon Marbles- there is a new momentum for the return of the Parthenon Marbles to Greece, spurred by developments in the last year or so on a triple-level, that is, government, museum, and public opinion.

More specifically, at the World Leaders Forum at Columbia University in December 2020 – just before Greece’s bicentennial – Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis reaffirmed Greece’s determination to recover the sculptures that have been in the possession of the British Museum since 1816 after a deal struck by Lord Elgin, who bought them from the Ottoman authorities before Greek independence. The Greek PM stated that Greece had a very credible legal and moral case for the return and display of the marbles in the Acropolis Museum. In February 2021, Greece’s Foreign Minister, Nikos Dendias, also raised the issue with his then UK counterpart, Dominic Raab, referring to the “priceless monuments of the country’s cultural heritage, which are housed in the British Museum” and calling for a framework to be formulated for their return to Greece. 

The famous collection of these contentious sculptures includes some of the sculptures of the frontispieces and the metopes, representing battles between the Lapiths and the Centaurs as well as some of the frieze of the Parthenon, which decorated the upper part of the cella’s walls of the temple lengthwise. As a result, they represent more than half of the remaining sculpture decoration of the Parthenon that has survived through time. 

The case of the Parthenon Sculptures has been on the agenda of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for Promoting the Return of Cultural Property to its Countries of Origin (ICPRCP) for almost forty years. It was Melina Mercouri, the then Greek Minister for Culture, who first raised the issue of their return at the UNESCO World Conference on Cultural Policy held in Mexico in August 1982. Despite the fact that the Forum ruled in favor of the cause, stating that the restitution of works illicitly removed to their countries of origin is a basic principle of cultural relations between peoples, Mercouri’s British counterpart replied that the UK Government “could not interfere in the affairs of a private establishment like the British Museum”.

Adventures of the Parthenon marbles in modern times (© Acropolis Museum)

However, a resolution issued in September 2021, within the context of UNESCO ICPRCP’s 22nd session, is game-changing. The resolution acknowledges the “legitimate and rightful demand” of Greece for the return of the Parthenon Sculptures that were plundered by Lord Elgin more than two hundred years ago. Moreover, it recognizes the issue as intergovernmental (and not as an issue between the two Museums) and calls for the UK Government to enter into a bona fide dialogue with the Greeks to find a resolution to this long-standing cultural property dispute.    

More specifically, on the second day of the ICPCRP’s 22nd session, Greece made its presentation via video conference from the Acropolis Museum in Athens.  Its delegation comprised the new Director-General of the Acropolis Museum, Nikolaos Stampolidis, the Secretary-General of Culture, George Didaskalou, the Head of the Directorate of Documentation and Protection of Cultural Goods, Vasiliki Papageorgiou, and the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ legal advisor, Dr Artemis Papathanassiou. The Greek presentation was direct and to the point: the dismembered Parthenon Sculptures, divided between London and Athens, must be reunited.

Among others, Professor Stampolidis stressed the uniqueness of the Parthenon and explained that the Parthenon Sculptures differ from other museum objects in that they emanate from a surviving monument and their reunification to the parent structure would restore the integrity of a world heritage monument and would not create a precedent for other acts of return.  On the part of the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Papathanassiou noted that the Greek request had been on the Committee’s agenda as a pending case since 1984. Yet the British government continues to claim that it is a matter for the British Museum Trustees alone even though, as far as international law is concerned, the obligation to return state cultural artifacts lies squarely on the government and not on a museum.

Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis characterized the ICPCRP resolution as a “pivotal step” in the government’s restitution efforts, but it was the Greek PM’s visit to the UK in November 2021 that brought the Parthenon Marbles into the British public gaze and raised the international profile of the campaign and the Greeks’ steely determination.

“Our request is not a flare. We will insist, methodically, to build the necessary foundations within British public opinion for the need to reunite the Parthenon Marbles with the sculptures of the Acropolis Museum. It is an important issue, one that relates to our bilateral relations […] This is not a legal issue per se, it is, above all, both a matter of principle, as well as a political issue” said Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, speaking to Greek journalists in London after his meeting with PM Johnson.

