COMMUNITY CORNER
XpatAthens
Tuesday, 05 June 2018 07:00
Greece's Bathing Waters Are Among The Cleanest In Europe
According to the latest annual bathing water quality report published by the European Environment Agency (EEA) and the Commission, Greece ranked 4th in Europe for having 95% or more of "excellent" quality bathing waters. This means that Greece's bathing waters were free of pollutants that can be harmful to a person's health and the environment.
Based on information from 2017, 95.9% of the 1,598 sites that were assessed in Greece reached "excellent" quality. Luxembourg ranked first, Malta second, Cyprus third, and Austria fifth.
Nearly all bathing water sites (over 21,000) monitored in Europe met the minimum quality requirements under EU rules according to the report.
To read this article in full, please visit: Greek Travel Pages
Published in
Greece In The News
Tagged under
Monday, 04 June 2018 18:08
European Music Day At The Athens Concert Hall
For the past 36 years, European Music Day has united millions of people through thousands of events in over 700 cities.
The Athens Concert Hall participates once again with a mosaic of musicians and ensembles, and many different kinds of music.
Enjoy a fantastic summer night full of music and culture at the our garden venue, right in the heart of Athens.
Performing artists include:
- Camerata Junior – The Friends of Music Youth Orchestra
- The Athens State Orchestra
- ‘Nikolaos Lavdas’ Athenian Mandolin Orchestra
-
Yanna Vasileiou and Band
Published in
Music
Tagged under
Monday, 04 June 2018 17:42
S/S Apoikia By Vangelis Artemis
At the Cheapart artist-run gallery space, the latest work of Vangelis Artemis is a series of wooden sculptures and also drawings which visually render the precariousness of the social self, caught between the gravity that defines us and the anticipation of overcoming it, between the need to belong and our existential homelessness, between the desire for setting sail and our longing for rest.
A sculptural installation that invokes the modernist idiom via a reference to the ghost ship from Yannis Scarimbas' "Figaro's Solo", using a similarly melancholy, yet playful, mood to reflect the unfulfilled vision of a utopian world.
The improvised flight from relentless reality but also its perpetual procrastination make up the space of the game. Materiality in a suspended state conjures a passageway, which is the artistic activity itself.
Time schedule:
- Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 18:00 pm - 21:00 pm
- Saturday 13:00 pm - 16:00 pm
The improvised flight from relentless reality but also its perpetual procrastination make up the space of the game. Materiality in a suspended state conjures a passageway, which is the artistic activity itself.
Time schedule:
- Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 18:00 pm - 21:00 pm
- Saturday 13:00 pm - 16:00 pm
Published in
Art
Tagged under
Monday, 04 June 2018 07:00
These Cities Around The World Created Their Own Versions Of Santorini
The Greek island of Santorini is unique in that there are not many places in the world where you can enjoy clear waters while perched on the rim of a massive active volcano in the middle of the sea. Because Santorini has such a strong brand and presence in Greece and abroad, places like Turkey, Latin America, and South Korea have created their own cities to emulate the Greek island.
For example, in the Turkish town of Izmir, Park Life Santorini occupies an area of 21,000 square meters and borrows features from Santorini, like the windmill. Some critics say its features resemble Mykonos or Holland, rather than Santorini.
Located in Uruguay, is the "Santorini of Latin America." The Casapueblo, a magical sculptured hotel and museum, sits on a high rocky point jutting over the sparkling water of Punta Ballena, Uruguay. The Cycladic-inspired architecture and Punta Ballena's stunning sunset is what gives the Casapueblo a Santorini-feel.
To read this article in full, along with pictures, please visit: Greek Reporter
Photo Source: Wikipedia
Published in
International Travel
Tagged under
Monday, 08 July 2019 07:00
The First Mobile Laundry Aims To Help Homeless Population In Athens
In response to Athens' increasing number of homeless and refugee population, a group of volunteers has created the first mobile laundry van, called the 'mobile street laundrette.' By washing clothes, the mobile laundry's goal is to improve the life conditions and self-esteem of about 20,000 homeless people living in Athens. The mobile street laundrette goes out 5 days a week and so far, has washed 42 tons of clothes!
