A brand new season by Impact Hub Athens in Kypseli, starts this Saturday, 17th of September from 12.00 to 21.00, with the Pawsome Festival, which will turn the Municipal Market’s open space into a huge interactive playground for our four-legged friends.

The festival will be accompanied by music from Athens 9.84, and its radio show ‘Like cats and dogs’ which will be aired live for the first time from Agora. Pets and their owners will have the chance to find whatever they wish for. High-quality food from ΚΥΟΝ, but also organic unprocessed choices based on the BARF diet from Nature’s Food. Delicacies, accessories and toys in Pawbox’s indie boutique for cats and dogs, toiletries and grooming services from  NanoSanitas.

Eugenia Samara and her colleagues will introduce us to Your Pet App, a Greek platform/app that offers help to animals in need, while the independent animal welfare group Adespota Exarcheia, will be in the Market’s space along with their merch.

At the same time, useful advice for dog care and training will be given by specialists. The Pet Foodologist  Stavrianna Manolakou, will be providing individual diet tips according to the needs of each dog separately. The experienced specialists of Dog Society will reveal secrets and innovative ways on how dogs can interact and adapt properly to their environment. Dogs Voice will entertain the audience with games and quizzes. During the afternoon hours between 18.00 to 19.30, the visitors will be able to take a walk with the excellently trained superheroes-guide dogs, of the school Lara guide dogs.

Of course, animal welfare organizations and facilities, like Animal City of Athens, Animal Welfare Association of Megara, και Animal Welfare of Elliniko- Argiroupoli, couldn’t be missing from the event.

From 17.00 to 21.00, people and pets will have the chance to be photographed in the curated by Canon photo booth, by the lens of the dog-portrait photographer Olga Amoiridou with her project The Dog Project. The visitors will be able to print and get their instant photos for free, in Canon’s expert printer.

Kypseli’s hangout spot Morning Sweetie will be in the Market too, providing us with freshly ground coffee and pupcakes (edible by people and dogs) to share with our pets.

See you on Saturday, the 17th of September!

The green light was given for the start of the tendering procedures and subsequent implementation of the construction of a bicycle and pedestrian lane linking the suburbs of Kallithea and Voula on the southern coast of Athens.

The relevant cooperation agreement was signed by Attica Regional Governor Giorgos Patoulis and the appointed adviser of the State Property Development Fund, Panagiotis Stamboulidis. The “Athenian Riviera Urban Walk” has secured funding as it is already included in the National Recovery and Resilience Plan Greece 2.0 with a budget of 24.7 million euros.

The network of pedestrian and cycle paths will cross seven municipalities (Kallithea, Palaio Faliro, Alimos, Elliniko, Argyroupoli, Glyfada, and Vari-Voula-Vouliagmeni). The estimated total length is 13.5 km. The project is expected to be delivered at the end of 2025.

Originally published on: ekathimerini.com

If you are wondering when the perfect time to plan a little trip abroad is, autumn is always the answer. Most European destinations have lived through their high season, the streets are becoming quieter, and you can experience your favorite cities off-the-beaten-track, escaping the tourist crowds and getting a taste of the everyday lives of locals.

And although almost every city is dreamy in the autumn, some cities feel even more magical. Here is a list of our favorite European destinations that you should visit this fall!

Amsterdam


@johnblutephotography

Autumn in Amsterdam is absolutely magical. The trees lining the canals start changing to the warm colors of the season, the city’s bars, restaurants, and cafes become delightfully cozy, and the streets are quieter, making it easy to wander around and take in the beauty that unfolds before you. Not to mention the numerous events you can attend during the fall season, such as the Amsterdam Dance Event in mid-October or the Amsterdam Light Festival at the beginning of November.

Barcelona


@christian_kremser

Barcelona may be a popular summer destination, but autumn is when the city really comes to life, with tons of festivals happening all around. The most famous of all is La Castanyada, or Catalan Halloween, which is a festival to honor the dead and where you can enjoy delicious local food like castanyes (chestnuts) and panellets, a typical Catalan pastry. Except for attending festivals, you can go for a picnic in Ciutadella Park and cherish the magic of nature in all its autumn glory, see a flamenco show, and, of course, visit the museums and most popular sites with no annoying tourist crowds!

