The 4th Japan Festival, Greece’s most anticipated Japanese culture festival—and the only one of its kind in the country—is returning BIGGER and more EXCITING than ever on the weekend of April 26-27, 2025, at the Peristeri Exhibition Center!

Visitors will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in both contemporary and traditional Japanese culture through a variety of engaging activities, including workshops, talks, presentations, live demonstrations, and discussion panels, all aimed at showcasing the beauty and richness of Japanese cultural heritage.

Dozens of Greek and international artists, academics, authors, comic creators, gamers, cosplayers, and martial artists who share a passion for Japan will come together to offer an interactive and unforgettable experience for festival goers.

🌟 Highlights include:

👘 Kimono showcases
🛍️ Exclusive Japanese merchandise & delicacies
🌱 Bonsai exhibition
🎤 Live concerts
🎭 Cosplay parade
✂️ Interactive workshops (origami, calligraphy, tea ceremony, kintsugi, and more!)

Visitors will embark on a cultural journey through Japan, right in the heart of Greece!

📺 YouTube: @JapanFestivalGreece1
📘 Facebook: JapanFestivalGR
📷 Instagram: @japanfestival_gr
🐦 X (Twitter): @JapanFestivalGR

Indulge in a week of nature, culture, and self-care. Discover panoramic views on guided hikes, explore historical gems, and find balance through daily yoga. Experience the very best of Greece—without the crowds!

Included:
🏡 6 nights in a stunning villa
🥾 5 guided hikes
🏛️ Visit to an archaeological site
🧘‍♀️ 2 daily yoga classes
🍽️ All meals
💆‍♀️ Massage treatment

The Nefeli Nine week-long program focuses on well-being and is designed to deliver results that are easy to maintain. This isn’t about starving yourself or doing endless sit-ups or tedious exercises. Instead, this retreat offers a balanced approach to fitness, travel, exploration, and good food.

We’ll take you on breathtaking hikes that showcase the beauty of Greece, suitable for all ages and abilities. You’ll enjoy delicious, organic, and wholesome food inspired by slow living and the Blue Zones—plenty of it! Each day, you’ll participate in two personalized yoga classes designed just for you.

Of course, none of the program is compulsory—but none of our guests ever miss a single part of it. 🌿✨

---

To book now or submit an inquiry, please CLICK HERE!

---

Nefeli Nine offers a truly unique retreat experience in Greece, blending wellness, relaxation, and personalized care. It provides an intimate and rejuvenating environment, featuring tailored fitness programs, farm-to-table dining, and tranquil accommodations. Perfect for those seeking a balanced escape, Nefeli Nine invites guests to unwind and reconnect in harmony with nature. 🌿✨

Jerome Kaluta, this unique guy who has given us great musical moments and a lot of laughter, together with 7 musicians they are coming for an unforgettable musical experience on Wednesday, April 30, at the historic Kyttaro Live Stage!

An evening full of rhythm, energy and groove, where the disco-funk of the decades embraces the ukulele and Jerome's original pieces, in a unique party! Through the sound of Brass and Percussion we will hear from the viral "Kalavryta" and "Vouno" to songs from the 80's 90's RNB-DISCO, James Brown, Ray Charles, Salt n Pepa and many more legendary artists with all time classic hits, always with the inexhaustible energy that Jerome brings to the stage!

With Super Hero Guests Idra Kayne and Spyros Grammenos!

Jerome is accompanied by:

Nikos Anastasiadis - Drums
Odysseas Apostolopoulos - Keyboards/Vocals
Jenny Hatzopoulou - Vocals/Keyboards
Michalis Karagiannis - Guitar
Georgos Kalogeropoulos - Bass
Stelios Michas-Englezos - Trombone
Carlos Menendez - Congas/Percussion
Yiannis Papaioannou - Sound Engineer (FOH)
Victoria Papadopoulou - Production Management / Afrogreco Entertainment
Photography - Antonis Byrizas
Artwork: Eliza Zarifi
Video trailer: Antonis Byrizasy
Contact: Tzina Fountoulaki - Alexandros Karamalikis

Tickets: Presale: 12 euros / General Admission Box Office: 15 euros

Note: The ticket is for entry to the venue (bar) only. For seating reservations, call: 2108224134 / 6977641373

 

THEATRE OF THE NO, Athens' first English speaking  theatre, kicks off the Carnival season with a unique musical night celebrating the true rhythms of Cuba and Latin America. On Friday 2nd May at 22:30, the band «LA TAREA» will take Latin music and dance lovers on an unforgettable journey filled with rhythm and emotion.

Drawing inspiration from Afro-Cuban music, La Tarea blends styles such as salsa, son, mambo, cha-cha-cha, cumbia, bachata, merengue, and more. Their repertoire pays tribute to legendary artists like Ibrahim Ferrer, Compay Segundo, Celia Cruz, Tito Puente, Mongo Santamaria, Oscar D’León, as well as international icons such as Herbie Hancock, Nat King Cole, Ben E. King, Bill Withers, U2, Quantic, and many others.La Tarea, rooted in Afro-Cuban music, blends rhythms such as salsa, son, mambo, cha cha cha, cumbia, bachata, merengue, and more.

