LIFE & CULTURE
XpatAthens
Wednesday, 21 April 2021 07:00
Updated Coronavirus Safety Measures In Greece
With the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), governments and organizations around the world have been enforcing emergency measures to keep the general public safe.
Even though it is sometimes hard to keep up with the ever-changing measures in Greece, we do our best to stay on top of the headlines and inform our readers in as much detail as possible.
Even though it is sometimes hard to keep up with the ever-changing measures in Greece, we do our best to stay on top of the headlines and inform our readers in as much detail as possible.
Click here to learn more about how to protect yourself, symptoms, and where to seek medical treatment. Click here to read about how to get vaccinated for COVID-19 in Greece.
Measures Against The Coronavirus In Greece - Updated on May 13, 2021
General Measures
The Greek government announced that Greece will be lifting most lockdown restrictions. From Friday, May 14th the "SMS System" along with the "Click-Away" & "Click Inside" methods for shopping at retail stores will no longer exist.
As of May 14th, the curfew will be in effect from 12:30 am to 05:00 am. During these hours, citizens will be able to send an SMS to 13033 only with codes 1 (going to a pharmacy or visiting the doctor) and 6 (only valid for pet walking).
Until today, the government has decided to re-open:
- Restaurants, bars, and cafes, only for outdoor dining.
- Primary and secondary schools.
- Organized beaches, under measures that include social distancing and hygiene rules
Upcoming re-openings:
- Museums in Greece on May 14th.
- Movement between regions will be allowed again from May 15th to coincide with the country's opening to all international visitors.
- Nurseries and day care centers on May 17
- Conservatories of music on May 17
- Open-air cinemas on May 21 (operating on a 75 percent capacity to ensure social distancing of customers)
- Live cultural events and shows in outdoor areas (only with seated guests) on May 28
There are 3 ways to inform authorities about being outdoors:
1. Filling-in a form on the government website forma.gov.gr. 2. Sending an SMS to the number 13033 see details here.
3. Stating your reason in a simple, signed personal declaration.
Due to coronavirus measures, Greeks will celebrate Easter for a second time at home this year, with several restrictions applying to religious services.
Public Transport
Means of public transport will continue to operate on 65% occupancy; commuters still need to use the SMS service.Public Transport
Public Services
Public service offices will remain open but will serve the public by appointment only to avoid overcrowding.
Education
Schools will close and students will attend classes via e-learning.
Tutoring and language centers will only operate with distance learning.
Workplace Measures
Mandatory teleworking (work from home) for 50% of public and private sector employees has been applied.
Employees must arrive at their workplace in 3 groups (7 am, 8 am, and 9 am) to prevent public transport congestion.
Employees must depart from the workplace in 4 groups to prevent congestion on public transport.
Frequent checks will occur at workplaces of public and private sector services, and fines imposed on supervisors/employers and employees who do not comply with personal protection measures in the workplace—namely, the mandatory use of a protective mask.
Rapid Covid-19 tests will be carried out at workplaces of the public and private sectors, public service buildings, and congested areas of Attica, such as schools, public transport, and hospitals.
Mandatory teleworking (work from home) for 50% of public and private sector employees has been applied.
Employees must arrive at their workplace in 3 groups (7 am, 8 am, and 9 am) to prevent public transport congestion.
Employees must depart from the workplace in 4 groups to prevent congestion on public transport.
Frequent checks will occur at workplaces of public and private sector services, and fines imposed on supervisors/employers and employees who do not comply with personal protection measures in the workplace—namely, the mandatory use of a protective mask.
Rapid Covid-19 tests will be carried out at workplaces of the public and private sectors, public service buildings, and congested areas of Attica, such as schools, public transport, and hospitals.
Important Notice from XpatAthens
It is important to remind our readers that XpatAthens is not in any way a media source. While we do our best to keep our readers informed, we advise you to consult Greek media outlets such as ekathimerini.com, amna.gr, naftemporiki.gr, and protothema.gr and/or international news sites for up-to-the-hour updates on the coronavirus. Be wise and stay safe.
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Local News
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Wednesday, 10 February 2021 07:00
Coronavirus In Greece - Tips & Advice
With the continued Coronavirus cases in Greece, this article outlines a lot of helpful information including steps to protect yourself, symptoms, and where to get tested.
