LIFE & CULTURE
XpatAthens
Thursday, 26 March 2026 12:41
Handpicked Gifts, Street Food & Spring Vibes At The Meet Market
🌷 The Meet Market #EasterEdition at Technopolis City of Athens
📌 Michanourgeio, Michanourgeio Courtyard, Warehouse & Central Yard
📅 Saturday, April 4 & Sunday, April 5, 2026
🕐 Opening Hours: 12:00 – 22:00
📍 100 Piraeus St., Gazi 11854
🎫 Free Entrance
✔ 150+ exhibitors
✔ DJ sets
✔ Street food & cocktails
✔ Free activities for children
Spring finds the city in a creative rhythm, and The Meet Market is back with its most festive Easter edition yet. For two days, the heart of the city transforms into a meeting point for creators, brands, and visitors seeking authentic experiences, music, flavors, and inspiration in a unique springtime setting.
The days are getting longer, the mood is lifting, and The Meet Market is officially kicking off the festival season with its established #EasterEdition event on April 4 & 5 at Technopolis City of Athens. Everything you need for the perfect weekend in the city is waiting for you: shopping, music, drinks, food, activities, meetups, gifts, and good vibes.
The Place To Be For Lovers Of All Things Authentic & Handmade
More than 150 makers will fill the spaces of Technopolis with well-designed clothing and accessories, unique jewelry, home decor, ceramics, posters, and wellness products. In our tasting corner, you’ll discover delicious selections from Greek producers, alongside one-of-a-kind Easter candles (lambades) and special creations to gift this Easter.
For vintage lovers, not one, not two, but three dedicated spaces filled with handpicked pieces will turn your search into a true treasure-hunting experience.
Our favorite DJs will take over the decks, rotating throughout the weekend to keep the rhythm going from start to finish. On the culinary side, you’ll find street food options for every taste, alongside Greek craft beers from independent microbreweries, with an emphasis on small-batch production and a wide variety of flavors.
Little visitors can expect a rich program of free activities and games, including the beloved Easter Egg Hunt that you simply can't miss! Hidden somewhere within Technopolis are 100 colorful Easter eggs… Can you find them? If you do, bring them to the Central Cashier and win prizes!
And of course, don’t forget to enter The Meet Market grand raffle, where 3 lucky winners will walk away with 3 gift baskets overflowing with products from the exhibitors!
#MakersLineup:
Hand-Designer Clothes:
Adelie Pengu, Aelia.You, Anemuku, BAKAYARO, Born Backwards, Circle of karma, CUT DESIGN, Eating the Goober, eek, Elli Papadaki, Funny Radical Acne Scars, Hazelnut Streetwear, Inky, Kado Handmade, Marsel Creations, Nerida, NIATA, ΝΙΚs, Ohet, OINOVERSE, Ovary Gang, Razzmatazz, Social Outkast, STILVI CLOTHING, ΣΥΝΑRΤΗΣΙΕΣ, The Lost Kids, The Spiral Project
Kids, Toys & Pets:
Aeikiniton, amilima, Antalou, Cow Makes MOO, Fiogos Handmade Baby Collection, Funky Little Stuff, Happy button store, Koka Handmade, Mamuka, Minibox, Mon Petit Chou, Nok Nok, TSIOU woodcrafts, Two Glittery Pitayas, Pitsy Ricky, Woofresh
Accessories:
Al.cre, ALEF, Anakata, Boukla Loop Studio, Crocheterie Arachne, Her2, KALTSA ΣΟΚ, Le Plou, Molkano, ΜΠΛΑΝΚ!, Ode to Socks, The Feeddogs, THE INK JOB, The Mpini Project, Tul Handcrafted Design, UNIVERSE 25 EYEWEAR
Mind, Body & Soul:
Aethereal Candles, Ethra Essentials, Kalliope’s Botanicals, KALYKA, Labora Essences, LAVANDULA, Nymfes Cosmetics, Ofelima Holistic Skincare, The Soaphouse, ZEST NATURAL COSMETICS
Vintage & Retro:
Aura Vintage, Avant Garden, Cinderella Secondhand, Emerald Hut Vintage, Fabric Vintage, Hazel Ray Vintage, Its Clofie, King Kong Vintage, Lilia in Love, Memorabilia Lovers, Munda Vintage, Nostalgώ, OK Boomer, Retro So It is, To Diskadiko, TETOIO