 In their musical journey, they pay tribute to legends like Ibrahim Ferrer, Compay Segundo, Celia Cruz, Tito Puente, Mongo Santamaria, Oscar D'León, as well as international artists such as Herbie Hancock, Nat King Cole, Ben E. King, Bill Withers, U2, Quantic, and many others.

Tahimy Rodriguez: Vocals, Percussion

Spyros Asimakopoulos: Trombone, Vocals

Andy Redes: Tres Cubano

Mampre Kasardjian: Bass

Andreas Triantafylopoulos: Percussion, Vocals

Photos: Nikos Pagonakis

Social Media: Kallia Gerakianaki

PR & Communication: Eleftheria Sakaréli

Note: The theatre also has a bar with affordable prices (beer 4€, drinks 6-8€)

 

THEATRE OF THE NO, Athens' premier English-speaking theater, is proud to present the Barakos Orchestra in a special musical performance dedicated to the legendary Giorgos Barakos.

 On Saturday 3nd May at 22:30, this twelve-member ensemble will showcase original compositions in a celebration of Barakos' monumental contribution to the Greek jazz scene.

In the spring of 2024, twelve friends and colleagues, bound by their mutual love for music and deep respect for Giorgos Barakos, came together with a shared goal: to honor the man who revolutionized Greek jazz. Barakos opened the first jazz club in Greece, nestled in the heart of the historic Anafiotika neighborhood in Plaka, beneath the Acropolis rock, and near the Agios Nikolaos Ragkavas church. His legacy, defined by his dedication to the art and culture of jazz, continues to resonate today.

The Barakos Orchestra is not a group designed to simply impress, but one that embodies the true spirit of music as an act of participation, collective memory, and shared expression. This performance serves as a heartfelt tribute to the visionary who helped shape the landscape of Greek jazz and jazz culture in general.

Harris Lambrakis: Ney

Leonidas Sarantopoulos: Flute & Tenor Saxophone

Giannis Papanastasiou & Nicky Kokkoli: Alto Saxophones

Gilad Atzmon: Clarinet & Tenor Saxophone

Yiannis Kassetas: Baritone Saxophone

Jacques Marugg: Vibraphone

Kostas Yaxoglou: Piano

Vyronas  Dolas: Electric Guitar

Xrysostomos  Boukalis:  Double Bass

Nikos Sidirokastritis & Simos Riniotis: Drums

Giorgos Karyotis: Sound

 

Explore the breathtaking Vikos Aoos National Park, where dramatic mountain trails, ancient history, and rich culture come together. This isn’t just a trip—it’s a journey for hiking and nature enthusiasts to experience Greece’s wild, untouched beauty.

What to Expect:

🌉 Visit iconic Zagorochoria stone bridges
🪜 Conquer the legendary Vradeto Steps
🌌 Navigate the awe-inspiring Vikos Gorge
🏔️ Reach Dragon Lake, an alpine treasure
🚣‍♂️ Raft the breathtaking Voidomatis River
🏨 Enjoy 6 nights in cozy traditional hotels
🍷 Indulge in all-inclusive meals, snacks, and wine
🧘 Relax with daily yoga/stretching for post-hike bliss



Trail Details

• Total distance: Approximately 60km
• Longest trail: 20km

This tour is specifically designed for hiking and nature lovers, offering access to some of the most majestic landscapes in Vikos Aoos National Park. The trails are among the most dramatic in Greece, appealing to avid hikers and wildlife enthusiasts alike.

Highlights

Walk along ancient footpaths and explore Greece’s cultural heritage as you cross iconic stone bridges, climb the legendary Vradeto Steps, navigate the dramatic Vikos Gorge (the world’s deepest canyon), and reach the stunning Dragon Lake, a hidden alpine gem.

Discover the unspoiled side of Greece, far from tourist hotspots. Immerse yourself in lush valleys, ancient sites, and pristine trails that showcase the wild beauty of the Pindus Mountains. This program features a mix of challenging yet rewarding hikes, perfect for those seeking adventure and a deeper connection to nature. 🌿✨

---

To book now or submit an inquiry, please CLICK HERE!

---

Nefeli Nine offers a truly unique retreat experience in Greece, blending wellness, relaxation, and personalized care. It provides an intimate and rejuvenating environment, featuring tailored fitness programs, farm-to-table dining, and tranquil accommodations. Perfect for those seeking a balanced escape, Nefeli Nine invites guests to unwind and reconnect in harmony with nature. 🌿✨

Duration: 15 – 31 May, 2025
Hours: Thursday – Saturday, 17.00 -20.00
Opening: Thursday, 15 May, 18.00

FokiaNou Art Space is pleased to present the fourth edition of the annual group exhibition “Flower Power”, an artistic tribute to the beauty, resilience and timeless symbolism of flowers. The exhibition emerged from an open call to artists, who responded with works covering a wide range of techniques and materials, from painting and photography to sculpture, installations and mixed media. Curated by Panagiotis Voulgaris and Mary Cox, the exhibition hosts a multitude of artistic approaches, depicting the the diverse interpretations and emotional connections artists have with floral themes—ranging from vibrant representations of nature to abstract, conceptual explorations.

