There is something you’ve been thinking about, circling around, or quietly wanting to create.

This workshop is designed to help you move it forward.

Through guided mindfulness and energetic work, you’ll clear mental noise, reconnect with what’s truly calling you, and begin shaping it into a tangible vision. From there, we move into a structured vision board process to define what this next chapter actually looks like—and how to start bringing it into your life now.

This is not just reflection. It’s activation. You’ll leave with clarity, direction, and a grounded first step.

You will walk away with:

•A clear vision you can articulate

•A visual roadmap to anchor your next steps

•Renewed energy and momentum

*Connection with like-minded, entrepreneurial women in Athens

This gathering builds on the community formed during our International Women’s Day event and is part of a growing network of conscious women creating aligned lives and work.

Limited spots. Pre-registration required.

On the occasion of the 59th anniversary of the 1967 military coup and the Colonels' Junta in Greece, CineDoc presents a series of special screenings of the documentary LO, shedding light on aspects of modern Greek history through the personal journey of director Thanasis Vasiliou.

One year after his mother’s death, director Thanasis Vasiliou returns to his empty childhood apartment in Athens to manage a troubled inheritance. From the now-bare surfaces of the house, fragments of family memories emerge, and his personal story becomes intertwined with the collective trauma of the Junta.

As he confronts secrets that weigh heavily not only on his family history but on modern Greece as a whole, he begins a journey—a personal diary—among the invisible traces that connect the city and its people to their past.

The CineDoc Documentary Festival presents two special screenings of the award-winning documentary LO by Thanasis Vasiliou, on Sunday, April 19 at 18:00 and Tuesday, April 21 at 19:00 at the Danaos Cinema, in the presence of the director. 

Additionally, further screenings will take place in collaboration with the Municipality of Chalandri and the Oral History Group of Chalandri, the Piraeus Bank Group Cultural Foundation, Panteion University, and the University of Ioannina.

The documentary screenings in Greece are held with the support of the French Institute and Unifrance, while the distribution in Greek cinemas is supported by the Greek Film, Audiovisual Arts and Creative Sector Center (E.K.K.O.M.E.D.) - Creative Greece.

• Sunday, April 19, 18:00 Followed by a Q&A with director Thanasis Vasiliou and journalist Nikos Xydakis.

• Tuesday, April 21, 19:00 Followed by a Q&A with director Thanasis Vasiliou and Giannis Ntinos, Clinical Psychologist at G.A.O.N.A. "Agios Savvas."

• Friday, April 17, 2026, 19:30 In the presence of the director. In collaboration with the Municipality of Chalandri and the Chalandri Oral History Group (OPIDICH).

• Monday, April 20, 2026, 18:30 In the presence of the director. In collaboration with the Piraeus Bank Group Cultural Foundation, as part of the monthly cycle "Afternoons with Greek Documentaries." Entrance by reservation.

• Wednesday, April 23, 2026, 19:30 Discussion with director Thanasis Vasiliou and Lia Mela, Assistant Professor of Political Philosophy, as part of the "Philosophy and Cinema" cycle.

• Friday, April 25, 2026, 19:00 – Sakis Karagiorgas 2 Amphitheatre Discussion with director Thanasis Vasiliou and Christos Dermentzopoulos, Professor at the Department of Communication, Media, and Culture.

When I returned from France to my empty childhood apartment in Athens after my mother's death, I felt like a burglar. Everything that had remained in the shadows for decades was now my possession. I discovered debts I didn't know about. I realized lies that shook me. How do we inherit our parents' mistakes? How do we empty their homes?

Amidst the fear of losing the space that held my last memories of my mother and an entire childhood, I began filming the now-empty surfaces with my mobile phone. In essence, I was rediscovering forgotten movements of the past, as I had worked as a cameraman for over ten years before leaving Greece for France. By placing myself behind a lens again, I stirred time and reconnected with the past of the inheritance. "Filming" thus became synonymous with "remembering."

Fragments of family memory, silenced for years, began to tentatively emerge. Some of them led me to the dark years of the dictatorship. How can cinema give shape to a past that resists through silence?

Thanasis Vasiliou is a director and screenwriter based in Poitiers, France, where he teaches cinema theory and practice as an Associate Professor of Film Studies (University of Poitiers). His short films Traces (2017) and Our Last Week(2016) have been presented and awarded at numerous international film festivals. LO is his first feature-length film.