Homedeco & Art:
Abstract Studio, Aethereal Ceramics, Armony Candles, ARTIO creative studio, Better Be Candles, Bok Choy Athens, Cactus DNA, Conseederate, danaismouart & Labeldone, EleniPal Ceramics, eunoia candles, Evie On Off, hēpe, Inlenso Photography, Its Popiz, Kati Akraio, Loupes Printing, Madame Ginger, Made by Tifi, Meli Ceramics, Nātural Soy Candles, ΠΟΛΥ ΚΟΥΛ, Signature Project, SOMANYBLOBS, Straypot, Studio Anna Kiosse, The Couple Game, Tiny Truths, TO BEE OR NOT TO BE?, To Lemoni Art, Village Tree Ceramics, Vintage Trip
Tasting Corner:
Άγρια Νομή, Αγρόκτημα Δρόσου, ΖΥΜΑΡΙΚΑ ΑΝΑΓΝΟΥ, Aithra Spirits, ARCHETYPON Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Αστική Μέλισσα, Αχταρμάς, Bee Naturalles, ΓΕΥΣΕΙΣ ΝΙΚΕΖΗ, Οικογένεια Δασκαλάκη, Phil’s Granola, ΣάΟΣ, Vlachos Deli, Wellen Granola
Street Food & Drinks:
608BREWING CO, Falafeladiko, Hurry Up, Ideas Lab, Joshua Tree, Rubik’s laboratiore, Sourmena Brew, Tarantino Burgers
#DJ Lineup:
Saturday, 4/04
12:00 - 14:00: djk_aka_zegas
14:00 - 16:00: Rrose Sélavy
16:00 - 18:00: Pipe Dee
18:00 - 20:00: George Garavellos
20:00 - 22:00: dj kotétrataté
Sunday, 5/04
12:00 - 14:00: Winjer
14:00 - 16:00: Psontis
16:00 - 18:00: Afrogirl
18:00 - 20:00: Dj Kiten
20:00 - 22:00: Mr. G
Kids activities:
Saturdaym 4/04
13:00 - 16:00 || Face-painting by Mountzoures
14:00 - 17:00 || Al-fresco activities by ΠΑΙΖώΝΤΑΣ
17:00 - 18:30 || Educational Workshop "Artistic Flower Shop" by ARTποιω
Κυριακή 5/04
13:00 - 16:00 || Face-painting by Mountzoures
13:00 - 15:00 || "Pollock-style" splattered crafts with the Tamtoom team!
16:00 - 17:00 || Gardening for kids by Pots & Plants by b2mt
17:00 - 18:30 || Bubble & Juggling Show by Fundastick Performing Arts
Access:
Kerameikos Metro Station
Trolley: No. 21 (from Omonoia), Bus Stop «Fotoaerio»
Buses: 035, 049, 227, 815, 838, 914, Β18, Γ18, Bus Stop «Fotoaerio»
Facebook: Τhe Meet Market
Instagram: @themeetmarket.gr
YouTube: The Meet Market
Can’t make it to the event? No problem!
All your favorite creators under one digital roof. Visit the Meet Market's e-shop!
Published in
Local News
Tagged under
Sunday, 22 March 2026 21:20
Holy Oddities: Greece’s Most Astonishing Churches & Monasteries
You’ve probably noticed it by now: Greece is absolutely overflowing with churches - more than 10,000 scattered across islands, mountains, villages and cliff edges. With so many of them dotting the landscape, it’s only natural that some turn out to be wonderfully unusual: tucked into rock faces, shaped in unique styles, or carrying the kind of wild backstories you’d expect from a novel.
With the celebration of March 25th, it’s a particularly special time to explore these landmarks. Not only is it a major national holiday, it is also a major Orthodox celebration—the Annunciation—where churches across the country become the heart of the festivities. To mark the occasion, we’ve looked beyond the famous blue domes to find the hidden gems that truly stand out.
Kakavo Cave Church — The Roofless Wonder Of Lemnos
Perched right at the top of Mount Kakavo in Lemnos from which it takes its name, this 14th‑century oddity is one of Greece’s most surprising churches. Its claim to fame? It has no roof at all. Not a missing one, not a ruined one ; simply none, because the entire sanctuary sits safely tucked beneath a natural cave. Practical, really. Back in the day, monks used this hidden spot as a refuge from Turkish raids, but as time went on they left for Mount Athos, leaving behind a tiny, open‑sky chapel that now stands as both a peaceful place of prayer and a wonderfully isolated curiosity.