Dubrovnik


@dubrovnik_tourist_guide

Dubrovnik, the shining jewel in Dalmatia’s crown, is sure to take your breath away if you visit during autumn. The temperatures remain relatively warm, and even the water stays warm through October. You can appreciate Dubrovnik’s historic centre when the crowds have thinned and soak up the last sunny days of the season with a swim or kayaking trip. Make sure to walk up to the top of the Old Town walls, the best vantage point for contemplating the vistas and admiring the city dressed in the golden hues of autumn.

Porto


@porto_portugal

The mild weather, the smell of roasted chestnuts, and the less crowded city—autumn in Porto is one of the most memorable things you will ever experience. First, it is the perfect time to discover the Douro valley and its vineyards, listed as a World Heritage site. Pay a visit to the city’s parks, such as the Palácio de Cristal and the Botanic Garden, and sip hot chocolate at cozy cafes, set in former bookstores. Last but not least, make sure to watch a fado show. Fado is the traditional music genre of Portugal, and fado songs are usually connected to the feeling of Saudade, a state of nostalgia and yearning. Once you listen to fado music, you will always carry Porto in your heart!

Bordeaux


@intercontinental_bordeaux

Named the world’s best city a few years back by Lonely Planet, Bordeaux is a year-round destination, but it shines a bit brighter in autumn. The days are warm, the nights are cool, the countryside begins its dramatic change of color, with fields and hillsides washed in the autumn color palette of mustard yellows, fiery oranges, and burnt reds, and the countless beautiful châteaux and tiny historic towns wait to be explored. Plus, wine lovers will be able to sample the city’s world-famous wines and embark on wine tours of the Medoc region and, of course, the charming medieval town of Saint-Emilion.

The Learning & Participation Department of the Greek National Opera issues an open call for permanent or temporary residents of Athens, professional and amateur musicians from every community in the city, to become members of the Greek National Opera Intercultural Choir. For one more year, the members of a diverse group of Athenians will join their voices, bringing together different traditions and highlighting the immediacy and power of singing and music.

Over the past seven years, the Intercultural Choir has had members from Slovakia, Tanzania, New Guiney, Ukraine, Cameroon, Syria, Cyprus, the United Kingdom, France, the United States, Iran, Kenya, Kongo, Iraq and Greece.

The Choir’s constantly expanding repertoire consists of songs from the countries of origin of its members and beyond!

In this new educational cycle and under the direction of Anna Linardou, along with the expansion of its standard repertoire, the Intercultural Choir will attempt to explore voice beyond just singing, its relationship with the body, movement and improvisation, through works of contemporary composers. In this context, we invite new members, eager to sing and explore the new music, to join our forces. The selection of the new members will be made on the basis of the intention to bring out the Choir’s intercultural character and ensure a balanced representation of all age and voice groups.

The Intercultural Choir has given concerts on the GNO Alternative Stage in the SNFCC, on various squares in Athens, at the “Eleftherios Venizelos” Athens International Airport, and as part of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation’s Summer Nostos Festival. It has also collaborated with the International Choir of the Göteborg Opera under the direction of composer Trevor Grahl, performing his works. For the Intercultural Choir’s new season, the GNO Learning & Participation Department is planning new collaborations, as well as a concert outside Athens. The Choir’s rehearsals are held on a weekly basis at the Greek National Opera, in the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center.

Please note that all applicants need to upload a video or audio file with a short excerpt of a song of their choice.

Those interested in applying are requested to fill in and send the application form by Sunday 18 September 2022.

Applications for participating in the Choir can be submitted exclusively via the form you will find HERE!

 

 

 

 

• Issue certificates. 
• Find the electronic services provided by the municipality and those for which a physical presence is required. 
• Book their appointment with the municipal services online. 
• Report a problem. 
• Find information about the cultural, sports and entertainment activities offered by the municipality. 
• Watch the Municipal Council live and read the decisions that concern them. 
• Read the municipality’s news. 

 

 

 

Rakomelo

 

  

Fatourada

 

 

 

 

 

 

Schools open on Monday with less strict rules according to the new protocols outlined in the Government Gazette.

The use of protective masks (simple surgical or fabric masks with appropriate specifications) is optional for pupils in all classes, teachers, and other staff, as well as for visitors to schools.