Our goal is to help homeless people to find their Ithaca. We aim at increasing the level of social integration of the homeless population, whose number has increased significantly in the last few years due to the socio-economic crisis. Given the lack of adequate hygiene services for the homeless, we decided to create a mobile laundry. Through our free provision of services, we intend to improve the hygiene conditions of homeless people, as well as to restore their dignity and self-esteem.
Since April 2016 we have been providing social services with dedication in order to ensure proper hygiene conditions for people in need. The main goal of our work is the social reintegration of individuals from vulnerable population groups. Through the operation of the mobile laundry at different but stable spots in Athens and Piraeus we are able to provide hygiene services to the homeless, so as to restore their dignity and self-esteem. Alongside, since January 2017 we have created part-time jobs for people from vulnerable social groups. By employing them for a specific time period and providing them with certain skills, such as work, counseling and guidance, we aim at their reintegration in both work and social life.
If you're interested in becoming a volunteer, please click here.
Published in
Videos
Tagged under
Friday, 01 June 2018 16:49
Pursuit Of Happiness By The Nature Theater of Oklahoma
Pavol Liska and Kelly Copper, founders of the Obie Award-winning Nature Theater of Oklahoma, take on the myth and legacy of the American Dream. Inside a Western saloon, a Mexican barman, an Austrian sales rep, the re-enactment of a peacekeeping mission in Baghdad, a magic potion and some unsettlingly uplifting cowboy dances make up a zany universe, a take of American clichés and Spaghetti Western.
The United States’ founding document, the Declaration of Independence, defines ‘the pursuit of happiness’ as one of the ‘unalienable rights’ of human beings, which governments have been tasked to protect. But what is Happiness? Into what dark corners does each of us chase it? To what lengths and wild frontiers will we go to pursue it? Will this pursuit of happiness culminate in an unseemly Hollywood blockbuster?
The New York-based Nature Theater of Oklahoma, named after the eponymous theatre in Kafka’s novel America, works together with six brilliant dancers of the internationally acclaimed Slovenian dance company EnKnapGroup, jointly creating a surreal folk tale about violent Western expansionism, “one of the wildest things you’ll see at the theatre this year” (New York Times).
The New York-based Nature Theater of Oklahoma, named after the eponymous theatre in Kafka’s novel America, works together with six brilliant dancers of the internationally acclaimed Slovenian dance company EnKnapGroup, jointly creating a surreal folk tale about violent Western expansionism, “one of the wildest things you’ll see at the theatre this year” (New York Times).
With English and Greek surtitles
Post-performance talk on 1 June
Moderated by Georgina Kakoudaki, artistic co-curator of Athens & Epidaurus Festival for educational programmes
Schedule:
01/06/2018 at 21:00
02/06/2018 at 20:00
03/06/2018 at 21:00
Schedule:
01/06/2018 at 21:00
02/06/2018 at 20:00
03/06/2018 at 21:00
Published in
Performing Arts
Tagged under
Thursday, 31 May 2018 16:49
Exhibition Closing Week - S.G.Art Gallery
INCEPTION is the artist's first solo exhibition.
The artist presents 21 artworks, in transparent film on Plexiglas, related to the inner journey, memories, dreams and in the forgotten inner self.
Ultimate purpose is, the spark of a thought, the activation of an integrated human existence.
The artist presents 21 artworks, in transparent film on Plexiglas, related to the inner journey, memories, dreams and in the forgotten inner self.
Ultimate purpose is, the spark of a thought, the activation of an integrated human existence.
The title is a reference point of the script by the well-known director C.Nolan, where in the new millennium our imagination travels through into spacetime, turning body into matter and thought into energy.