Fancy a weekend in Japan but not the jet lag? A couple of weeks ago (April 4 & 5), we found ourselves swept up in the vibrant whirlwind of the fifth edition of the Athens Japanese Festival.

Launched in 2019 with the ambition to bring Japan closer to Greece, the event has grown into a dazzling celebration of all things Japanese. Thousands of artists, workshops, exhibitions and performances now gather each year to showcase the many faces of this mythical country, from ancient traditions to modern pop culture. It’s energetic, it’s creative, it’s inspiring… and yes, we love it!

The vast halls of the Peristeri Exhibition Centre were buzzing. One entire section was dedicated to shopping, and you could find absolutely everything: delicate teas and tea sets, shimmering samurai swords, plushies of everyone’s favourite Pokémon, and even tattoo artists ready to ink the boldest visitors. Many exhibitors had gone all‑in with costumes straight out of beloved mang and visitors, too, showed up in their best cosplay, proudly bringing their favourite characters to life with infectious enthusiasm ; a delight for fans and photographers alike. 

 

Another area shone a spotlight on traditional Japanese culture, and the passion behind it was palpable. Registered participants could try their hand at bonsai or ikebana, while others folded intricate origami creations. Passers‑by were invited to vote for their favourites ... a tricky task, given the talent on display!

We were particularly charmed by the photography exhibition,  offering a genuine glimpse into everyday Japanese life. The textile arts stood out too, with their vibrant kimonos and delicate textures quietly drawing attention.

There truly was something for everyone — even car enthusiasts, who happily posed with their favourite Japanese models. Visitors could even leave with their name or chosen phrase beautifully written in calligraphy.

The cinema corner hosted talks, Q&A sessions and, of course, film screenings. Nearby, a lively gaming area (board games, arcade machines, video games) kept both children and adults entertained from morning to evening.

And despite the rain, the outdoor food court was buzzing with hungry festival‑goers queueing patiently for bao buns and prawn tempura. With those mouth‑watering aromas drifting through the air, resisting was simply not an option.

From 8,000 visitors two years ago to 15,000 expected today, the festival has grown at an impressive pace. What’s the secret? “A lot of organisation,” a staff member told us with a smile. And indeed, understanding what the public loves, responding to that demand, and building local and international partnerships with artists and exhibitors is no small feat. Judging by the festival’s expansion, though, it’s safe to say the mission has been accomplished!

The same staff member admitted, half‑worried and half‑amused, that they may soon need an even bigger venue than the Peristeri Exhibition Centre. She wonders whether this is simply a trend that began around fifteen years ago with the rise of manga, and whether the festival might be reaching its peak. But if we look at Paris’ Japan Expo, which only keeps growing, perhaps Athens’ own celebration of Japanese culture still has many bright years ahead.

So we’ll surely be back next year for another trip to the Land of the Rising Sun! 

Chloë Rain offers private retreats, small group retreats, and mentorship for those navigating significant life transitions and seeking a more intentional relationship with the direction of their lives.

Her work is shaped by over fifteen years of ceremonial training in Peru, extended periods of solitary practice, and a Master’s degree in Indigenous Studies from the Arctic University of Norway. Through ritual, reflective practice, and immersive experiences, she supports a deeper relationship with presence, inner listening, and the direction of one’s life.

Private retreats are available on request for individualized one-to-one work. Her upcoming Sacred Renewal retreat on Tinos, September 5–12, 2026, offers a quiet, intimate setting for contemplative practice, meditative walks, guided ritual, and meaningful reflection.

FREE participation with your admission ticket includes:

Create your own Easter candle using ribbons, wooden decorations, stickers, and colorful flowers. Take home a unique, handmade creation.

Try illusion games that challenge your perception and stimulate your mind. Play, explore, and see reality… differently.

Enjoy an interactive experience with your favorite person, turning your visit into a unique moment. Perfect for striking photos.

✔ Combines entertainment & creativity

✔ Suitable for all ages

✔ In the heart of Athens

✔ Ideal for families & groups

✔ An extra experience beyond a regular museum visit

Brainfood Publishing invites you to the most vibrant Easter book festival in the heart of the city! This joyful celebration of literature features a special tribute to International Children’s Book Day, alongside meet-and-greets with authors and engaging book presentations.