Despite Boris Johnson’s reluctance to engage in intergovernmental negotiations over the issue, Mitsotakis appeared encouraged by his visit to the UK; interestingly, a “clear and growing majority” of UK residents seems to be on his side. More specifically, according to a poll conducted by Britain’s YouGov, 59 percent of participants said that the Parthenon Marbles belong to Greece and should be returned to their rightful owners, a finding that was welcomed by the Greek PM Mitsotakis who commented on the strong relationship between Greece and the UK: “Let us strengthen it further. It is time to do the right thing and reunite the Parthenon Sculptures in Athens. A move backed by the British people”.

In December 2021, at the instigation of Greece and with the support of more than 100 member States, the General Assembly of the United Nations passed a landmark resolution A/76/L.17 for the return or restitution of cultural property to their countries of origin. As the Greek Ambassador to the UN explained, cultural property is not simply a testimony to a nation’s past but the reflection of the country’s history and heritage, as she called for the creation of a proper framework for restitution to best inspire the collective conscience of humanity.

In the meantime, items acquired under dubious circumstances are being returned to their country of origin. Most recent example is the return of 55 ancient artifacts to Greece, as announced by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg at a repatriation ceremony held in New York last week, which was attended by Greece’s Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni. The handover followed the conclusion in December 2021 of a multinational investigation into Michael Steinhardt, owner of one of the world’s largest private ancient art collections (47 of the pieces that will be returned to Greece came from the Steinhardt collection and eight more were drawn from another investigation that is still ongoing).

Τhe new year kicked off just as enthusiastically as it was marked by the long-awaited homecoming of the renowned “Fagan fragment” from the Antonino Salinas Museum in Palermo to the Acropolis Museum. The significance of this return does not lie in the long-term nature of the deposit of the fragment to the Parthenon frieze, but in the prospect of remaining at the monument to which it belongs permanently (sine die), following the initiative launched by the Independent Regional Authority of Sicily towards the Italian Ministry of Culture.

As the artwork was unveiled at the Acropolis Museum, PM Mitsotakis said its restitution opened the way for similar accords to be reached, not least with the UK, while Sicily’s councilor for culture, Alberto Samonà acknowledged the strong symbolic value of sending back to its country of origin a small, but significant, fragment belonging to the Parthenon as a gesture of friendship between Greece and Sicily, two areas of the Mediterranean that share a common story.

“Greece and Italy have paved the way and Great Britain must follow. The return of the Parthenon Sculptures to Greece will be a victory of civilization over barbarism. It's a battle we have to win” said Louis Godart, Chairman of the International Association for the Reunification of the Parthenon Sculptures.

Greece is asking for the collaboration of Great Britain in the name of the monument itself and in the name of the World's Cultural Heritage. This can be effected through bilateral cultural and educational cooperation. More specifically, the proposal envisages the exhibition of the reunified Parthenon Sculptures in a large hall of the New Acropolis Museum Greece and Great Britain can share in the restoration and the revival of the Parthenon. Displaying the Parthenon Sculptures in unity will enable us to enhance our reading of this unique monument - the symbol of Ancient Greece, democracy, and Western civilization- develop scholarship and reveal to future generations the achievements of mankind.

Moreover, now that public opinion in Britain has shifted in clear favor of the return of the sculptures to their rightful home in Athens, vesting the trustees with the right to voluntarily return the sculptures would not only affirm the British nation’s respect for the immense legacy of ancient Greece and promote the indivisibility of Classical Greek art but also enhance the reputation of the British Museum in the eyes of the world and strengthen the UK’s global role. As such, the repatriation of the sculptures would create a win-win situation.

More info & photos: visit the websites of the Greek Ministry of Culture, the UNESCO ICPRCP, the Acropolis Museum, the Melina Mercouri Foundation, the International Association for the Reunification of the Parthenon Sculptures, and Bring them Back campaign.

Check out the new web application Parthenon Frieze, presenting a modern way of exploring the complete synthesis, as well as the history, the design, and construction of the Parthenon frieze. The application was created by the Acropolis Museum, in collaboration with the Acropolis Restoration Service and the National Center for Documentation & Electronic Content.

Read also on GNA: 

E.S.

It’s now official, Thessaloniki is a culinary paradise! In fact, Greece’s second-largest city has always been referred to as the country’s gastronomic capital but -as recently announced - it also proudly became the first Greek city to join the UNESCO’s Network of Gastronomy- recognized for its rich culinary traditions, vibrant gastronomic community, and delightful local delicacies. 

