XpatAthens

XpatAthens

Wednesday, 15 October 2025 23:32

How To Master The Greek Language

Learning Greek can feel daunting, but with the right approach, you can not only understand it but truly master it. Greek is a rich and intricate language, and its beauty lies in its logic; once you start seeing patterns, everything begins to make sense. Here’s a roadmap to help you dive deeper.

1. Understand Greek Verbs and Their Core Themes

Greek verbs are built from core stems (themes) which form the basis for all their conjugations. Knowing these stems allows you to predict forms rather than memorize them blindly.

  • Example: φεύγω (“I leave”) has two stems: φεύγ and φυγ.

    • From φεύγ you get: φεύγω (present), φεύγοντας (leaving), θα φεύγω (I will be leaving)

    • From φυγ you get: έφυγα (I left), φύγε! (imperative form “leave!”)

  • Another example: έρχομαι (“to come”)

    • Present: έρχομαι

    • Imperative: έλα (“come here!”)

    • Future: θα έρθω (“I will come”)

Once you see these stems, even forms that look completely different at first become logical. This is one of the most powerful tricks for mastering Greek verbs.

2. Learn the Origins of Words

Greek words are often built from smaller roots. Understanding the stem can unlock the meaning of many related words. For example:

  • Καλημέρα = καλός (good) + ημέρα (day)

  • From ημέρα, we also get: ημερολόγιο (diary), ημερομηνία (date), ενημέρωση (update/informing), ημερήσιος(daily), even Ημεροβίγλι, the famous Santorinian village. 

By tracing words back to their roots, you start noticing connections across vocabulary that make memorization easier and usage more intuitive.

3. Don’t Stay on the Surface

Many learners stop at basic phrases or vocabulary, but Greek truly starts to make sense when you dig deeper. Explore etymology, verb stems, and sentence structure. Once you understand the logic, you’ll see why forms exist, how sentences are built, and how words relate to each other.

4. Pay Attention to Nouns and Adjectives

Greek nouns are conjugated (declined) according to case, number, and gender, and adjectives follow the same patterns.

Example:
 Understanding how ο άντρας (the man/the husband) changes in different cases also helps you know how adjectives describing it will change.

  • If άντρας is the subject of the sentence, we use the nominative case.

  • If άντρας is the object, we use the accusative case.

For example:

  • “I called my husband” → Πήρα τον άντρα μου (here, άντρας is the object → accusative: τον άντρα).

  • “My husband called me” → Ο άντρας μου με πήρε (here, άντρας is the subject → nominative: ο άντρας).

Knowing these cases is essential for constructing correct and natural sentences in Greek.

5. Pronouns Are Key

Pronouns in Greek are powerful and often appear in shortened forms. Knowing them will make your sentences make sense and sound natural.

  • Example: Πάρε με = “Take me.” Here, με is the short form of εμένα.

  • Example: Πες μου = “Tell me.” We use μου instead of saying σε εμένα.

Recognizing these forms allows you to understand and speak Greek like a native, rather than piecing it together word by word.

Wednesday, 15 October 2025 23:00

Haig Yazdjian Quintet Live At Theatre Of The No

Internationally acclaimed musician and oud virtuoso Haig Yazdjian returns to the stage of Theatre of the NO for a special concert on Saturday, October 18th  at 22:30, in an evening full of melodies and sounds from the rich traditions of the East and the contemporary music scene.

Born in Syria with Armenian roots, Haig Yazdjian has established himself as one of the leading figures in world music. Uniquely blending traditional Eastern music with contemporary global influences, he has collaborated with top artists and is renowned for his mastery of the oud.

Joining him on stage are exceptional musicians: Giorgos Kontogiannis (lyra), Tasos Poulios (kanun), Yannis Kirimkiridis ( piano) and Thanos Chatzianagnostou (drums). Together, they will create a musical voyage full atmospheric musical explorations and emotional shifts, featuring new, unreleased compositions that promise the audience a truly unique musical experience.

Info

Haig Yazdjian: oud
Giorgos Kontogiannis: lyra
Tasos Poulios: kanun
Yannis Kirimkiridis: piano
Thanos Hatzianagnostou: drums

Credits

Poster Design: Sotiria Bramou
Social Media: Nico Fytas
PR & Communication: Eleftheria Sakareli
Thursday, 09 October 2025 10:27

YES To Smart Shipping

The discussion, titled “Generation Sea: Innovation in Shipping”, will welcome university students and graduates from various institutions and aims to highlight how new technologies are redefining the future of the maritime industry while creating exciting opportunities for the next generation.