Families can dive into a world of creativity with workshops for all ages, face painting, and hands-on crafts, the perfect destination to find unique Easter gifts and soak up the festive atmosphere.

In the Greek consciousness, if Christmas is a cozy, melodic celebration of a beginning, then Easter (Pascha) is the profound, earth-shaking triumph over an end.

To understand Greece, one must understand its Holy Week. It is a time when the entire country moves in a synchronized rhythm of mourning and rebirth, a period where every scent, color, and gesture carries a weight that stretches back millennia.

While many cultures celebrate the spring equinox, in Greece, the spiritual and the seasonal are inextricably linked. Here is the decoding of the symbols that define the greatest feast of the Orthodox year.

The Lampada: An Ancient Continuity

The most visible symbol of the season is the Lampada, the ornate candle carried by children and adults alike on Holy Saturday. While it serves a practical purpose—to receive the "Holy Light" during the Resurrection—its roots are far older than the modern era.

The tradition of the ceremonial candle echoes the ancient Greek use of torches in purification rites and spring festivals. Today, the lampada represents the transition from the darkness of the tomb to the light of the Anastasi (Resurrection). Traditionally gifted by godparents to their godchildren, the candle symbolizes the "lighting of the way" for the new generation, bridging the gap between ancestral faith and a bright, hopeful future.

The Red Egg: Hope Sealed In A Shell

On Holy Thursday, kitchens across Greece are stained crimson. Unlike the pastel palettes found elsewhere, Greek Easter eggs are traditionally dyed a deep, vibrant red.

• The Symbolism: The hard shell represents the sealed Tomb of Christ, while the red color symbolizes His blood.

• The Miracle: When the eggs are "cracked" against one another in the game of tsougrisma, the breaking of the shell symbolizes the Resurrection; life breaking through the constraints of death.

• The Legend: One popular folk story suggests that Mary Magdalene brought cooked eggs to the Roman Emperor to announce Christ’s resurrection; when he scoffed that it was as impossible as an egg turning red, the egg in her hand immediately changed color.

The Tsoureki: The Braid Of Life

The scent of mahlepi and masticha wafting through the streets is the official olfactory signal that Easter has arrived. The Tsoureki is a brioche-like sweet bread, but its shape is never accidental.

The dough is almost always braided in threes, representing the Holy Trinity. Because bread has been the "staff of life" since antiquity, the rising of the yeast-heavy dough is seen as a metaphor for the Resurrection itself. Often, a single red egg is nestled into the braids before baking, physically binding the symbols of blood and life together.

The Epitaphios: A City in Mourning

On Holy Friday, the atmosphere in Athens and across Greece shifts to one of collective grief. The Epitaphios, a symbolic flowery bier representing the tomb of Christ, is carried through the streets in a funeral procession.

This is perhaps the most cinematic and soulful moment of the year. In every neighborhood, the bells toll a slow, heavy "penthimo" (mourning) ring. There is an unshakeable local belief that the heavens themselves join the mourning; almost every year, the weather turns grey, chilly, or even rainy on Holy Friday.

Thousands of people follow the flower-laden canopy with flickering yellow beeswax candles. It is a rare moment where a modern city like Athens feels like a small village, united by a shared, ancient quietude.

Why Easter Outshines Christmas In Greece

To the outside observer, it might seem strange that Easter holds more emotional weight than Christmas. The reason lies in the Greek temperament and the timing of the season.

1. The Victory Over Death: In the Orthodox tradition, the Resurrection is the ultimate proof of hope. After centuries of occupation and hardship, the concept of "rising again" resonates deeply within the Greek soul.

2. The End of Lent: After forty days of strict fasting (the Sarakosti), the feast becomes a physical release.

3. Nature in Bloom: Greek Easter coincides with the peak of the Mediterranean spring. As the wildflowers bloom and the weather warms, the "Resurrection of Christ" is mirrored by the "Resurrection of Nature." It is a sensory overload of jasmine, grilled lamb, and blooming bitter orange trees.

The Anastasi: The Midnight Shift

Everything culminates at midnight on Holy Saturday. The lights in the churches are extinguished, and a single flame is brought out by the priest, who chants "Defte Lavete Fos" (Come, receive the light). From that one flame, thousands are lit.