Launched in 2004, the UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network (UCCN) consists of 246 cities that invest in seven creative fields: crafts and folk art, design, film, gastronomy, literature, media arts, and music. Thessaloniki’s nomination file was prepared by the City’s Municipality in collaboration with the Tourism Ministry and the Hellenic National Commission for UNESCO. By joining the network, cities commit to sharing best practices and working together towards a common objective: placing creativity and cultural industries at the heart of their development plans at the local level and cooperating actively at the international level.

“This distinction is adding to the dynamic presence of Thessaloniki, a city that features 15 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and has the potential to grow further and stand out as a tourism and cultural destination,” Deputy Tourism Minister Sofia Zacharaki said.

Known for its vibrant food scene, Thessaloniki has for centuries been a crossroads of flavors and cultures.  As the second city of both the Byzantine and Ottoman empires, it accommodated conquerors and traders, settlers and itinerant merchants, from Sephardic Jews fleeing the Spanish Inquisition to Armenian and Arab traders, Slavs and Greeks from poorer rural areas, refugees from Asia Minor, Greeks from the Black Sea and other migrants from everywhere in the Balkans. Each of these groups has added its own ingredients, recipes, and influences to the city’s gastronomic melting pot.

The city’s contemporary culinary landscape benefits from these deep cultural roots; the inspired innovations of young chefs have authenticity and relevance – adding a fresh, exciting chapter to an ongoing story. In fact, Thessaloniki’s cuisine is considered one of the richest in Greece, widely known for its quality and variety, offering a mix of traditional and modern recipes.

Whether you’re looking for a quick snack in the form of the city’s famous koulouri (bagel-like bread topped with sesame seeds), bougatsa or trigona Panoramatos (cream-filled pastries), a traditional taverna, or a classy bistro, the choices are countless. In fact, there are plenty of areas well known as hubs of taste and recreation throughout the city, such as Ladadika quarter where old shops have been turned into restaurants and bars, offering good food and the feel of old Thessaloniki.

Moreover, the gastronomic mosaic of Thessaloniki is set to be completed by the overhaul of the historic Modiano Market, which is expected to further strengthen the city’s tourism identity; the renovated version will feature a quality multicultural market, which in addition to greengrocers, butchers and fishmongers, will also house pop-up events, gastronomy festivals, and musical performances. 

Hungry yet? Food lovers unite!... With plenty of local dishes and delicacies to satisfy all tastes, Thessaloniki is truly a foodie’s paradise waiting for you to explore!

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A large number of festival were held in Athens throughout the year, usually in honour of Gods, such as Dionysus, Apollo, Hermes and, of course, Athena, the city-state protectress, while others were centred around concepts such as family or citizenship. Several of them were of great ancientness while others did not emerge until the 5th century BC. In this article, we present some of the most prominent festivals that took place in the city of Athens and the widest region of Attica, without excluding those that were also observed in other parts of Greece.

Dionysia

Although the name is often used to collectively refer to four distinct festivals dedicated to the god Dionysus, taking place in different times of the year, it is most closely associated with the largest and most famous festival associated with the Dionysiac cult, the "City Dionysia", also known as the Great Dionysia, which took place in springtime.

The most ancient one of these festivals is however believed to be the "Rural Dionysia" which was held in the Attic month of Poseideōn, corresponding to the second half of December and first half of January, and thus straddling the winter solstice. The festival celebrated the cultivation of vines, and included offerings of bread and fruit, phallic processions, wine-drinking, singing and dancing. Because the various towns in Attica held their festivals on different days, it was possible for spectators to visit more than one festival per season.

A dedication to Bacchus, 1889, Lawrence Alma Tadema (by artrenewal via Wikimedia Commons)

The City Dionysia (Dionysia ta en Astei) or Great Dionysia was the urban part of the festival, possibly established during the tyranny of Peisistratus in the 6th century BC. This festival was held probably from the 10th to the 16th of the month Elapheboliōn (the lunar month straddling the vernal equinox, i.e., Mar.-Apr in the solar calendar), three months after the rural Dionysia, probably to celebrate the end of winter and the harvesting of the year's crops.