However, teachers who remain unvaccinated and uninfected by the Covid-19 coronavirus must have laboratory diagnostic testing (rapid tests or PCR tests) at private diagnostic centers, private clinics, pharmacies, or a private physician at their own expense.

The compulsory laboratory tests are required once per week, before Tuesday up to 48 hours before school attendance.

If the diagnostic test is negative, then a certificate will be issued which the teacher must present to the school to attend classes. If the result of the laboratory diagnostic test is positive, then the relevant protocols of the National Public Health Organization (EODY) will be followed.

If pupils have symptoms outside school, they must remain at home. If students have symptoms at school, the family must be contacted and the child picked up. Until the pupil is collected they must be isolated in a pre-designated well-ventilated area, with supervision, away from other children.

Originally published on: ekathimerini.com

“Peculiar Views”, Dimitra Gounari solo exhibition
Opening:  Wednesday 14 September, 18.00
Duration:   14 September – 1 October, 2022
Hours:  Thursday – Saturday 17.00-20.00
FokiaNou Art Space, Fokianou 24, 7th Floor, Pagrati  Metro:  Evangelismos 

In her solo exhibition at FokiaNou Art Space, Dimitra Gounari presents a series of new photographic landscapes embodying multi-layered perspectives through her use of mirrors. By using mirrors she invites viewers into the artist's world and makes them feel part of her experience. The body and the landscape are presented in multiple deconstructions in a confusion of reflections in order to highlight a new multi-layered interpretation of reality, where the different parts recreate our relationships with the 'other' and the natural landscape. Dimitra Gounari states: "Mirrors, which complete the landscape, act to break down our fixed perceptions of our world, while at the same time they offer new dynamics for a new repositioning of human coexistence with the natural landscape. The mirror represents fragility and the exploration of 'self' which is always a starting point for me."

Dimitra Gounari is a PhD candidate in the Department of Sound and Image of the Ionian University, holds a Master of Arts in Image and Communication from Goldsmiths College-University London U.K., with a scholarship from the I.K.Y. State Scholarship Foundation, and is a graduate of the Department of Photography of the TEI of Athens. She has taught at the Department of Photography and Audiovisual Arts of the University of West Attica, the Visual Arts course at the IB Diploma of Geitona Schools and is an IB DP Visual Arts examiner. Her work has received distinctions and awards from institutions and photography competitions such as the Ministry of Culture of the French Community of Belgium, the Melina Merkouri Foundation 2001, the Euro Press Photo Awards 2001, Fotografos magazine in 2002. She has exhibited in Greece, Belgium, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, and been published in catalogs in the Greek and international press. Her work can be found in private and public collections such as the Museum of Photography of Thessaloniki and the Photographic Center of Athens.

FokiaNou Art Space is an artist-run project space in the intimacy of a small apartment in an old building in the center of Athens. The space encourages collaborative creative efforts between Greek and foreign artists, thereby promoting and supporting the local art community. Since 2016, under the direction and curatorship of visual artists Mary Cox and Panagiotis Voulgaris, over 50 exhibitions have been held, as well as workshops and talks.   www.fokianou247.gr  

Tsimikas Football Clinics for the first time in Greece

The top sports tourism event Navarino Challenge, will showcase once again the beautiful natural environment of Messinia with more than 30 activities taking place at Costa Navarino and Pylos, on October 21-23, 2022 for the event’s 10th anniversary.

 

The running activity, which has been an integral part of Navarino Challenge since 2013, will be the main attraction once again and will be available to everyone, professional and amateur participants, people of all ages and abilities from all over the world. Running is one of the event’s wellness activities that brings children and parents closer to sports by giving them the opportunity to run on routes that cover all needs and demands.

 

Fans of short distance running can choose the 5km powered by Samsung. Participants of all ages will run along a magnificent route by the sea, among hundreds of centuries-old olive trees with stunning views of the Ionian Sea, with a start and finish point at Costa Navarino. Amazing gifts from Samsung Electronics Hellas will await the runners at the finish line.