For the second consecutive year, the YES Forum is proud to be an official partner of Startup Greece Week and to host this thought-provoking discussion.

Together with distinguished professionals from the shipping sector, we’ll explore how technology and innovation are transforming the maritime landscape — shaping new careers, new skills, and new possibilities for young talent.



Key topics include:
  • Digitalization, Big Data & AI: How emerging technologies are reshaping careers in shipping.
  • Tech-driven careers: How the industry can attract young professionals passionate about technology.
  • Skills of the future: What young people need to thrive in the maritime world of tomorrow.
  • Cybersecurity, Blockchain & Digital Ecosystems: Tools that enhance safety, transparency, and efficiency.
  • The human factor & technology: Striking the right balance between human expertise and digital advancement.
  • Innovation & entrepreneurship: How companies can encourage youth-led innovation and entrepreneurship in shipping.


CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!


Thursday, 09 October 2025 09:58

The Meet Market #FallEdition At Technopolis

✔ 160+ makers
✔ DJ sets
✔ Street food & cocktails
✔ Free activities for kids & adults

Autumn means warm colors, crisp air, the first cozy sweaters… and, of course, our annual Fall Meet Market at Technopolis, on Saturday, October 25 & Sunday, October 26!

So instead of heading off for a 3 day weekend getaway, stick around in Athens because we’ve got something way more fun: a two-day celebration full of music, flavors, shopping, Halloween happenings, and surprises that will make the city feel like the ultimate getaway!

busy

Join us for a festival of creativity, innovation, and local talent with over 160+ Greek brands – our timeless favorites alongside many newcomers – including designers, artists, collectors and small-scale producers.

Discover original ideas, well-designed clothing, unique accessories, one-of-a-kind jewelry, thoughtful home-deco, beauty & wellness products, local produce & foods, items for kids, vintage treasures, and much more.

Your love for vintage digging knows no bounds, and neither does ours! This year, we’ve added yet another vintage section to the two existing ones. You’ll find it inside the Machine-work venue, packed with unique pieces and treasures for every collector and vintage lover, with a fresh twist.

Of course, our irresistible street food from around the world, craft beers from local microbreweries, and signature cocktails from our bar will be there too. And because we love trying new things, this year The Meet Market is expanding its culinary palette even further!

Staying true to our motto, “First a Meet, then a Market,” all of the above will take place alongside back-to-back DJ sets, activities, and fun surprises for our younger visitors – completely free.
Just a few days before Halloween, we’re inspired by a spooky vibe, with lots of crafts and activities for our little friends to get them in the mood for the most “frightfully” fun celebration!

And make sure you stop by the Info Point to participate in the #BigRaffle, where 3 lucky winners will receive a basket full of gifts from our exhibitors!

We can’t wait to see you at our autumn gathering! Let’s fill Technopolis once again with colors, flavors, smiles, and our most unique energy!

#MakersLineup

Hand-Designer Clothes:

5pm, ADELIE PENGU, Anemuku, Bakayaro, Be Strong by Mo, BOK CHOY Athens, Born Backwards, Circle of Karma, Cotton Candy, DRU, Elli Papadaki, Galliadra_p, Hazelnut Streetwear, Hit the Road, Ifi Genius, Kadó Handmade, Line of View, Ovary Gang, Nerida, NIATA, nik’s, Razzmatazz, ΣυνARTησίες, The Spiral Project

Kids, Toys & Pets:

Aeikiniton, amilima, Cow Makes MOO, Funky Little Stuff, Happy Button store, Lemon Dreamz, Kóka Handmade, Mamma Cavolfiore, Mamuka, NOKNOK

Accessories:

Atotebug, ALEF, Curly Mary, I Love Bows, IF Project, KALTSA ΣΟΚ, LePlou, Misirloo, Molkano, MoMo Handcrafted, Oratia, THEARTIKOSHOP, The Feeddogs, Think Bricks, TIRAMISU

Jewelry:

ANKORIALIA, Chrisapiti, Diesblon, Evi Apostolou Jewelry, Giota Bibli, Giraffe, Freyja, Gooskoo jewelry, Have an Idea, Ilianne Jewelry, INÓ jewellery. Kilimi Jewellery, Kimothoe, Lizetta Fotoglou, Loveisall.store, Mademoiselle, Mikaro, Opseis jewellery, Paav Creations, Pennys Craft, Proof of Concept, Sisyphus, Sweetheart_mou, Teal Heart, Thyella Jewellery, Wood and Meraki, Xoutous

jewlery

Mind, Body & Soul:

111ELIES, Aurora Art Project, Bee Naturalles, BETTER BE CANDLES, CalliopeShop, ERYA BOTANICA, Ethra Essentials, Kalliope’s Botanicals, Labora Essences, Lavandula, Melissafarm, My Curls, Myrtia Natural Cosmetics, Natural Soy Candles, Nymfes Cosmetics, Ofelima Skincare, Paper Boat Soaps & Candles, Soap n Goods, Soap Up Project, The Soaphouse, Wasteless Design

mind body soul

Vintage & Upcycled:

Anthophile Vintage, Cinderella Secondhand, Handpicked Cherries, Its Clofie, Jenny Blond, King Kong Vintage, Lilia in Love Vintage, Memorabilia Lovers, Nostalgw, OK Boomer, Path Vintage, The Emerald Hut, The Lost Kids Clothing, Thrift Me Hard, To Diskadiko

vintage 2

Art, Books & Home Deco:

Art Studio YiotaNt x Yoko Soy Candles, Cactus DNA, CREaTE.CRETE, Curious Attic, Danaismouart x Labeldone, EleniPal Ceramics, Evie On Off, Inlenso Photography, Ioulia Geraskli Ceramic Lab, Κουμπάκι, Favlos Kyklos, Gullmai Ceramics, Little Stone Studio, Logolady Studio, LOUPES PRINTING, Made by Tifi, Meli Ceramics, MyRuggedBox, Paperlocs., Picchio Woodworking, ΠΟΛΥ ΚΟΥΛ, Redy., The Couple Game, The Signature Project, Village Tree Ceramics, Vintage Trip

home deco

Tasting Corner:

Αγρόκτημα Δρόσου, Άγρια Νομή, Aithra Spirits, Ανάγνου Ζυμαρικά, APO KARDIAS OLIVE OIL, Αχταρμάς, ΓΕΥΣΕΙΣ ΝΙΚΕΖΗ, Οικογένεια Δασκαλάκη, Kakau Worship, Mountain People, Penelope’s Marmalade, ΣάΟΣ, Vlachos Deli

Street Food & Drinks:

Falafeladiko, Holy Llama, Hurry Up, Ideas Lab, KYKAO Handcrafted, rubik’s laboratoire, Sourmena Brew, Tarantino burgers, The Meet Market Bar, Wowchi

beers

Parallel Activites

Saturday 25/10

13:00 - 16:00 | for kids | Face-painting with Moutzoures
13:00 - 16:00 | for kids | PAIZONTAS
16:00 - 17:00 | for all | Doundoun Dance workshop with Dafni Asimakopoulou
17:00 - 18:30 | or kids | Bubble and Juggling Show with Fundastick Performing Arts 

Sunday 26/10

13:00 -16:00 | for kids | Face-painting with Moutzoures
14:00 - 15:00 | for kids | Halloween crafts
15:00 - 16:00 | for kids | Gardening for kids 
16:00 - 17:00 | for kids | Magic Show with Magic Tolto

kids

DJ Lineup

Saturday 25.10.2025

12:00 - 14:00: Rrose Sélavy
14:00 - 16:00: Afrogirl
16:00 - 18:00: Paul Spymania
18:00 - 20:00: Giorgos Garavellos
20:00 - 22:00: Dr. Orange

Sunday 26.10.2025

12:00 - 14:00: djk_aka_zegas
14:00 - 16:00: Pipidee
16:00 - 18:00: Vber
18:00 - 20:00: dj kotétrataté
20:00 - 22:00: MIghtymos

djs

The Athens English Comedy Club is thrilled to be running its 7th year of shows!

Experienced acts and exciting newcomers share the stage, presenting their best material, always in English.

Ιt'll be a mix of everything! A potluck of comedy! Colourful, comedic chaos!

Founded in 2019, the Athens English Comedy Club is the first, and only, purely English comedy club in Greece!