Agia Theodora — The 17 Trees Chapel
@gkhmaladze78
Why does such a small 12th‑century Byzantine church, tucked between Arcadia and Messinia, attract so many visitors? Agia Theodora owes its fame to the 17 trees that spring straight out of its roof, trunks and branches piercing through the walls and tiles, all mysteriously nourished by the nearby river. The Guinness Book of World Records even listed it as a “wonderful nave”, and while the setting is already magical on its own, the legend behind it gives the place an even deeper aura.
The story goes that Agia Theodora was the eldest daughter of a very poor family, who forced her to disguise herself as a man and serve as a mercenary soldier to support them. As “Theodoros”, she caught the eye of a young girl who, hurt by “his” lack of interest, accused “him” of leaving her pregnant. Condemned to martyrdom by the girl’s family, the deeply God‑fearing Theodora prayed before her beheading and her hair became trees, her blood became the flowing river, and her body became the temple itself.
Trypti Church — Athens’ Hidden Cave‑Carved Sanctuary
While visiting Athens, don’t miss this rather strange little church hidden on Mount Ymittos, the perfect excuse for a little hike. Known as Trypti Church, it’s built directly inside a cave, with the exterior chapel of the Ascension of Jesus forming an open, hollowed‑out sanctuary carved straight into the rock. It’s lovingly tended all year long by the locals, who keep this tucked‑away spot glowing with candles, flowers and quiet devotion.
Ropoto Virgin Mary — The Leaning Miracle
@mr.kaspars
@mr.kaspars
In 2012, a major landslide turned life upside down in the small village of Ropoto, tucked into the mountainous region of Trikala. After years of ignoring warnings about unstable ground, the inevitable finally happened: houses cracked open, roads collapsed, and residents were forced to abandon their homes. Yet in the middle of all this destruction, one building remained standing : the Church of the Virgin Mary. Leaning at a dramatic 17‑degree angle, it somehow avoided collapsing and suffered no serious damage. Many locals and believers are convinced this wasn’t luck at all, but a genuine miracle. Today, the church has become both a symbol of hope and faith, and a rather unusual tourist attraction. And although the area hasn’t been officially declared completely safe, that certainly doesn’t stop visitors from coming, snapping photos, and sharing the story of this stubborn little survivor.
Chapel of Nikolaos Xenos — The Pebble‑Clad Fisherman’s Masterpiece
@farahsamuray
@farahsamuray
Past the megayachts in Vouliagmeni’s hyper‑modern marina, tucked away down a short path on Laimos Hill near the tip of the peninsula, you’ll stumble upon a hidden little chapel, a true gem covered in pebbles and maritime motifs. It’s the work of local fisherman and sculptor Nikolaos Xenos, who, with remarkable dedication, brought all the materials by boat himself and carried out the entire construction by hand. A real passion project that took years to complete, the chapel is tiny but brimming with details, including an interior filled with icons. Its architectural style is unlike any traditional Christian chapel you’ll find in the city, and its folk‑art touches and sea‑faring imagery make this holy spot stand out beautifully against the marina’s sleek restaurants and fashion boutiques.
Agios Isidoros, Leros — The Chapel In The Sea
@gokcenkuru_
A stunning little chapel perched on a rock in the Mediterranean Sea : that’s Agios Isidoros, one of the true gems of the island of Leros. Standing about 50 metres off the coast, the tiny whitewashed church is linked to the land by a narrow footpath that seems to float above the water. The building itself is simple, with just a few pieces of religious art hanging on the walls and a golden light fixture adding a touch of ornate charm.
Agios Isidoros sits in the Bay of Gourna, not far from the village of Kokkali, and was built on the site of an ancient temple, the remains of which can still be seen behind the altar. More traces of old structures lie scattered in the waters around the chapel, giving the whole place a quiet, timeless feel. And as if that weren’t enough, it also happens to be one of the very best spots on the island to watch the sunset!
Agios Spyridon, Nafplio — The Basilica That Became A Crime Scene
An unassuming church that has witnessed some truly wild chapters of Greek history: the Church of Agios Spyridon in Nafplio, which at the time belonged to the Republic of Venice. With the Venetians allowing freedom of religion, the Nafplian Brotherhood of Orthodox Greeks openly raised funds in 1702 and built Agios Spyridon right in the heart of the city. The church was designed as a single‑dome basilica, its walls covered in Byzantine paintings, the most striking being a colourful fresco of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea. A hexagram was even placed on the floor, an unusual feature for a Greek Orthodox church.