The City Dionysia began with a procession, in which citizens, metics, and representatives from Athenian colonies marched to the Theatre of Dionysus on the southern slope of the Acropolis, carrying the wooden statue of Dionysus Eleuthereus along with phallic symbols; also included in the procession were bulls to be sacrificed in the theatre. That was followed by dithyrambic competitions, animal sacrifices and a large feast. During the next days, a theatrical of great importance contest took place at the Theatre of Dionysus; most of the extant Greek tragedies, including those of Aeschylus, Euripides, and Sophocles, were for the first time performed there. Another procession and celebration was held on the final day, when the judges chose the winners of the tragedy and comedy performances. The winning playwrights were awarded a wreath of ivy.

Between the Rural and City Dionysia, other two lesser festivals took place in honour of Dionysus: The Lenaia and the Anthesteria. The first took place in Athens in Gameliōn, roughly corresponding to January, while the latter was held each year from the 11th to the 13th of the month of Anthesteriōn, which was named after the festival.

The Lenaia was mostly an agrarian festival, believed to have included a procession, chanting, sacrifices, nocturnal rites and, possibly, special rituals for women. Beginning in the second half of the 5th century BCE, plays were performed, as in the City Dionysia, and awards were given, initially only for comedies, and later also for tragedies.

Maenads in ecstatic dance around the cult image of Dionysos at the Lenaia, attic red figure cup type B, ca. 490-480 BC (by ArchaiOptix via Wikimedia Commons)

The Anthesteria were held for three days; the first one was called Pithoigia ("Jar Opening"), where libations were offered to Dionysus from the newly opened casks; the second one, called Choes ("Wine Jugs"), included wine-drinking contests while on the third day –Chytroi ("Pots")– pots of seed or bran were offered to honour the dead.

Thargelia

The Thargelia was one of the chief Athenian festivals in honour of the Delian Apollo and his sister Artemis, held on their supposed birthdays, on the 6th and 7th day of the month Thargeliōn (corresponding to 24 and 25 May). Basically a vegetation ritual onto which an expiatory rite was grafted, the festival was named after the first fruits, or the first bread from the new wheat. It is said to have initially featured the sacrifice of two Pharmakoi, men chosen among slaves or a criminals; it is not certain whether these men were actually executed, or ridiculed and beaten. It has been suggested that the human sacrifices of more ancient times were later replaced by a milder form of expiation.

Skirophoria

The Athenian festival of Skirophoria or Skira was celebrated annually at threshing time on the 12th of Skirophoriōn (June/July), which was named after it. It was linked with human and agricultural fertility, and only women were allowed to participate. A solemn procession was held from Athens to a sanctuary of Athena in the site of Skiron near Eleusis, led by the priestess of Athena and the priests of Poseidon and Helios (sun god), under the cover of a white ceremonial canopy. No sources survive describing the nature of the rituals that took place at the temple.

Phryne at the Poseidonia in Eleusis, Heinrich Semiradsky (State Russian Museum via Wikimedia Commons)

Panathenaea

The Panathenaea (now often referred to as the Panathenaic Festival) was the most important festival for Athens and one of the grandest in the entire ancient Greek world, and took place every four years with great splendour. They were held in honour of Athena, the patron goddess of the city-state (Athena Polias). Their status in Attica was only surpassed by that of the Olympic Games, and representatives of all the dependencies of Athens were present, bringing sacrificial animals.

Panathenaea was celebrated at the end of the Attic month of Hekatombaiōn, roughly corresponding to mid-August, and consisted of the sacrifices and rites proper to the season. The religious festival began with a great procession, which started from a double-arched gate in the city’s fortifications called Dipylon (double gate), in the area of Kerameikos, and moved along the large road known as the Panathenaic Road. The procession (which is the subject of the famous frieze of the Parthenon) was led by led by girls of noble origin carrying a veil they had weaved, embroidered with scenes from the Gigantomachy. When they reached Athena’s temple on the Acropolis, they laid the veil on her statue.

Ergastinai ("weavers") block, from the east frieze of the Parthenon, Athens, c. 445–435 BC (by Jastrow via Wikimedia Commons)

The festivities also included a hecatomb and other sacrifices to Athena but also other gods and were followed by the Panathenaic Games, which comprised of sports and musical contests, with different categories for young boys and men. The athletic competitions are believed to have included equestrian games and sports like stadion (running race), wrestling, boxing, pentathlon, pankration (a mixed martial art) and others, while the musical contest included rhapsodic recitation of Homeric poetry, singing and instrument playing. The victors were given Panathenaic amphorae (large ceramic vessels containing olive oil) as prizes.