 

Now that we are in May, the month of flowering and rebirth, Athens is flooded with images and aromas of nature. In this festive and optimistic atmosphere, the exhibition “Flower Power 4” comes at the right time, inviting the public to an artistic walk full of light, sensitivity and creativity. Flowers, symbols of transience but also of the beauty of the ephemeral, acquire new meaning through the eyes of contemporary artists. 

 

Bodarch (P. Petrou and S. Chatzipanayotou), Lorenz Bögle, Seyran Deniz, Panagiotis Ferentinos, Penny Geka, Katerina Kokkinaki, Dwra Konsta, Vani Koronaki, Kalliopi Kouklinou, Maria Claudia Litsas, Jennie London, George Manouzas, Pandora Mouriki, Despoina Pantazi, Gabriela Papaefthimiou, Apostolos Papageorgiou, Kristel Pent, Geeta Roopnarine, Natalia Ryapolova, Efi Seitanidou, Stella Sevastopoulos, Georgia Maggy Touliatou, Marios Trichas, Georg Vesper, Lisa Waldner

This is Loco, Athens' artistic brunch café with a global soul, proudly presents "From Island to Metropolis", an immersive exhibition by the multidisciplinary artist Denia Panagaki where flavors, creativity, and cultures converge.

"From Island to Metropolis" tells the story of three unusual companions, a mermaid, a rooster, and a prickly pear, each representing a unique aspect of the human experience as they transition from island life to the bustling metropolis. Through a masterful blend of marble and paper textures, enhanced by intricate carving techniques, Panagaki crafts a rich, symbolic narrative:

• The Mermaid – a deeply feminine figure, carved with salt-crusted memories, symbolizing the longing for the sea and the self.

• The Rooster – the resilient male figure, painted and carved as a symbol of ritual and survival in a fast-paced urban world.

• The Prickly Pear – rendered in abstract form, capturing the defiance, rootedness, and quiet endurance of nature amidst urban decay.

With a background that spans Business Administration, Economics, Advertising, and Fashion, Denia’s artistic journey has taken her from the bustling streets of London to the tranquil beaches of Bali, India, and beyond. Her work draws on these diverse influences, weaving together symbolic narratives, ancient traditions, and powerful reflections on feminine identity.

Opening Friday, May 16th, 2025, from 12:00 to 20:00, this exhibition invites you to explore a captivating journey from the serene shores of Tinos to the vibrant pulse of Athens. Through the tactile beauty of marble and paper, Denia’s pieces capture the tension between nature’s timelessness and the ever-changing rhythms of urban life.

"I want visitors to feel as though they are walking alongside these figures, moving through the hidden corners of the city and the echoes of the sea," says Panagaki. "It is a dialogue between tradition and modernity, between nature and the man-made world."

Join in daily from 9:00 to 20:00 until June 15th, and let Loco be your gateway to a world of art, culture, and connection.

This is more than just a menu – it’s a Loco street food adventure, blending tradition and creativity, just like the café itself.

📅 Festival Hours:

Friday: 17:00 – 00:00
Saturday: 12:00 – 00:00
Sunday: 12:00 – 00:00

I’m Angeliki (or Angie), the content creator for Xpat Athens. I’ve been part of the local community for many years, and I’ve decided to combine this with my academic background. I’m a psychology graduate and postgraduate specializing in children’s mental health, and my studies also included extensive language training. I am highly proficient in both Greek and Ancient Greek, with a full understanding of the language’s structure and history.

For the past 7 years, I’ve been teaching both Modern and Ancient Greek, helping students of all backgrounds connect with the language on a deeper level.

Small Group Lessons in Voula

Lessons are taking place in cozy cafés in Voula (Notos, Family, Ray Pablo). These are small groups (2-3 people), with just a couple of spots currently available. Please apply only if you are truly motivated and determined to learn, as we dive deep into grammar, explore vocabulary and word formation, and practice real conversation.

Details

• €20 for a 2-hour session
• Every Tuesday and/or Thursday (depending on participation)
• 18:00–20:00

Other Options

• Private lessons (for those who prefer one-on-one learning)
• Online lessons (for anyone who can’t make it to Voula)

I keep the groups small and focused because my aim is for you to genuinely learn and progress—not just pick up a few phrases.

📧 Email: angie.vourliotaki@gmail.com
📱 Phone/WhatsApp: 6989298723

Looking forward to helping you discover the beauty of Greek in a relaxed, community-focused way!