Click here to learn more about goverment enforced measures to contain the spread of the virus.
Click here to learn more about goverment enforced measures to contain the spread of the virus.
Click here to read about how to get vaccinated for COVID-19 in Greece.
Get A Daily Update On COVID-19 Cases In Greece
Get a daily update on the course of the coronavirus pandemic in Greece. The data is updated daily according to the official announcements of the Greek Ministry of Health.
To stay up-to-date, please visit covid19.gov.gr
If you have symptoms of the coronavirus (see below) and believe that you may have come into contact with an infected individual, you are urged to stay home and to contact your doctor immediately or the EODY (Greece's National Public Health Organization) at 210 5212054 or the telephone hotline 1135 for accurate instructions and information on where to seek treatment.
Where To Get Tested For Covid-19 In Athens
There are multiple ways to get tested and the following are a couple of these to help you in your research and decision process.
If you have health coverage from the Greek state (you hold a valid AMKA number), you can call 14900 and book an appointment for a FREE COVID TEST at your local clinic. This service is only available in Greek.
There are several private clinics throughout the city that offer testing for a charge typical in the range of €40-€80. Some of these include:
Get a daily update on the course of the coronavirus pandemic in Greece. The data is updated daily according to the official announcements of the Greek Ministry of Health.
To stay up-to-date, please visit covid19.gov.gr
When To Seek Medical Care
Please stay home (initially) if you feel unwell, it will protect you and help prevent spreading the virus and other infections.
If you have symptoms of the coronavirus (see below) and believe that you may have come into contact with an infected individual, you are urged to stay home and to contact your doctor immediately or the EODY (Greece's National Public Health Organization) at 210 5212054 or the telephone hotline 1135 for accurate instructions and information on where to seek treatment.
It is vital that you seek medical attention quickly, but do so immediately from your home. In order to contain the spread to others, authorities in Greece have dedicated specific hospitals and health facilities for coronavirus cases.
Where To Get Tested For Covid-19 In Athens
There are multiple ways to get tested and the following are a couple of these to help you in your research and decision process.
If you have health coverage from the Greek state (you hold a valid AMKA number), you can call 14900 and book an appointment for a FREE COVID TEST at your local clinic. This service is only available in Greek.
There are several private clinics throughout the city that offer testing for a charge typical in the range of €40-€80. Some of these include:
Bioiatriki - appointment is required, results typically within 48 hours, service in English (website is in Greek), call 210 6966000.
Central Clinic of Athens - appointment is required, results typically within 24 hours, service in English, call 2103674110.Athens Medical Group - appointment is required, results typically within 48 hours, service in English.
Temporary Clinic at Athens Airport - no appoinment required but payment online is required ahead of time, results within 24 hours, service in English.
Steps To Stay Safe Against The Coronavirus In Greece
The World Health Organization (WHO) shares some necessary protective measures against the coronavirus and advises people to take care of their health and protect others by using these methods; also, these important tips on when and how to use a mask.
Following are the recommended protective measures:
1. Wash Your Hands Well & Frequently
The World Health Organization (WHO) shares some necessary protective measures against the coronavirus and advises people to take care of their health and protect others by using these methods; also, these important tips on when and how to use a mask.
Following are the recommended protective measures:
1. Wash Your Hands Well & Frequently
Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them carefully with soap and water. Remember to wash hands when cooking, helping sick individuals, and after contact with animals.
2. Maintain Social Distancing
Keep at least 1 meter (at least 3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing. Be extra careful of the elderly and indiviuals with chronic illness.
3. Avoid Touching Your Eyes, Nose, And Mouth
Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth; from there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.
4. Practice Respiratory Hygiene
Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory etiquette. Make sure you cover your mouth and nose with your elbow or with a tissue when you cough or sneeze; properly dispose of the used tissue immediately and wash or sanitize your hands following.
How To Use A Mask
Even though masks should be used as part of a comprehensive strategy of measures to suppress transmission, the use of a mask alone cannot provide an adequate level of protection against COVID-19.
How To Use A Mask
Even though masks should be used as part of a comprehensive strategy of measures to suppress transmission, the use of a mask alone cannot provide an adequate level of protection against COVID-19.