The musical contests were held at the Odeon of Athens, built by Pericles in 435 BC, while the athletic competitions were staged at the Panathenaic Stadium (still in use today, following excavations and remodelations) since its construction by the Lykourgos, c.330 BC.

The Lesser Panathenaea was a similar festival with a more local character, believed to have been celebrated annually. Their duration was shorter by 3 to 4 days compared to their more illustrious counterpart, and only Athenians could participate.

Kronia

The ancient Athenian festival of Kronia used to take place on the 12th day of Hekatombaiōn, in honour of the father god Kronos (Cronus), considered a patron of the harvest. It was a public holiday which only lasted one day, but was even observed by the slaves, who would sit on the same table as their masters to enjoy the fruit of their hard labour. It also included offerings, especially of fruit and bread. Although it was celebrated in the summer, it was a major influence on the most popular Roman festival, the famous Saturnalia, dedicated to Saturn, Cronus’s Roman equivalent.

The Gardens of Adonis, 1888, John Reinhard Weguelin (via Wikimedia Commons)

Adonia

The festival of Adonia was held annually in honour of Adonis, consort of Aphrodite, who personified the rebirth of nature. Their date is uncertain and may have varied, as did their duration, but it was most probably a spring or summer festival, and was not officially organised. It was observed by women in most parts of Greece, but is best attested in classical Athens. Over it course of the festival, Athenian women took to the rooftops of their houses and ritually mourned the death of Adonis through song and dance. They planted lettuce and fennel seeds in potsherds, creating the so-called "Gardens of Adonis", which sprouted before withering and dying. The women would then conduct a mock funeral procession carrying the "Gardens" and small images of Adonis, before ritually casting them into the sea or in springs.

Boedromia

The Boedromia was a lesser festival dedicated to of Apollo Boedromios (the helper in distress – literally, "racing to aid in response to a cry for help"). It was an exclusively Athenian festival, taking place in the month of Boedromiōn, which was named after it, at a time corresponding to mid-September. It apparently had a military aspect, as the Athenians thank the god for what they perceived as his divine assistance in battle.

Eleusinian Mysteries

The Eleusinian Mysteries were the most famous secret religious rites of ancient Greece. They were initiations for the cult of Demeter, goddess of agriculture, and her daughter Persephone (who, like Adonis, personified the rebirth of nature), held annually in Boedromiōn and lasting about nine days. Its origins are believed date back to the Bronze Age; it was a major festival throughout the Classical and Hellenistic era, and later spread to Rome. As in the Thesmophoria, Persephone’s myth was honoured for symbolising the perpetual cycle of life.

The mysteries represented the myth of the abduction of Persephone by Hades (the god of the underworld) in a cycle with three phases: the descent into the underworld, Demeter’s search, and the ascent - with the main theme being the ascent of Persephone and the reunion with her mother. The rites and beliefs were kept secret from the outsiders, and the sites of the ceremonies were strictly forbidden to the non-initiated.

Thesmophoria, 1894-1897, Francis Davis Millet (via Wikimedia Commons)

Thesmophoria

The Thesmophoria was not a festival limited to Attica; far from that, it was one of the most widely-celebrated in the Greek world. It was held annually, mostly around the time of sowing, in honour of Demeter and her daughter, Persephone. It was restricted to adult women, and the rites practised during the festival were kept secret. The celebrations aimed at promoting fertility, both human and agricultural; they are believed to have included animal sacrifices as well as rites symbolising Persephone’s descent into and ascent from Hades. It was famously parodied in Aristophanes's comedy Thesmophoriazusae.

Hermaea

As evidenced by its name, the festival of Hermaea, celebrated in various parts of Greece, was dedicated to the god Hermes who was, among else, a protector of athletics. The festival featured athletic competitions, usually held in gymnasia and mostly restricted to young boys, hence having a rather unofficial and playful character compared to other competitive games. It is believed to have taken place in various other parts of Greece as well.