Ioannis Kountouris was born in Athens in 1988. He studied Direction, Creative Writing and Photography. From 2007 until 2011, Ioannis worked as a radio producer and participated in numerous video clips as a director, lighting director, photography director and scenography director at Boston University.
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 11:00 – 15:00
The Gallery will not be open on Tuesday, June 5 and on Thursday, June 7.
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 11:00 – 15:00
The Gallery will not be open on Tuesday, June 5 and on Thursday, June 7.
Published in
Art
Tagged under
Thursday, 31 May 2018 10:14
3rd Bobos Arts Festival ~ Athens Concert Hall Garden
An original cultural festival for kids in the Athens Concert Hall Garden!
Bobos Arts Festival is a cultural festival designed for children from 3 to 12 years old, which is organized yearly in Athens and which is for the first time being presented in the beautiful garden of the Athens Concert Hall on Sunday the 10th of June.
Music, theater, visual arts and creative play in a big celebration for the children, culture and the arts!Its program runs throughout the day and presents a wide variety of carefully selected cultural shows, which aim to familiarize children with the arts and offer quality entertainment to the entire family.
Wear your hats, pick up your picnic rugs and come spend exciting moments full of play in the Athens Concert Hall’s green garden.
Bobos Arts Festival is a cultural festival designed for children from 3 to 12 years old, which is organized yearly in Athens and which is for the first time being presented in the beautiful garden of the Athens Concert Hall on Sunday the 10th of June.
Music, theater, visual arts and creative play in a big celebration for the children, culture and the arts!Its program runs throughout the day and presents a wide variety of carefully selected cultural shows, which aim to familiarize children with the arts and offer quality entertainment to the entire family.
Wear your hats, pick up your picnic rugs and come spend exciting moments full of play in the Athens Concert Hall’s green garden.
The festival’s program includes:
- Burger Project "A Crazy Concert": The band’s new interactive play-concert for children and imaginative adults.
- “Agisilagos”: A musical puppet tale by Dimitris Baslam. A story for a rabbit cook and his adventures, who is interpreted and animated with lots of imagination and humor, accompanied by live music.
- “The Much Feared Enemy and The Chained Elephant”: Two stories by Jorge Bucay, interpreted by the award-winning Topi theatrical team. A play about the values of life, made with a great deal of humor and interaction.
- “Isol’s stories”: An interactive narrative, played by the awarded theatrical team Kopernikos, based on the work of the renowned Argentine writer and illustrator Isol (Martis Editions), on her first visit to Greece.
- A series of imaginative shows by La Petite Marguerite (bubble show), Alex de Paris (pantomime) and Motus Terrae (interactive happening).
- Burger Project "A Crazy Concert": The band’s new interactive play-concert for children and imaginative adults.
- “Agisilagos”: A musical puppet tale by Dimitris Baslam. A story for a rabbit cook and his adventures, who is interpreted and animated with lots of imagination and humor, accompanied by live music.
- “The Much Feared Enemy and The Chained Elephant”: Two stories by Jorge Bucay, interpreted by the award-winning Topi theatrical team. A play about the values of life, made with a great deal of humor and interaction.
- “Isol’s stories”: An interactive narrative, played by the awarded theatrical team Kopernikos, based on the work of the renowned Argentine writer and illustrator Isol (Martis Editions), on her first visit to Greece.
- A series of imaginative shows by La Petite Marguerite (bubble show), Alex de Paris (pantomime) and Motus Terrae (interactive happening).
Along with the main program, a series of parallel workshops and events will be taking place throughout the day:
- British Council Kid’s corner “Playing with words”: Through various educational games, children will come into contact with some of the world's languages, highlighting the importance of learning foreign languages while sharpening their memory and linguistic skills.
- “Little archaeologists, great discoveries” by Archaeolab: An original workshop that resembles the process of an archaeological excavation.
- “Melodist” by Peripatos Cultural Company: A workshop inspired by the sounds of summer.
