During the recent 33rd International Tourism Exhibition ‘Philoxenia’ that took place in Thessaloniki, the Region of Attica released its new tourism identity and logo.

The new logo drew the participants’ attention “with its charming clarity inspired by the cultural elements and shapes, the colors of the sea and the light, which characterize Attica,” the Region of Attica said.

“Attica was presented as a distinctive tourism destination to representatives of the international tourism market,” said Eleni Dimopoulou executive regional councilor for tourism.

To read this article in full, please visit: Greek Travel Pages

Every corner of Greece has unique specialties and dishes that have evolved over time. From the interplay of necessity and invention; from raw materials that grew naturally in harsh or fertile environments; from passersby – invaders or refugees – who introduced new ideas and from the Orthodox Church, whose stringent regulations regarding fasting compelled countless generations of housewives to create an enormous repertoire of wonderful vegetarian and vegan dishes. Discover Greece takes us on a gastronomic experience to taste big city Greek cuisine, traditional products, wine and local spirits, and more!

The key for any visitor is to ‘go local’, enjoy the gifts of the land and see and the company of people who have upheld ancient culinary traditions for centuries. Exchange toasts with your neighbours as you drink wine made from exquisite home-grown grapes. Have fun at lunch parties on Sundays and holidays that last till evening, enjoying traditional dishes that have been seasoned with love and special care.

In the big cities, you’ll dine at innovative and star-spangled restaurants serving new Greek cuisine and you’ll visit traditional markets that have been open since the 19th century. Shop windows and open-air displays will entice you with their novelties and freshness, inviting you to sample and taste familiar or unfamiliar foods. Live like a local in a land that has been influenced by waves of conquerors and embrace the habits that have for so long nourished body and soul of an entire nation.

To read this article in full, please visit: Discover Greece

To investigate what superfoods can do for us, Jamie Oliver traveled to Ikaria, Greece, where the residents live an average of 10 years longer than anyone in Europe and America. In this video, Oliver searches for the answer to Ikaria’s longevity. What’s their secret? Find out below!

*Unfortunately as of December 1, 2017 this video is no longer available online.

 

 

Source: Greece by a Greek

The Istanbul Biennial, one of Turkey's biggest art festivals, reached international waters with this year’s theme of ‘a good neighbor.’ As Lonely Planet reports, part of the biennial’s series of ‘neighboring events,’ Turkish art Volkan Aslan has installed his video work of ‘Home Sweet Home at the Municipal Art Gallery of Mytilini on Less.

The strong cultural and historical linkages between Turkey and Greece recur throughout the Lesvos exhibition. The gallery itself is housed in the restored former mansion of Halim Bey, the island’s last Ottoman governor and the great-grandfather of Turkish art collector Can Elgiz, whose family photos and mementos fill one first-floor room.

The couple, who own the Elgiz Museum of contemporary art in İstanbul, helped bring Aslan’s work to Lesvos as part of an on-going cultural-exchange agreement with the local municipality.

To read this article in full, please visit: Lonely Planet

Max Novak, a 22-year old student from USC Dornsife, was in Thebes, Greece when he was participating in an archaeological dig where there was a sanctuary of Poseidon. He was working for 5 hours when he found a B.C.-era bronze sword. As USC Dornsife reports:

“As I was digging in the periphery, I noticed the tip of this thing,” said Novak, who graduated in the spring. “I tapped on it and it had a metallic sound.” It was a bronze sword, likely from the Hellenic period, fourth-third century B.C.

Novak used brushes and a small stick to scrape away sediment, then slowly lifted it out.

This summer trip was possible due to the Kallins Hellenic Studies Summer Fellowship, a new opportunity for undergraduate and graduate research and travel through the Classics Department at USC Dornsife. Novak, who studied classics and art history, was one of three students receiving the fellowship for the first time.

To read this article in full, please visit: USC Dornsife

In a recent study conducted by Caterwings, highlighting the best gastronomic destinations in the world, included Athens and Thessaloniki among the top picks. Destinations were judged by the quality of the food and variety of choices and were given ratings by 20,000 journalists, as well as top restaurant critics. Athens came in 54th with a score of 8.9/10 regarding the gastronomic destination, while Thessaloniki ranked 75th with a score of 7.2 in the category of the quality of offered services.

San Sebastian, Tokyo, New York and Barcelona ranked first in the list.

To read this article in full, please visit: Tornos News

“Firs and tamarisks, imposing mountains and endless beaches, fish and game, “drakospita” (dragon houses) and lighthouses, the Edipsos thermal springs, old monasteries, waterfalls, ravines, industrial monuments, stone-built guesthouses, the Cavo Doro Cape… and one capital, Chalkida, friendly and affordable, ideal for endless promenades by the sea. Yes, Evia, one of the most impressive greek islands, with its unique beauty, looking out towards the Aegean Sea,” Discover Greece takes you on a holiday of a lifetime!

There is a magnificent beach hidden around every bend on Evia. In the north, discover the beaches of Edipsos, Politikon, Limnionas, Kavos, Gregolimanos and, of course, everyone’s favorite, Agia Anna – Agkali.

Famous since antiquity thanks to the unique properties of their waters, the Edipsos springs help heal the body and soul.

For those who love adventure, Evia is a paradise on earth. In Chalkida you can kayak the turbulent Evripos waters. On Eretria’s mainland, at Malakonta, you can go horseback riding. At M. Nikolaos mountain lodge you can rest after hiking the area’s trails.

To read this article in full, please visit: Discover Greece

 

Photo Credit: Discover Greece

According to the creators of Geography Now, 'everything we see today has some correlation to Greece...'

Greece is described as the birthplace of civilization and thought, this fun and factual video gives some really great insight about Greece and just how much this small country has touched the entire world. Watch the video and find out more!

Learn all about an Ancient Greek tradition quite similar to Thanksgiving, discover some of the best Deli bars in Athens and get festive with Christmas bazaars all around the city!

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Thanksgiving day is celebrated primarily in the US and Canada. It is celebration dedicated to giving thanks for a bountiful harvest, something that the ancient Greeks also did thousands of years ago.

Thesmophoria, in Greek religion was an ancient festival held in honor of Demeter Thesmophoros which was celebrated by women in many parts of the Greek world. The meaning of the name Demeter Thesmophoros still remains unresolved, although it perhaps translates to “bringer of treasure or wealth,” an obsolete sense of thesmos. 

Ever since ancient times, festivals for giving thanks have been celebrated in many regions around the world.

When Hades, the god of the underworld, abducted Persephone, her mother Demeter wouldn’t feed the world, and winter came upon the land. When Persephone was returned Demeter gave the gift of agriculture to humanity.

The Greeks believed that it was because of Demeter that the earth provided the harvest it did. Honoring her with offerings and ceremonies would guarantee a new and fresh harvest every year. The holiday dedicated to Demeter was called Thesmophoria.

 

To learn more about Thesmophoria, please visit: Encyclopaedia Britannica