In the last 6 years, the Athens English Comedy Club has hosted lineup shows, open mic shows, online competitions, and comedy workshops, with *130* local and international comedians from *29 countries*.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Date: Sunday January 25th
Time: 21:00 (Doors open 20:40)

MC: Dimitris Dimopoulos

Tickets:

€8 super early-bird
€10 early-bird
€12 general admission
€15 at the door

🎭 €5 for actors (box-office only, with an active Greek Actors Union ID. Email/phone reservation required)

We also offer 3 free tickets per show to persons with disabilities or unemployed persons (email/phone reservation required).

Follow us on social media!

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

YouTube

TikTok

Come and laugh! Nay! Come and chortle. Or better yet, guffaw!

We are an international nursery and kindergarten in Voula seeking a native English – speaking or bilingual (English/Greek) Early Years Teacher to work with children aged 3 to 6 years.

Full-time or part-time position available.

Send your CV: info@peterpanschool.gr

Haris Tsalpara returns to the stage of THEATRE OF THE NO, on Saturday, October 11th  at 21:30. With her expressive voice and unique musical approach, she creates a world that blends the traditional with the contemporary, offering a musical experience that transcends conventional structures.

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Her first solo album–book “Anadysi is an innovative work that combines Eastern modality with electronic elements, delivering a musical journey beyond ordinary forms. It includes 6 spoken word poems and 7 songs, with texts, lyrics, and music written by Tsalpara herself. The work explores profound themes such as entropy, rebirth, and the perception of time.

Her music forms a fascinating sonic mosaic, weaving together traditional motifs, trip-hop, beats, noise, and baroque elements. The constant transformation of the soundscapes goes beyond the usual “verse-chorus” structure, offering a freer and more dynamic musical experience. The evening unfolds in two parts: In the first, the audience will journey through the texts and songs of “Anadysi”, discovering Haris Tsalpara’s unique musical world. In the second part, the music turns into a celebration with beloved folk, rebetiko, and traditional songs we all know, sing, or dance to. A unique experience where new and old songs, innovative sounds, and familiar melodies coexist.

IMG 1558

INFO

Readers:
Haris Tsalpara
Yiannis Tavlas
 
Musicians:
Haris Tsalpara: Vocals, Keys
Alexandra Rizou: Vocals, Violin
Chrysoula Kehayioglou: Vocals
Yiannis Tavlas: Electric Bass, Effects
Giorgos Georgopoulos: Bouzouki, Tzouras, Baglamas, Loops
Ilias Fotiadis: Drums
 
Credits
Sound Engineer: Yiotis Paraskevaides
Video Loops: Axalotriohasi
Poster Photography: Eleni Albarosa
 
Poster Design: Sotiria Bramou
Social Media: Nico Fytas
PR & Communication: Eleftheria Sakareli
 




Tuesday, 07 October 2025 10:50

Athenogates — Art for Animal Welfare

A unique group art exhibition, “Athenogates”, opens at Andie Art Gallery on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at 19:00, supporting Dorotea’s Cats Rescue, a volunteer initiative dedicated to rescuing, caring for, and finding homes for stray cats, founded by Dorotea Merkouri.

sweet temptation

Curated by art historian Annita Patsouraki, the exhibition features paintings, sculptures, ceramics, jewelry, and decorative works inspired by the animal world and the harmonious relationship between humans and animals. As Patsouraki notes, the artworks blend realism, abstraction, and symbolism to emphasize the importance of care, responsibility, and respect for all living creatures.

With the motto “We Love Animals – We Love Life”, the show highlights the mysterious and enchanting world of cats, as well as the broader animal kingdom, encouraging empathy and action for animal welfare. The exhibition aims to combine artistic creation with tangible support for animals, promoting awareness, compassion, and adoption.

dog

About Dorotea Merkouri

Greek-Italian actress and Italian cuisine author, Dorotea has been devoted to stray animals since her youth. Upon returning to Greece, she intensified her efforts, founding Dorotea’s Cats Rescue, coordinating daily rescues, medical care, sterilizations, and adoptions across Athens. Since 2020 (and more intensively from 2022), her team of volunteers and veterinarians has helped over 150 cats, overseeing 120 sterilizations and facilitating 35 adoptions.

Dorotea emphasizes that in Greece, where state support for stray animals is limited, volunteer action is both a responsibility and a duty for everyone.

cat
Crete steps into the spotlight of international sports once again, this time hosting the prestigious CEV Beach Volley European Cup Final from November 6 to 9 at TUI Magic Life Candia Maris, member of the Metaxa Hospitality Group, in Heraklion.