Here are the basics of how to wear a mask:
1. Make sure to clean your hands before you put your mask on, as well as before and after you take it off.
2. Make sure your mask covers your nose, mouth, and chin.
Here are some specifics on what type of mask to wear, depending on where you go and who you are.
Wear a fabric mask unless you’re in a particular risk group. This is especially important when you can’t stay physically distanced, particularly in crowded and poorly ventilated indoor settings.
Wear a medical/surgical mask if you are over 60, have underlying medical conditions, are feeling unwell, and/or looking after an ill family member.
Symptoms Of The Coronavirus
If a person becomes infected with the virus, they can develop symptoms that range from mild, such as the common cold, to very serious. As with other respiratory infections, infection of COVID-19 can cause mild symptoms, such as:
· Collapse
· Sore throat
· Fever
· Cough
Some people may have serious symptoms such as:
· Pneumonia
· Difficulty breathing
It rarely leads to death. Elderly and people with underlying diseases (such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease) are more susceptible to developing serious symptoms.
Volunteer For Free COVID-19 Testing
About 20,000 tests are performed daily by the public health system on people who have an increased chance of being exposed to the virus. The Greek government's goal is to significantly increase the number of tests by monitoring asymptomatic volunteers through the random selection of 12,000 citizens daily.
Your participation will give experts a better picture of the coronavirus in Greece and help contain its spread throughout the community. Fill in the following "COVID19 Free Test Application Form" to become a candidate for the COVID19 sample testing. The test will be carried-out with rapid antigen detection of the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. Your participation is valuable. For you, for your neighbor, for your own people, for all of us.
Find more information about how to participate in the sample testing procedure please visit testing.gov.gr (Information Available in Greek Only)
If a person becomes infected with the virus, they can develop symptoms that range from mild, such as the common cold, to very serious. As with other respiratory infections, infection of COVID-19 can cause mild symptoms, such as:
· Collapse
· Sore throat
· Fever
· Cough
Some people may have serious symptoms such as:
· Pneumonia
· Difficulty breathing
It rarely leads to death. Elderly and people with underlying diseases (such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease) are more susceptible to developing serious symptoms.
Volunteer For Free COVID-19 Testing
About 20,000 tests are performed daily by the public health system on people who have an increased chance of being exposed to the virus. The Greek government's goal is to significantly increase the number of tests by monitoring asymptomatic volunteers through the random selection of 12,000 citizens daily.
Your participation will give experts a better picture of the coronavirus in Greece and help contain its spread throughout the community. Fill in the following "COVID19 Free Test Application Form" to become a candidate for the COVID19 sample testing. The test will be carried-out with rapid antigen detection of the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. Your participation is valuable. For you, for your neighbor, for your own people, for all of us.
Find more information about how to participate in the sample testing procedure please visit testing.gov.gr (Information Available in Greek Only)
Important Notice from XpatAthens
It is important to remind our readers that XpatAthens is not in any way a media source. While we do our best to keep our readers informed, we advise you to consult Greek media outlets such as ekathimerini.com, amna.gr, naftemporiki.gr, and protothema.gr and/or international news sites for up-to-the-hour updates on the coronavirus. Be wise and stay safe.
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Local News
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Sunday, 23 February 2020 15:33
Big Winter Book Bazaar
The Publishing House “EN PLO EDITIONS” is organizing a big Winter Book Bazaar at Athens War Museum on Thursday 27th and Friday 28th February in support of the Organization «Women Prisoners and Ex-prisoners’ Supporting Network».
EN PLO EDITIONS once again supports the pioneering idea of the "Network" offering 1 euro from the purchase of each book for the implementation of a Mobile Coffee Shop, where 6 women will be employed daily, giving an opportunity for professional reintegration for the women ex-convicts.
Τhe Bazaar which will take place at the Athens War Museum, will offer you the chance to discover hundreds of books, a huge variety of titles for both young and old, for as little as 3 euros.
With the support of the Organization «Women Prisoners and Ex-prisoners’ Supporting Network» a big musical event is being hosted on Friday, February 28 at 7:00 pm at the Amphitheater of the Athens War Museum. A big group of artists, who participated in the programs of the «Women Prisoners and Ex-prisoners’ Supporting Network», in collaboration with Mr. Klimis Pyrounakis, meet in order to travel us on the musical paths of love ... The event will start with the presentation of the work of "Network" by Klimis Pyrounakis.