When the cry of "Christos Anesti!" (Christ is Risen) goes up, the city explodes—quite literally—with fireworks and firecrackers. It is a moment of pure, unadulterated joy that proves that in Greece, the light always finds a way to break through the dark.

Pro Tip: If you find yourself in Greece this Easter season, you might find that every town and island in Greece has its own way of celebrating Easter, but for those who prefer to celebrate Easter in the capital, witnessing these symbols in the shadow of the Acropolis is an unforgettable experience.

Easter in Athens is more than a religious tradition; it’s a high-design moment. As the city prepares for the Resurrection, the search for the perfect lampada (Easter candle) evolves from a simple errand into a curated hunt for art. Forget the mass-produced versions; from museum boutiques to hidden concept stores, Athens offers a selection of candles that feel more like collectible design objects than temporary festive items.

If you’re looking for something elevated, artistic, and quietly luxurious, these are the corners of the city where the lampada becomes a masterpiece.

Museum Gems

For those who appreciate heritage reimagined through a modern lens, the city’s museum shops are the undisputed gold standard.

• The Cycladic Shop: Always at the top of the list for the "minimalist-chic" crowd. This year, they feature stunning candles adorned with quintessential greek traditional items like “lalitsa”, oa traditional musical toy. For a more accessible but equally elegant option, look for their ceramic charms inspired by ancient artefacts. 

• The Benaki Shop: A pioneer of the museum shop scene, the Benaki collaborates with local artisans to bridge the gap between folk art and contemporary style. Keep an eye out for candles featuring handmade “NEMA” passementerie or silk-screened motifs, subtle, tactile, and deeply thoughtful.

• B&E Goulandris Foundation Shop: Tucked away in Pangrati, this is where art lovers find their match. Their collection is a tribute to the greats: the “Water Lily” candle (a nod to Claude Monet) and the “Coffee Pot” (inspired by Vincent van Gogh) are decorated with delicate ceramic elements that you'll definitely want to keep long after the candle has burned down.

Credit: goulandris.gr

Concept Stores with a Refined Eye

If your style leans more toward "modern Athenian," these boutiques curate pieces that favor craftsmanship and wit over convention.

• Les Connaisseurs Novelty Shop: Located in the elegant Golden Hall in Marousi, this is the ultimate destination for the epicurean. Known for their exquisite collection of fine wines and champagnes, their lampades are designed for the sophisticated adult. Expect beautifully minimalist candles often presented alongside a curated bottle or gourmet delicacies, the perfect gift for a host who appreciates the finer things.

• The Angel: A boutique that lives and breathes Greek craftsmanship. Expect beautifully handmade candles adorned with unique, high-quality charms and textiles that feel personal and artisanal.

• Lifelikes: For a contemporary and vibrant take on the tradition, Lifelikes offers designs that are sleek, colorful, and highly giftable. Their lampades often feature clever motifs and modern jewelry pieces that appeal to a fashion-forward crowd.

Credit: theangel.gr

Gifts With A Purpose

For many, the most sophisticated choice is one that gives back. These organizations offer beautiful, handmade candles where 100% of the proceeds support children in need.

• Hamogelo tou Paidiou (The Smile of the Child): Every year, the organization hosts Easter Bazaars across Athens (including major spots like Syntagma Square and Metro Mall). Their lampades are handmade by volunteers in their Creative Laboratory, featuring charming traditional and modern designs. Every purchase directly funds the support of thousands of vulnerable children.

• Make-A-Wish Greece: Their Easter collection often features their iconic star motif, symbolizing hope and strength. Buying a candle from their e-shop or local booths helps grant life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses, turning a holiday tradition into a beacon of light for a family in need.

Credit: makeawish-eshop.gr

Honorary Mentions

• Museum of Illusions Athens: For a more interactive experience, they often host workshops in early April where you can make your own lampada, ideal for a personalized gift.

• Anthologist: Near Syntagma, this beautifully curated space leans toward “old-world chic.” While not focused on lampades, it’s the perfect stop for elegant decorative eggs and refined Easter accents.

While the well-known mass exodus from Athens for the biggest Orthodox feast of the year might lead you to think the capital would fall quiet, celebrating Easter here is a surprisingly heart-warming experience.

It’s easy enough to find places to eat and join the major celebrations, but the city also offers a bridge to the wider culture; after all, every town and island in Greece has its own way of celebrating Easter, and that diverse spirit is reflected even in the city’s hidden corners.