Apaturia

Apaturia was a religious festival held annually by nearly all the Ionian towns; in Athens, it took place in the middle of the month Pyanepsiōn (October/November), and lasted for three days, on which occasion the various phratries (clans) of Attica met to discuss their affairs. Its name is believed to signify the festival of "common relationship". Athena, Zeus and Dionysus were also honoured. On the third, called Koureotis (from kouros, young boy), male children born since the last festival were presented by their fathers or guardians; after an oath had been taken as to their legitimacy, their names were inscribed in the register.

Left: Procession of male pairs (possibly Apaturia festival), Attic red-figure kylix, ca. 480 BC (by User:Bibi Saint-Pol via Wikimedia Commons); Right: The priestess of Bacchus, 1885 – 1889, John Maler Collier (by via Wikimedia Commons)

Pyanopsia

The festival of Pyanopsia (or Pyanepsia) was held in Athens in honour of the Apollo, god of light, healing and music, also in the month of Pyanepsiōn, which was actually named after the festival. Pyanopsia means "bean-stewing", in reference to the sacred offering of a rich pulse stew to the temple of Apollo, to honour of the autumn harvest. People also thanked the god with the offering of the eiresione, a branch of olive or laurel, bound with purple or white wool, and adorned with fresh fruit and small pastries made with honey, oil and wine. The branch was drizzled with wine and carried in procession by a chanting boy to the temple of Apollo, where it was suspended at the gate. According to some sources, the doors of houses were similarly decorated; this too is considered a predecessor of Christmas decorations.

Haloa

Haloa was an agrarian festival held annually in the month Poseideōn (December/January), after the first harvest was over. It took its name from the threshing floor (halos), around which it took place, and was dedicated to Demeter, Dionysus and Poseidon. It was mostly observed by women and men were generally excluded, hence its rituals have been poorly recorded. It probably featured mysteries of a symbolic character, similar to those of the Dionysia and the Eleusinian Mysteries.

You can use a date converter to find out when these (and several other) festivals would be celebrated today.

Sources: Encyclopedia Britannica, Oxford Classical Dictionary, Wikipedia

Read also via Greek News Agenda: Apokries: The Greek Carnival; Carnival Festivities around Greece; Greek and Roman origins of Christmas traditions; Kerameikos, the necropolis of Athens; "Eleusis, the great mysteries" at the Acropolis Museum

M.V., N.M. (Intro image: Thesmophoria [detail], 1894-1897, Francis Davis Millet (via Wikimedia Commons)

Imagine that you are working in a European capital and that before or after your work, on a busy weekday, you wear your swimsuit and in 10 or 20 minutes you go to the beach for swimming or surfing, or you go to a beach bar in the night for a drink. Imagine also that you can easily go for a weekend to the island of Syros, Paros, or Mykonos, or Hydra and Aegina, two islands that are close to this capital, or that you work from your laptop with the Acropolis or Santorini's volcanic caldera for a backdrop. And yet this can be a reality, if you are a remote worker in Athens, or in other places in Greece, as a “digital nomad” following this new trend that describes professionals who choose to work in location-independent roles wishing to explore at the same time the world.

According to a Forrester’s research the number of digital nomads globally is estimated at about 5 million in late 2019, this trend becoming more intense after COVID-19, since home working and videoconferencing has been a suggested and much preferable option. A shift from office-based working to tele-working had emerged before the pandemic, but it is gradually becoming a popular trend since lockdowns and restriction measures encourage people to abstain from any physical presence at their workplace. Some professionals such as virtual assistants, digital marketers, online writers or teachers and graphic designers can more easily choose this path, but nowadays more and more jobs can be done online without requiring a physical attendance.

Greece's assets for digital nomads

Greece has been one of the favorite destinations among digital nomads in recent years. People from all types of professions, from artists to web developers and online marketers, have chosen the Greek capital for their working place as they have appreciated the winning combination of climate, quality of life and a reasonable cost of living. Greece’s successful handling of the pandemic outbreak last spring seems to have attracted many digital nomads in the country, also called “Corona nomads”, without forgetting to mention foreigners with summer houses mainly in the Greek islands that chose to work form their secondary house in more relaxed places.

Top row form left: Corfu, Thessaloniki, Crete - Down row from left: Athens (Acropolis), Santorini, Plaka (Source:Unsplash)

Apart from the temperate climate, lots of sunshine, and a combination of beaches and mountains Greece has a strong currency, the euro, along with the safety of the EU institutional framework. Concerning the technical side which is very important for remote working, 5G networks are already operational in major cities and they’re coming to some Greek islands too. The Greek government, wishing to support the trend of digital nomads in the country, recently passed legislation for a 50 percent tax break for the first seven years for foreigners who are willing to move their tax base to Greece.