With every purchase of 10 euros, you get one more book completely free from the promotions section! (At 20 euros 2 books, at 30 euros 3 books and so on).
Dates & Times:
Thursday February 27: 2pm - 10pm
Friday, February 28: 10am - 10pm
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Community
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Monday, 24 February 2020 14:16
Athens Negotiations Tournament
The Panhellenic Students Competition of Negotiations Athens Negotiations Tournament returns for the second year running. On the 30th and 31st of May 2020, students of Greek and Cypriot universities will take part in real-time negotiations.
This competition has been organized by the Department of Business Administration of Athens University of Economics, with scientific director dr. Ilias Kapoutsis.
In this competition, 18 teams are taking part, consisting of three students each undergraduate and postgraduate students from Greece and Cyprus and supported by 40 volunteers.
The purpose of this competition is to get together students from Greece and around the world for the resolution of various issues and to enhance the skill of negotiation which is a prerequisite for the adaptation and prosperity in the 4th industrial revolution.
During the two-day simulations, the participants will have the opportunity to exhibit their negotiation skills and to gain valuable experience.
The winners of ANT2019 will represent our country at the Warsaw Negotiation Round 2020 International Negotiation Competition. The knowledge and the experience that the competitors will gain from this event, will be beneficial for them and our country.
The interested teams to participate in this competition, they can apply through the Greek website: www.ant.aueb.gr, from 10 to 28 of February. The final selection will be based on the studies that the applicants have concluded, the possible working of voluntary experience, any awards, the geographical origin of the team, and the accompanying video explaining the reasons why they believe that they should are selected to participate.
This competition has been organized by the Department of Business Administration of Athens University of Economics, with scientific director dr. Ilias Kapoutsis.
In this competition, 18 teams are taking part, consisting of three students each undergraduate and postgraduate students from Greece and Cyprus and supported by 40 volunteers.
The purpose of this competition is to get together students from Greece and around the world for the resolution of various issues and to enhance the skill of negotiation which is a prerequisite for the adaptation and prosperity in the 4th industrial revolution.
During the two-day simulations, the participants will have the opportunity to exhibit their negotiation skills and to gain valuable experience.
The winners of ANT2019 will represent our country at the Warsaw Negotiation Round 2020 International Negotiation Competition. The knowledge and the experience that the competitors will gain from this event, will be beneficial for them and our country.
The interested teams to participate in this competition, they can apply through the Greek website: www.ant.aueb.gr, from 10 to 28 of February. The final selection will be based on the studies that the applicants have concluded, the possible working of voluntary experience, any awards, the geographical origin of the team, and the accompanying video explaining the reasons why they believe that they should are selected to participate.
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Business
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Tuesday, 25 February 2020 11:41
Olympic Flame To Pass By Major Greek Landmarks
The flame for the Tokyo Summer Olympics will pass by some of the most historic landmarks in Greece over eight days before being handed over to Japan.
According to the Greek Olympic Committee, the Olympic flame will pass by World Heritage sites and significant landmarks, such as the Acropolis of Athens and Thessaloniki.
The official lighting of the flame ceremony will take place on March 12 at the site of Ancient Olympia in the Peloponnese. About 600 torchbearers will participate in the Olympic torch relay before it is handed over to Tokyo organizing committee officials on March 19 at a ceremony at the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens, the location of the first modern Olympics in 1896.
The Japanese leg of the relay will start on March 26 from the northeastern Tohoku region and go past all 47 Japanese prefectures before making its entrance at the opening ceremony at Tokyo’s National Stadium on July 24.
To read this article in full, please visit: GreekCityTimes.com
Photo: Olympic.org
To read this article in full, please visit: GreekCityTimes.com
Photo: Olympic.org
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Greece In The News
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Monday, 24 February 2020 05:00
Education Meets Innovation As Students Showcase Their Ideas
Students shared their passions and intellectual curiosities at the 3rd Annual Innovation Summit - February 18-19, 2020
On February 18-19, 2020, American Community Schools - ACS Athens hosted the 3rd Annual Innovation Summit in the Learning Commons, managed by the school’s Incubator of Student's Creative Ideas (ISCI).
For 2 days, the Innovation Summit featured a wide range of workshops including the areas of Mathematics, Technology (Fusion 360, Scratch and Makey Makey, Python with Micro:Bit), Health, Athletics, Optics, Energy, Recycling, Plastic Management, Sustainable Education and Entrepreneurship.