For those who want to slip into something more intimate and authentic, away from the usual routes, we’ve curated a handful of lesser-known spots. These are the quieter corners, gentler rituals, and neighbourhood traditions that reveal a softer, more soulful side of Athens.

The candlelit procession of the Epitaph is one of the most solemn and moving customs of Holy Week, and Athens offers countless places to experience it in all its atmospheric beauty.

For a particularly scenic and tranquil setting, head to the Holy Church of Saint Sophia on Dionysiou Areopagitou, right beneath the Acropolis, where the procession glides past marble and shadow. Another favourite is Agios Georgios Karytsi, central yet somehow forgotten, with its exceptional choir and a courtyard that turns magical after dusk. In Mets and Pangrati, the Epitaph winds through narrow residential streets lined with neoclassical houses, neighbours watching from balconies with candles in hand, creating a soft, neighbourhood warmth. Just outside the centre, the Sacred Monastery of Kaisariani offers something truly unique: the Epitaph is decorated on Good Friday morning and carried out at noon, all within a forested, monastic atmosphere perfect for those seeking stillness.

And for an even deeper dive into the city’s quieter corners, Athens hides a constellation of tiny chapels: from Agios Nikolaos Ragavas in Plaka to Agios Dimitrios Loumbardiaris on Filopappou Hill, Agios Ioannis Theologos in Psyrri, and the little stone churches tucked into Lycabettus Forest or the backstreets of Kypseli and Neos Kosmos ; each offering its own intimate, soulful way to experience Holy Week.

Pro tip: bring beeswax candles; they burn slower, smell wonderfully earthy, and locals swear their flame stays steady throughout the procession.

Between one religious service and the next, take time to wander through the city and soak up Athens’ soft spring atmosphere. Start with the Easter markets in Monastiraki Square or the bustling Varvakios Agora, where stalls overflow with tsoureki, candles, sweets and all sorts of seasonal treasures, perfect for picking up local treats and a taste of Greek Easter culture. Pedion tou Areos is another lovely stop at this time of year: ideal for a walk or a jog, and home to the Easter Village until 17 April, where you’ll find beautifully decorated lambades, Easter ornaments, books and thoughtful little gifts. If you’re craving a breath of nature, slip away to the Tatoi Estate, the former summer home of the Greek royal family, or head up to Mount Parnitha for climbing, mountain‑biking, hiking or simply a peaceful forest stroll.

And of course, all that wandering works up an appetite… so what do we eat next?

When it comes to Easter flavours, the undisputed queen is magiritsa, this comforting lamb‑and‑greens soup enriched with silky avgolemono (egg‑lemon sauce) that Greeks enjoy the moment they return from midnight mass.




But Holy Week also brings a whole world of nistisima dishes, the plant‑based and seafood‑based recipes that define the fasting period. Look out for ladera vegetables simmered in olive oil, velvety fava, oven‑baked gigantes, fragrant revithada, delicate dolmadakia, lemony horta, and all the seafood favourites: octopus, calamari, shrimp and mussels. If you’re heading out for a proper meal, the city hides a constellation of tavernas perfect for Holy Week: the candlelit simplicity of Diporto, the seafood feasts at Ouzeri Lesvos, the garden charm of Avli, the home‑style comfort of To Trigono, the local warmth of O Psaras, the bohemian courtyard of Ama Lachei, the cult seafood at Ouzeri Tou Laki, the comforting bites from Koulourades, the neighbourhood soul of To Steki Tou Ilia, and the nostalgic, vine‑covered Klimataria. Pro tip: book your table a few days ahead; Easter week fills up fast.

For dessert, nistisima treats like halva, tahini biscuits and orange‑scented cakes keep things sweet without breaking the fast. And of course, no Easter in Athens is complete without tsoureki: the irresistible, sweet, braided brioche whose aroma alone will guide you to the nearest bakery. Wake up early as bakeries are emptied by noon, and Athenians queue before opening time as part of the ritual. Each spot has its own speciality: mastic‑rich stars at Remoundos in Kypseli, the wonderfully fragrant version at Maxim in Nea Smyrni, the orange‑zest twist at Mama Psomi in Mets, the nostalgic classic at Stani in Omonia, or the beloved chocolate‑filled loaf at Lykavittos Bakery in Exarchia.