Nafplio fell back under Ottoman rule in 1715 and stayed that way until it became the capital of the First Hellenic Republic at the start of the Greek Revolution in 1821. And then came the moment that sealed Agios Spyridon’s place in history: in 1831, Greece’s head of state, Ioannis Kapodistrias, was assassinated right at its entrance by members of a rival clan who opposed his vision for the newly independent country.
Kapodistrias’s embalmed body was displayed in his mansion for several days, and since holding a funeral in the very church where he was murdered was deemed inappropriate, the ceremony took place in nearby Agios Georgios. Shortly afterwards, his internal organs were placed in a casket beneath the altar of Agios Spyridon. A bell tower was added in 1853, and only minor renovations have been made since.
To this day, the church still bears the scars of that dramatic moment: the bullet mark believed to have killed Kapodistrias is framed in brass and glass on the right side of the entrance, a quiet but powerful reminder of the turbulent history this church has witnessed.
Agios Sostis, Athens — From Paris Exposition To Athens
@iliasx_01
@iliasx_01
Shortly after the end of the Greco‑Turkish War of 1897, King George I of Greece was travelling in an open carriage with his daughter, Princess Maria, when an assassination attempt took place. In the midst of the attack, George showed astonishing bravery, shielding Maria from a volley of bullets fired by two rifle‑wielding shooters. This act of courage made him so wildly popular that Athens’ mayor, Spiros Mercouri, pushed the city government to build a church on the very spot of the attempt, as a tribute to the king’s heroism.
Mercouri soon learned that Greece was taking part in the 1900 Paris Exposition with a pavilion featuring a large Byzantine‑style church surrounded by Greek ruins. He arranged for the entire structure to be shipped back to Greece once the seven‑month exhibition ended. In the meantime, he had a stone foundation laid at the site of the assassination attempt. After the Paris Exposition closed, the 150‑ton church was dismantled, transported to Athens, and reassembled block by block on its new foundation.
It was named Agios Sostis (Christ the Holy Saviour) in honour of the king and princess who had been “saved” from the assassin’s bullets.
Meteora — The Monasteries Suspended Between Earth & Sky
@anastasi.simple
Of course, when it comes to astonishing religious sites, there’s no skipping Meteora. These monasteries rise out of a spectacular landscape in Thessaly, on the northern Greek mainland, where the first hermits carved out their refuges in crevices and caves at dizzying heights at the foot of the Pindos Mountains back in the 9th century. These early places of prayer were primarily shelters — remote, hidden, and safe. Between the 12th and 14th centuries, the first monasteries were built on top of the towering rock pillars. The monk Athanassios Meteoritis founded the very first one, Metamorphosis (Megalo Meteoron), in 1356, and he was the one who gave the entire region its name: Meteora.
Until the early 20th century, the monasteries were practically unreachable. People and supplies were hauled up in nets and baskets using winches — and you can still see remnants of these old systems at some of the monasteries today. Nowadays, all the inhabited monasteries have stairways, making them far easier to access. Over the centuries, a total of 24 Greek Orthodox monasteries and hermitages were built here, and six of them are still active and open to visitors. No surprise, then, that Meteora is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site — a place where nature, faith and sheer human determination come together in the most breathtaking way.
Agios Andreas, Syggrou Park — Greece’s Only Gothic Orthodox Chapel
If you’re planning a walk through the lovely Syggrou Park of Agios Andreas, make sure you stop by this one‑of‑a‑kind church. Agios Andreas is the work of Bavarian architect Ernst Ziller — the very same artist behind the Syggrou Villa. His foreign background explains the chapel’s utterly unique appearance: it is, in fact, the only Gothic‑style Orthodox church in all of Greece.
This small chapel in Alsos Syggrou follows the basilica type, yet its architecture shares several features with the Catholic church of Agios Loukas in Neo Irakleio, Attica. The result is a delightful little oddity: a Gothic gem tucked inside a Greek park, standing quietly apart from every other Orthodox church in the country.
Agios Stefanos, Galissas — The Cliffside Chapel
@hundertmalmeer
@hundertmalmeer
Agios Stefanos is a little treasure you truly have to earn. Built by a fisherman who was saved from the tentacles of a giant octopus after praying to the saint for help, the chapel sits tucked among the rocks in the Galissas area — reachable only by a short walk down the cliff or by boat. On the 19th of August and the 26th of December, the feast days of Agios Stefanos, crowds of people make their way to this tiny seaside sanctuary to attend the liturgy. And after the service, every pilgrim is treated to loukoumi, the beloved local sweet, along with fragrant mastic from Chios. A small chapel with a big story, perched right where the sea meets the rocks.