Students shared their intellectual passions by presenting their well-researched projects such as hydrogen cars, LED lightsabers, 3D and laser printed objects/labels. Piezoelectric drums and bio tanks used to generate energy were visible and the green city model displayed solar, electrical, wind, hydrogen, and oxygen energy used in everyday life.
According to Ms. MaryAnn Augoustatos, Director of Learning Commons at ACS Athens, the success of the Innovation Summit serves a greater purpose: “The innovation summit provides students with the highest level of student leadership that can exist in an educational institution. Students decide what topics will be taught for two school days. As educators, our responsibility is to channel students’ interests/passions/curiosities and research, to create positive changes, as responsible global citizens. The two days of the summit served this purpose. What an incredible celebration of learning!”
Finally, the President of ACS Athens Dr. Peggy Pelonis in her message remarked: “ Watching the students present with such enthusiasm and providing the platform for such projects to come to fruition was at the very least impressive. Hats off to each of the students (all three schools) and congratulations to you and your team for organizing such a meaningful event.”
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Monday, 24 February 2020 07:00
How Children Learn About Love
On the occasion of Valentine's Day, the teacher at the Art club asked the children to paint love. Children in this class range from 4 to 17 years old. It's great to see their paintings and what love means to them. Hearts, hearts, many hearts everywhere. Houses with chimneys forming heart-shaped smoke. Swings and playgrounds with boys and girls playing together. The Eiffel tower, a bridge in Venice and boys getting down on their knees proposing to girls. Wedding rings and flowers. Pink and blue birds. "The Wedding" was the title of a painting."What does love mean to you?" the teacher asked. "When two people get married and are in love and are together," replied one girl – different from the one who gave the wedding title to her painting.
Hmmm?? What does love really mean? And how do children learn about it? That is how do us parents, grandparents, the immediate and close environment of children teach them about love? What is love for us? Because that’s what we show to our children as children mirror us. Love is making you breakfast when I know you are tired. Love is giving you my toy when you ask for it or my cardigan when you are cold. Love is offering you my shoulder and a big hug when you need it, when you want to cry, without asking how and why. Love is giving you the space and time you need. Love is supporting you to evolve the way you want even if I do not fully agree with you. Love is wanting to be together during good times and bad times. Love is not running away when we disagree but trying to find a solution together. Love is doing a good deed without spreading the word around. Let’s think, how do we as a unit and as a group express and accept love in our various relationships? Because that is exactly what our children will learn.❤️
If there’s a topic you’re interested in and would like to learn more about you may contact me via email. For more information about me and my work check the XpatAthens Directory or visit my website. Because this is your life!
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Kids Life
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Monday, 24 February 2020 07:00
Omonia Is Back! The Revamped Square To Be Revealed At The End Of The Week
The much anticipated revamped Omonia Square will be revealed to the Athenians at the end of the week, Mayor Kostas Bakoyannis stated on social media last Thursday.
"Very happy that Omonia square has entered the final stretch and will be delivered to the Athenians," he said.
For years Omonia Square has been one of Athens' most central meeting points and has undergone many transformations. The plans include reinstalling a fountain removed from the square in the early 1990s while a few luxury hotels are opening this year around the square, on Pireos and Stadiou streets.
A video from the testing of the new fountain at Omonia Square.
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Wednesday, 19 February 2020 00:57
1896 Classic Marathon Race Revival V
Greece’s premier track bike race, in memoriam and appreciation of the epic brakeless race to Marathon that took place on 1896 at the first Modern Olympic Games of Athens.
2020 marks its 5th edition and the race will take place on the coastal road connecting Acropolis to its most iconic peninsula at Cape Sounio.
Race Details:
- long-distance race
- total distance approx 75klm
- first 15klm (controlled pace)
- race distance 60klm (between km 15 and 75)
- fixed gear only
- helmets obligatory
- front brake allowed
Registration: 20 euros (including race pack)
Register through info@48x17.com
Race starts at 48x17 Cycles, Veikou 2, Acropolis.
Ends at Cape Sounio.
There will be an after-party at a private villa by the beach.
There will be a bus that can take racers and their bike back to Athens.