A digital nomad visa 

When it comes to work or residence permits, EU citizens are allowed to live and work freely out of Greece since the country is an EU member. For non-EU citizens the Greek Government aims to introduce a special visa for digital nomads following the example of two new visas recently introduced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Student Visa and the Business Visa, in order to enable international students and businessmen, respectively, to come and study or work in Greece.

Digital nomad visa and Business visa are part of the “Blue Carpet Policy” an integrated policy that aims to bolster Greece’s openness to attract not only digital nomads, but also investment- and business-oriented people in general. This policy is aimed at persons who produce and operate in the global economic environment making an active contribution to economic life around the globe. The digital nomad challenge has increased due to Brexit as many people are seeking a new place for establishment in EU countries in order to gain access to the European system. The digital transformation of Greece concerning the upgrade of digital connectivity infrastructure and the digitalization of services and procedures is a top priority for the Greek government and an element that will contribute to attract digital nomads in the country.

#Better in Athens or elsewhere in Greece 

Apart from the government’s initiatives, local authorities are also active on promoting their places as attractive destinations for digital nomads. The City of Athens and the Athens Development and Destination Management Agency recently launched the #BetterInAthens campaign to showcase the Greek capital's assets regarding digital nomad lifestyle. Athens is a European capital with a relatively low cost of living, a scintillating array of cultural attractions both ancient and modern and enviable weather most of the year.

The cosmopolitan island of Dodecanese, Rhodes, has established a Digital Nomads Observatory, in order to attract digital nomads. Rhodes is an ideal place for people to work as it offers all the necessary prerequisites for someone to create exceptional living conditions: natural beauty, nice weather, consumer goods, and an international airport that allows immediate transport. The same goes for other Greek islands or big cities in the country like Crete, Santorini, Corfu, Thessaloniki etc.

According to “This is Athens” the official guide to the city, digital nomads that have been staying in Athens for some months say that there’s an aliveness in Athens without being overbearing but just busy enough. They claim that they feel accepted and safe in Athens admitting that there is much creative inspiration all around them with ancient artefacts and modern street art adding their admiration for the food in the city. Athens is full of light and color, it’s an inspiring and highly multicultural city with a deep sense of history, culture and spirituality. It seems that they all agree that Athens is a city where people can mix business and pleasure. What else could one ask for?

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2021 is a highly symbolic year for Greece as it marks the 200th anniversary of the outbreak of the country’s Independence War against the Ottoman rule in 1821. “Greece 2021” the coordinating Committee responsible for the organization of the commemorative celebrations, headed by Ms Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki, has announced the program of actions and events that will take place in Greece and abroad. The 200-year anniversary of the Greek Revolution is an excellent opportunity for daring reflection and mindfulness for Greece as well as an opportunity for the country to reintroduce itself to Europe and the rest of the world.

The Celebrations Program was shaped through 1,827 proposals that were submitted by local authorities, institutions, associations, foundations and active citizens through an open platform in a participative bottom-up approach. 386 proposals derived from municipalities and regions, while 319 proposals came from the Greek Diaspora and the official Greek Authorities abroad in 46 countries, in all continents.

These proposals concern events that highlight i) the Greek Revolution as a leading historical event of its time with an international dimension, ii) the trajectory of the Modern Greek State during these 200 years and iii) the great personalities who marked this path. Most of the actions, however, will open a window into the future, leaving a legacy for tomorrow. This mainly concerns actions with a development orientation aiming to make citizens’ lives better, while creating new opportunities for the next generations.

The Commission has ensured that 250 self-funded proposals for actions and events are being prepared, with the approval and provision of the Committee, while 120 actions scheduled by local authorities are under approval. The aim is to organize many more events that funded by sponsors or by the Committee.

The four pillars of “Greece 2021”

The celebrations and events will be based on the following four pillars set by the Committee “Greece 2021”:

“The Greek Revolution of 1821 as a pivotal chapter in Greek history and a piece in the puzzle of world history“
The goal of this pillar is to comprehend the Greek Revolution of 1821, to highlight its significance, its relationship with other revolutions and wars for independence that flared up at approximately the same time, and the effect it had on the rest of the world and how it was affected by it.