Run in the top Greek Half Marathon powered by Miele

The route of the Half Marathon powered by Miele starts from the premises of The Westin Resort Costa Navarino and heads towards the south exit of the complex. The participants will run the 21.1 km of the route, together with the Greek-American ultramarathon Konstantine Dean Karnazes. They will pass through the wildlife sanctuary of Gialova Lagoon and will end up at the beach of Voidokilia where the most beautiful but also most demanding part of the route begins. At this point the route runs around the perimeter of the beach on golden sand for 650m. Voidokoilia and the wider area have been designated a place of special natural beauty and are part of the Natura 2000 Network. This is the only trail running route in Greece that combines sand, soil and asphalt. The end of the route will find participants again at Costa Navarino where they will be expecting rich gifts from Miele.

 

Watch the video with the running activities here.

 

Navarino Challenge routes are also ideal, for all those who have a soft spot for their four-legged friends as they can run with their pets. At the same time, all running routes highlight the natural beauties of Messinia, cultivating the environmental consciousness of the participants through the sustainability principles applied by the event.

Watch here the running routes and all their technical characteristics.

 

Register now for the running activities (21,1km, 10km, 5km, 1km) through the following link.

For group registrations of 10 people or more, a 20% discount applies. For more information, please contact the event organizers.

Navarino Challenge includes football in its schedule for the first time, organizing the Tsimikas Football Clinics which bares the signature of the top international football player of Liverpool FC and the Greek National Team, Kostas Tsimikas. The Tsimikas Football Clinics will be held with a qualified football coach, and all participants will receive rich gifts such as a cap and a t-shirt signed by Tsimikas as well as a participation bag. In the context of this year’s event, the Chief Executive Officer of PROSPORT, Mr. Paschalis Tountouris, said: “The two-day Tsimikas Football Clinics at this year’s Navarino Challenge enables children who love sports, football and the Greek Scouser, to understand the philosophy of football, to be trained by the coach of the Greek academy level,  and to learn some of the favorite habits of the Greek international player by participating in challenges that Kostas himself will put them through! Dedication, consistency and hard training are the threefold success of Konstantinos Tsimikas and the basic principles of our company. Prosport, puts children in the “foreground” with the Tsimikas Football Clinics, cultivating above all the love for sports and “fair play”, just as Navarino Challenge has been doing for the last 10 years”.

 

Kois Optics make a dynamic entry into this year’s Navarino Challenge, participating as the event’s Official Optics Partner. With its head store in Ermoupolis, Syros and additional stores in Athens (Hotel Grande Bretagne) and Mykonos, and through their new “Orophographia” series, with technical perfection, combine excellent quality and high aesthetics. The unique “Orophographia” aesthetic and design that has to date inspired a wide range of wearable art items including eyewear, silk scarves, jewelry and woven bags will be available for purchase at this year’s Navarino Challenge.  

 

Enjoy a weekend with more than 30 outdoor wellness activities for people of all ages. Book now the event’s accommodation package with half board and live this year’s unique sports and cultural experience. For more information on accommodation packages at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino you may send your email to booking(at)navarinochallenge.com or call Vita N Travel at +30 210 3249070. Check the accommodation packages here. 

More activities and surprises will be announced soon on this year’s schedule.

          

Samsung Electronics Hellas supports the event for another year as its Official Technology Sponsor. 

Miele is the event’s Official Sponsor.

Vikos Natural Mineral Water is the Official Water. 

Luanvi is the Official Sports Supplier.

Costa Navarino and The Westin Resort Costa Navarino are the Official Hospitality Sponsors.

Poseidonia Restaurant, Karalis Beach Hotel and Bombay Sapphire are Navarino Challenge’s Official Supporters.

Trace ‘n Chase is the Sports Memorabilia Partner.

Messinian Spa is the Official Beauty Partner.

Pilia Express, the transportation company based in Pylos and Phee, are the event’s Partners.

SKAI is the Premium TV Partner.

Explore Messinia, FitnessArt, F45 Barrio Salamanca, Mouratoglou Tennis Center – Costa Navarino, Navarino Golf Academy, Navarino Outdoors, Pilates by Mandy, Red Swim Academy, Swim O’ Clock, Triantafyllidis Beach Arena, Vizantinos target sport club are Navarino Challenge’s Athletic Partners.

The event is assisted by Vita N Travel and Kayak. 

 

Navarino Challenge will take place under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism and the Greek National Tourism Organization.

The event has joined the Greek actions of the #BeactiveHellas 2022 program of the European Commission and is held under the auspices of the General Secretariat of Sports. 

The event is organized by ActiveMedia Group which is also responsible for the event’s Sports Production.