Historical Background:
At the first Modern Olympic Games the sport of cycling was introduced. There were several track cycling events held at the Phaliron Velodrome (Stadio Karaiskaki) and one road cycling event. At that time the “bicycle” was quite a novice idea people were not familiar with. Gears, brakes and deralleurs were not yet invented and all bicycles were fixed gear and brakeless.
The only road race of the Games took place on April 12. It was 87 kilometres long, with contestants cycling to the village of Marathon and back. Five Greeks registered for the race, one of them Aristides Konstantinides, and a few foreign cyclists including the German August von Gödrich and the Briton Edward Battel. Konstantinidis was one of the first bicycle enthusiasts in the country and a member of the first Greek cycling club.
He won the road race, covering the 87 kilometres from Athens to Marathon and back in a time of 3:22:31 despite his bicycle breaking down on the way back to Athens. Legend has it that he borrowed a bicycle from a spectator to finish the race.
Konstantinidis led from the start until his first fall that allowed Battel to briefly pass in front of him. Both Konstantinidis and Battel fell again before finishing, with Battel’s fall being severe enough to drop him from first place to third as both Konstantinidis and Gödrich passed him. Konstantinides entered the city battered and bleeding but trioumphant giving Greece one of its most glorified gold medals as groups of bystanders cheered him on his way to the finish line.
2020 marks its 5th edition and the race will take place on the coastal road connecting Acropolis to its most iconic peninsula at Cape Sounio.
Race Details:
- long-distance race
- total distance approx 75klm
- first 15klm (controlled pace)
- race distance 60klm (between km 15 and 75)
- fixed gear only
- helmets obligatory
- front brake allowed
Registration: 20 euros (including race pack)
Register through info@48x17.com
Race starts at 48x17 Cycles, Veikou 2, Acropolis.
Ends at Cape Sounio.
There will be an after-party at a private villa by the beach.
There will be a bus that can take racers and their bike back to Athens.
Historical Background:
At the first Modern Olympic Games the sport of cycling was introduced. There were several track cycling events held at the Phaliron Velodrome (Stadio Karaiskaki) and one road cycling event. At that time the “bicycle” was quite a novice idea people were not familiar with. Gears, brakes and deralleurs were not yet invented and all bicycles were fixed gear and brakeless.
The only road race of the Games took place on April 12. It was 87 kilometres long, with contestants cycling to the village of Marathon and back. Five Greeks registered for the race, one of them Aristides Konstantinides, and a few foreign cyclists including the German August von Gödrich and the Briton Edward Battel. Konstantinidis was one of the first bicycle enthusiasts in the country and a member of the first Greek cycling club.
He won the road race, covering the 87 kilometres from Athens to Marathon and back in a time of 3:22:31 despite his bicycle breaking down on the way back to Athens. Legend has it that he borrowed a bicycle from a spectator to finish the race.
Konstantinidis led from the start until his first fall that allowed Battel to briefly pass in front of him. Both Konstantinidis and Battel fell again before finishing, with Battel’s fall being severe enough to drop him from first place to third as both Konstantinidis and Gödrich passed him. Konstantinides entered the city battered and bleeding but trioumphant giving Greece one of its most glorified gold medals as groups of bystanders cheered him on his way to the finish line.
Published in
Sports & Wellness
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Wednesday, 19 February 2020 22:28
Carnival In Athens
IMPORTANT PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT - Carnival celebrations cancelled!!
Kostas Bakoyannis: the City of Athens celebrates Carnival Season with festive and colorful events all over the city!
As we enter the Pre-Lenten season, the City of Athens is transformed into a colorful setting spreading streamers and Carnival fun and joy around the city. For this year’s Carnival season, the Culture, Sports & Youth Organization of the City of Athens (OPANDA) together with Technopolis City of Athens, have co-created a rich program of events starting from February 15th.
The city streets fill with confetti, masks, capes and hats while percussion and bass drums give the rhythm. Harlequins, pierrots and clowns hide near the Acropolis Hill, the city center and all around the neighborhoods with the intention to carry us away with their joyful tunes… All these happenings together with many more will unravel the vibrant maypole of this year’s festivities as the joyful dance of the Athenian carnival begins!