The tournament promises thrilling matches and high-level action, bringing together top European teams on the sand. At the same time, it boosts sports tourism and showcases Crete on an international level. The tournament is part of the official international calendar and is held under the auspices of the European Volleyball Confederation (CEV), with the co-organization of the Region of Crete, the Hellenic Volleyball Federation, the Municipality of Malevizi, and Metaxa Hospitality Group.

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The European Cup Beach Volley Teams

European Cup is an interclub European competition where clubs from various countries represent their national championships on the international stage. Participation is based on the teams’ performance in their domestic leagues, which are officially recognized by the Confederation. The men’s and women’s teams that will compete in the tournament’s qualifying stage have already been confirmed.

The full list of qualifiers includes teams from the following 24 national federations: Azerbaijan, Armenia, England, Austria, Belgium, Northern Ireland, France, Georgia, Spain, Italy, Netherlands, Hungary, Ukraine, Croatia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Switzerland, Czech Republic, and Turkey. The vast majority of national federations will participate with both genders, while Armenia, Czech Republic, England, Netherlands, and Switzerland will only compete in the men’s category. Lithuania, on the other hand, will participate exclusively in the women’s category.

Specifically, the champion team Azerrail from Azerbaijan returns to the European stage aiming to defend the historic double-title win achieved last year in Montpellier. The Greek club 4 Sports Club Athens, representing our country, has already secured its place in the final stage. The remaining finalists, seven clubs per gender, will emerge from the qualifying phase. This is scheduled for late September and early October, with the venues and group compositions to be announced early next week.

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International visitors, new opportunities, growth for the island

The hosting of European Cup in Crete is expected to bring significant benefits at both local and national levels. The presence of athletes, coaches, and fans from around the world will boost tourism, extending the tourist season and creating demand for hospitality, dining, and transportation. At the same time, the international promotion of the country highlights Greece as a top sports tourism destination and strengthens its ability to host more international sporting events.


Watch the official teaser video of the event HERE!


Extension of the island’s tourist season

TUI Magic Life Candia Maris and Metaxa Hospitality Group reaffirm their commitment to sports tourism, offering the infrastructure, expertise, and experience required to host high-level international events such as the CEV European Cup, following the successful organization of the Nations Cup in May. With the support of the Region of Crete, the Hellenic Volleyball Federation, and the Municipality of Malevizi, Crete proves its capability to host top-tier European sporting events, positioning the island as a global destination for sports tourism.

Another major beach volleyball event comes to Greece, and it would not have been possible without the contribution of Technical Director Vangelis Polimeropoulos through the Best Sports Marketing Agency in Greece, ActiveMedia Group. 
 
Tuesday, 07 October 2025 10:25

Greek-Inspired Pumpkin Spice Latte

It’s October, and you know what that means: pumpkin spice is everywhere! Cafés are buzzing with the familiar aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg, and espresso, Starbucks is serving their seasonal favorite, and cozy sweater vibes are officially in the air. But why not give your pumpkin spice latte a little Mediterranean twist this year? With a touch of mastihaGreek honey, and classic pumpkin spices, you can bring the flavors of Greece straight to your cup.

Ingredients:
  • 1 cup milk (cow, oat, or almond)

  • 1/2 cup strong brewed espresso or coffee

  • 2–3 tbsp pumpkin puree

  • 1–2 tsp greek honey (or more to taste)

  • 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice (or 1/4 tsp cinnamon + pinch nutmeg + pinch clove)

  • A tiny pinch of mastiha powder

  • Whipped cream (optional)

  • Cinnamon or crushed mastiha for garnish

Instructions:
  1. Warm the milk:
    In a small saucepan, gently heat the milk over medium heat. Add the pumpkin puree, honey, pumpkin spice, and mastiha. Whisk continuously until frothy and fragrant (about 3–5 minutes).

  2. Brew the coffee/espresso:
    While the milk warms, prepare 1/2 cup of strong espresso or coffee.

  3. Combine:
    Pour the espresso into a mug. Slowly add the spiced pumpkin milk mixture, stirring gently.

  4. Top it off:
    Add whipped cream if you like. Sprinkle a little cinnamon or crushed mastiha on top for garnish.

  5. Serve and enjoy:
    Sip slowly and enjoy that warm, cozy, Greek-inspired pumpkin flavor!

Pro tip: For an extra Greek touch, drizzle a tiny bit of Greek honey on top of the whipped cream. It pairs beautifully with the spices!
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