Published in
Travel Greece
Tagged under
Friday, 20 March 2026 20:00
Internship At Wellness Hub Greece
Wellness Hub Greece is a sister platform to XpatAthens and we're looking for a dynamic intern to join the team! If you're passionate about community building and digital media, this is your chance to help grow Greece’s premier wellness platform. Learn more about Wellness Hub Greece here.
Key Responsibilities:
-
Platform Management: Uploading content to the backend and overseeing our community inbox.
-
Strategic Outreach: Reaching out to community and wellness providers to tell them about our platform.
-
Creative Collaboration: Coordinating with team members to brainstorm newsletter and social media communication.
-
Editorial Input: Contributing fresh content ideas for our magazine and overall content strategy.
If you are interested, please express your interest by telling us more about yourself at hello@wellnesshubgreece.com or info@xpatathens.com.
Published in
Jobs Available
Tagged under
Thursday, 19 March 2026 15:05
The Athens Singers Easter Concert
Join us for a journey through the St. Luke Passion, a work defined by its lyrical simplicity and profound emotional clarity. Distinguished from the dense complexity of Bach’s larger Passions, this setting focuses on intimate storytelling, moving chorales, and reflective arias.
Experience the story of the Passion of our Lord through this rare, elegant setting!
Event Details
Date: Friday, 3 April at 8:30PM
Place: St Paul's Anglican Church Filellinon 27, Athens, Metro: Syntagma
Tickets: 15€, Cash Only
Reservations: 697 26 04 551 / athenssingers23@gmail.com
Note: Seats are limited
Experience the story of the Passion of our Lord through this rare, elegant setting!
Event Details
Date: Friday, 3 April at 8:30PM
Place: St Paul's Anglican Church Filellinon 27, Athens, Metro: Syntagma
Tickets: 15€, Cash Only
Reservations: 697 26 04 551 / athenssingers23@gmail.com
Note: Seats are limited
Published in
Local Groups
Tagged under
Thursday, 19 March 2026 12:06
Easter Mysteries, Music, & Creation At The Maria Callas Museum Easter Camp
From Holy Monday to Holy Wednesday, the Maria Callas Museum of the City of Athens invites children aged 5 to 10 to the MCM Kids Easter Camp, a camp filled with music, theater, visual arts, and play! Every morning from 10:00 to 13:00, children will experience the magic of spring inside and outside the Museum, participating in experiential art-filled activities.
Through play and artistic experience, children become familiar with the performing arts and discover the life and work of Maria Callas. At the same time, they get to know the Museum as a space for creating experiences and play, exploring their imagination and creativity while understanding how opera combines different arts into a single unified experience.
MCM Kids Easter Camp Program:
Holy Monday, April 6, 2026 | When the Egg Went Missing!
Easter Treasure Hunt in the Museum & Visual Arts Play
A mysterious musical Easter egg that was supposed to be in a performance of Carmen has gone missing inside the Museum! Children are called to find it through a musical treasure hunt. Guided by imagination, cooperation, and the sounds emerging from the exhibits, kids explore the Museum spaces, solve riddles, and discover hidden stories. The day concludes with an artistic game, where children capture their hunting experience by creating their own 3D Easter egg, inspired by the colors, sounds, and emotions of the day.
Holy Tuesday, April 7, 2026 | Musical Canvases!
Visual Arts Play & Musical Storytelling
Spring is in the air inside and outside the Maria Callas Museum, and inspiration comes from nature and music! Children head outside to observe the colors and images of spring through an exploration game. Afterward, they listen to musical excerpts in the museum's themed stage rooms, connecting sounds, emotions, and images. Finally, they collectively create a large spring canvas, which isn't just a piece of art, but the backdrop for a story born from their play and imagination. The children's story will be presented within the Museum's exhibition space!
Holy Wednesday, April 8, 2026 | OPERA: SOS!
Drama Education Program
On the final day, everything is turned upside down! The opera is lost, and nothing is in its place. The children take action, splitting into teams of set designers, musicians, singers, actors, and technicians. Through collaboration, they rebuild an opera from scratch—its story, its music, its sets, and its roles. The day culminates in the presentation of the "Lost Opera," where everything they learned and created over the previous days comes together in a celebration of art and teamwork.