“Greece today, 200 years after independence”
The goal of this pillar is to highlight the dynamic components of contemporary Greek society through the creativity and participation of foundations, universities, local authorities, research institutes, cultural institutes, as well as individuals, etc.

“Greeks who left their mark on the world in the last 200 years”
The goal of this pillar is to feature the lives and work of Greeks who left their mark on Greece and the world, in science and arts, won Nobel prizes and Academy Awards, saved thousands of lives with their scientific discoveries and won world recognition and respect.

“2021 as a window of opportunity for the future of Greece”
This pillar refers to the driving forces that can contribute to Greece’s development in the future emphasizing on the country’s response to big challenges such as climate change, sustainable growth, peace and international collaboration, 4th Industrial Revolution etc.

The emblematic actions

In this framework, four emblematic actions will be implemented by the Committee and more precisely:

- The organization of an international Forum under the theme “Greece in 2040” where Greek scientists, world-renowned personalities but also the Greek society will map the country’s path  to the future.

- The creation of a Research Institute for Artificial Intelligence, an initiative that will put Greece at the forefront of the global technological avant-garde.

- The "Festival of the Cities", an action with simultaneous celebrations next summer in 51 cities in Greece, in the capital cities of the country’s prefectures.

- And the action "Walking in the Footsteps of 1821", through which 200 young people will travel on historical routes associated with the Greek Revolution in 40 cities throughout Europe.

The Numismatic Program

As the Committee “Greece 2021” is not receiving any state funding, an important part of its financial resources will come from the Committee’s Numismatic Program. This unique program concerns the issuance of 14 coins (two bimetallic, eight silver and four gold) of rare collectible value, with illustrations that constitute a journey into the history of modern Greece. The coins will be distributed directly by the Committee via an e-shop that will start its operation soon, while a priority list is provided due to the limited number of coins. The delivery will gradually start from the end of January. In addition to its great emotional and commemorative value, the distribution of this collection will contribute to the financing and implementation of even more actions.

The Numismatic Program of the Committee was launched last summer with the issuance of a commemorative medal the “Forerunner” depicting “Greece reborn”, a painting by the folk painter Theophilos dating from 1911. The painting depicts Greece as "ancient" in a long red cloak standing among ancient ruins but also as "Christian" since everything is taking place under the "all-seeing eye" of God while the angels are praising. Two emblematic figures of the pre-Revolution Hellenism are supporting Greece: Adamantios Korais and Rigas Velestinlis. The commemorative medal, as well as the whole collection, has been produced by the National Mint (IETA) of the Bank of Greece, the Golden Sponsor of the Numismatic Program. The internationally acclaimed engravers of the Mint have managed to transfer with remarkable dexterity to the small area of a coin the amazing details of symbols, flags even the facial expressions and the posture of the figures. “Forerunner” is exclusively distributed by the National Bank of Greece which was the first bank of the Greek State (established in 1841).

The commemorative medal “Forerunner” produced by the National Mint (IETA) of the Bank of Greece

Other collaborations & events

At the same time, in order to further highlight the messages and the symbolism of the anniversary year, the Committee has proceeded and will continue to proceed with a number of collaborations, such as, for example, with the Hellenic Post, which will proceed with the issuance of stamps and philatelic products that will highlight the special significance of the 200th anniversary of the Revolution.

The Committee "Greece 2021" has also announced along with the Benaki Museum the inclusion of the emblematic exhibition "1821 Before and After" in the official program of events. The exhibition, which will be inaugurated in March 2021 and is expected to be a leading cultural event of the anniversary year, takes place with the cooperation of the Museum, the Bank of Greece, the National Bank, and Alpha Bank. Collections and archives both from the Museum and the three banks involved in the project will be used for the exhibition's needs.

Read more via GNA:
The works of the "Greece 2021" Committee are launched
The visual representation of the 1821 Greek War of Independence through the eyes of Greek and foreign artists
Antonis Hadjikyriacou on the Ottoman period, the Greek Revolution of 1821, and new paths in Greek historiography
The Greek Revolution today: historiography and the public on the eve of 2021

Intro Photo: Theodoros P. Vryzakis, "The Exodus from Missolonghi" (1855) - Wikimedia Commons

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