For 17 days, 32 spots around Athens will be hosting more than 60 festive activities with free admission to all. The carnival agenda has it all: concerts, music tours, serenades, performances and parades, revival of traditional Athenian carnival customs, treasure hunt, dancing, satirical songs, tarantella dance sessions, guitars, mandolins, ocarinas and bass drums along with afro-brazilian percussions!
The Carnival events program has also provided for our younger carnival enthusiasts, including plenty of activities for kids and families: educational programs and art workshops invite our little friends to put on their costumes, explore different materials, experiment with the tradition, create and play leisurely. Undoubtedly, an exceptional event among the many children’s activities is the -well established- Carnival Celebrations for Children at Zappeion. On Sunday the 23rd of February, little ones and grown-ups celebrate with music, jugglers, magicians, dancers, stilt walkers, crafts, face painting and much more...
As for Tsiknopempti (Smoked Thursday) the 20th of February, the festivities begin early in the morning in the center of Athens! Celebrations start at 11.00 and continue - where else? – in Varvakios Market with a music program by BabisTsertos performing the most beautiful songs of the Greek repertoire. A bit later, the most distinctive folk carnival celebration with the maypole dancers begins, starting from the “Aggeliki Chatzimihali” Museum of Folk Art and Tradition, and will fascinate whoever meets along its way.
The festivities, as expected, will take off on Kathara Deftera (Clean Monday). On Friday the 28th, Saturday the 29th of February and Sunday the 1st of March, many of our favorite Greek artists will be entertaining us in a series of some very special concerts… under the Acropolis. Having Thissio as our base, we begin for a colorful and multidimensional musical journey having joy and happiness as our destination goal. Our vehicles will be the celebrated festivals of Ikaria and the Cyclades, those of mainland Greece, the memorable folk hits of the golden decades from the 60s to the 90s. We will have the pleasure to see Glykeria and Melina Kana in an unexpected musical collaboration, EleniTsaligopoulou, and Boğaz Musique at a post minor asian palco, Kostas Makedonas, one of the best - not only but mainly - folk singers of his generation, Petroloukas Chalkias, the master of the clarinet, Michalis Rakintzis along with his super band throwing a thrilling party, Nikos Fakaros and the Musicaroi with their Aegean vibes, Wedding Singers for a love “attack” full of stardust and 90s dancing moves and we will remember that “those were the days” along with: Dakis, Lakis Giordanelli, Robert Williams, Yorgos Polychroniadis, Bessy Argyraki, and Katerina Adamantidou.
The peak, however, of the carnival period comes on Kathara Deftera (Clean Monday), the 2nd of March. We meet up at Filopappou Hill to fly our kites and celebrate the “Koulouma” tradition. Headliner of this festive day is GogoTsampa! The singer who managed to revive the audience’s interest for folk music will be there and nothing will stop us from dancing! This year, Athens gets dressed in its most beautiful and fancy jewels and invites us to celebrate Carnival through a colourful mosaic of activities and events, be carried away by the music and experience our city as we’ve never had before…
"Another great opportunity to see Athens dressed in colors and festivities. We have carefully designed a number of Carnival events so that Athenians of all ages as well as our visitors feel that they belong here. It's the Carnival itself which has this familiar, sweet taste of tradition while at the same time is in an open dialogue with the fresh and the new! It's the Carnival itself that's not afraid to have fun, to dress up in the craziest colors and laugh out loud" points out the Mayor of Athens, Kostas Bakoyannis.
The peak, however, of the carnival period comes on Kathara Deftera (Clean Monday), the 2nd of March. We meet up at Filopappou Hill to fly our kites and celebrate the “Koulouma” tradition. Headliner of this festive day is GogoTsampa! The singer who managed to revive the audience’s interest for folk music will be there and nothing will stop us from dancing! This year, Athens gets dressed in its most beautiful and fancy jewels and invites us to celebrate Carnival through a colourful mosaic of activities and events, be carried away by the music and experience our city as we’ve never had before…
"Another great opportunity to see Athens dressed in colors and festivities. We have carefully designed a number of Carnival events so that Athenians of all ages as well as our visitors feel that they belong here. It's the Carnival itself which has this familiar, sweet taste of tradition while at the same time is in an open dialogue with the fresh and the new! It's the Carnival itself that's not afraid to have fun, to dress up in the craziest colors and laugh out loud" points out the Mayor of Athens, Kostas Bakoyannis.
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