- “Isol’s arts workshop” by Martis Editions: A workshop inspired by the work of the renowned writer and illustrator Isol.
- “Prints of color” by Me Ligi Fantasia Company: A colorful creative workshop in which children create their own unique designs on fabric, using colorful …potato prints.
- British Council Kid’s corner “Playing with words”: Through various educational games, children will come into contact with some of the world's languages, highlighting the importance of learning foreign languages while sharpening their memory and linguistic skills.
- “Little archaeologists, great discoveries” by Archaeolab: An original workshop that resembles the process of an archaeological excavation.
- “Melodist” by Peripatos Cultural Company: A workshop inspired by the sounds of summer.
- “Isol’s arts workshop” by Martis Editions: A workshop inspired by the work of the renowned writer and illustrator Isol.
- “Prints of color” by Me Ligi Fantasia Company: A colorful creative workshop in which children create their own unique designs on fabric, using colorful …potato prints.
The festival is presented by the actor Yannis Sarakatsanis
Published in
Kids
Tagged under
Thursday, 31 May 2018 08:54
Secret Spots Of Greece - Where The Locals Go
Greece is the ultimate summer holiday destination, with stunning beaches, Mediterranean cuisine, unique shopping, and incredible experiences. Some places might be more popular than others, from Mykonos to Antiparos to Athens, but below are secret spots where the locals go. Forbes gets the inside scoop on where to go, stay, eat, and what to do in some of the most well-known destinations of Greece.
Athens
Ano Petralona
"Just a hike down Philopappou Hill, Ano Petralona is the neighborhood to be if you want to feel like a local Athenian. The tavernas, bars and restaurants do not only offer some of best affordable menus, but the cocktails and music also make this area a popular destination."
Ilias Lalounis Jewelry Museum
"While the most iconic jewelry house in Greece might be globally praised, the museum — which is housed in the old workshop of the master Ilias Lalounis — is often overlooked when visiting Athens. Under the shadows of the Acropolis, the incredible space is run by Lalaounis’s daughter Ioanna, who is launching a number of initiatives to help cultivate new talent. Call ahead and organize a private tour."
"While the most iconic jewelry house in Greece might be globally praised, the museum — which is housed in the old workshop of the master Ilias Lalounis — is often overlooked when visiting Athens. Under the shadows of the Acropolis, the incredible space is run by Lalaounis’s daughter Ioanna, who is launching a number of initiatives to help cultivate new talent. Call ahead and organize a private tour."
Lake Vouliagmenis
"Lake Vouliagmenis is located along the coast and is the starting point for the stunning drive known as “Limanakia” meaning small ports. Because of its constant warm water temperature and its rich content in hydrogen sulphide, the lake functions as a spa since the end of the 19th century."
For many more recommendations and to read this article in full, please visit: Forbes
Published in
Travel Greece
Tagged under
Thursday, 31 May 2018 07:00
Sikinos First Greek Island To Ban The Use Of Plastic Straws
Operating under a new ecological program titled 'Sea Change,' the Municipality of Sikinos, along with the Sea Change ecology organization and the Aikaterini Laskaridis Foundation, will be the first in the Greek islands to ban the use of plastic straws, replacing them with biodegradable ones. These will be donated by the foundation.
The Municipality of Sikinos is the first to invite all businesses and residents of the island to commit to changing their habits and helping reduce global pollution. The goal of the Sea Change program is to ultimately protect the marine environment.
The launch of the Sea Change program was held on May 20, 2018 at the Sikinos school where in collaboration with Plastic Free Greece, the Municipality hosted an event with speeches, discussions, and screenings of documentaries related to the dangers of disposable plastic.
Over the next couple of months, the Sea Change program will begin on other islands in the Cyclades.
Source: Greek Reporter
Photo courtesy of TripAdvisor
Photo courtesy of TripAdvisor
Published in
Local Environment
Tagged under