General Information:
-
Dates: Holy Monday – Holy Wednesday, April 6 - 8, 2026
-
Hours: 10:00 – 13:00
-
Ages: 5 – 10 years old
-
Cost: €18 per child/day or €50 per child for all three days. A 10% sibling discount applies.
-
Flexibility: Bookings can be made for one or more days; attendance for the full program is not mandatory.
- Reservations: Limited spots available. Booking is required via more.com.
- Important Note: Children should bring their own mid-morning snack.
For Chaperones/Parents:
While the children enjoy the Easter activities on Holy Tuesday and Holy Wednesday, accompanying adults can:
-
Tour the museum exhibition space with a reduced ticket (€7).
-
Enjoy coffee or breakfast with a 15% discount at the La Divina café.
-
Explore the museum gift shop.
Published in
Kids Life
Tagged under
Thursday, 19 March 2026 11:46
1st Athens International Literature Festival: Side Events & Useful Information For Visitors
The first edition of the Athens International Literature Festival (AILF) will be taking place at Technopolis City of Athens from 27 to 29 March with free entrance, welcoming visitors to a three-day celebration of the power of literature. Discussions, book signings, masterclasses and a packed slate of side events will transform Technopolis into an open space for thoughtful dialogue and joyful creativity.
Top international writers, among them 2025 Nobel Prize winner László Krasznahorkai and Booker Prize winners David Szalay (2025) and Paul Lynch (2023), will be joined by activists, journalists, athletes, and filmmakers to discuss the hot-button issues of our times, such as identities and gendered violence, migration and the rise of the far right, and the relationship between literature and other aspects of modern life, like politics and cinema.
How To Book Your Seats
Entrance to the festival is free, but getting a free entry pass is necessary to participate in the panel discussions that will be taking place in the Gasholder 1 – Auditorium “Miltiadis Evert” and the Purifier Hall. A limited number of passes will be available for early booking through the more.com platform on Monday 23 March at 12:00. The rest will be available at the AILF registration desk two hours before the start of each event and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Entry pass holders will have to be at the venue 20 minutes prior to the start of the panel. Please allow yourself plenty of time to get to the venue, as latecomers will not be seated and their entry passes will be invalid.
For those unable to get an entry pass, LED screens in the Upper Courtyard and the INNOVATHENS space will be showing the discussions for all visitors, no booking required.
Live Translation
Live translation into Greek, English and the Greek sign language will be available for all panel discussions. To get access to the digital translation platform, visitors will be able to scan a QR code prominently displayed at the venue and connect through their mobile phone. To listen to the live translation, visitors will have to use their own headphones.
The AILF Side Events
A rich slate of side events will round out the festival, expanding the visitors’ literary experience beyond the venues of the panel discussions and into the city and the world of the imagination. Guided tours of the Industrial Gas Museum and a walking tour of downtown Athens, digital art installations, screenings and musical events make up a diverse program of experiences where literature enters a creative dialogue with Athens and its industrial heritage, music and the moving image, graphic arts and the new technologies. Entrance to the AILF side events will be free on a first-come, first-served basis.
Screenings: When Words Become Images
Literature meets cinema for a night dedicated to the intense and uncompromising gaze of the late Hungarian director Béla Tarr. On Saturday 28 March at 21:00, join us for a screening of the iconic film Werckmeister Harmonies at the Gasholder 1 – Auditorium “Miltiadis Evert”, an evocative, poetic masterpiece that had a profound impact on European cinema. The film will be introduced by Béla Tarr’s long-time collaborator and screenwriter, László Krasznahorkai.
On Sunday 29 March, after 20:30, the festival will be screening clips from the video installation and filmed public events created by the ongoing community project the AfroGreeks (11 films), an artistic endeavor that is in direct conversation with the themes of the panel Deconstructing “white thinking” on its own turf with Lilian Thuram, Demis Nikolaidis, Lauretta Macauley and moderator Panagiotis Menegos. The project is run by the Døcumatism collective and the Afro-Greek protagonists themselves and is presented as a video installation complemented by public events, workshops, a podcast, musical events, discussions, screenings and audiovisual material from the history of the African diaspora in Greece and the Mediterranean over the past four centuries.
Digital Technology & Literature Become One
As a Major Sponsor of Technopolis City of Athens, COSMOTE TELEKOM continues to forge new paths at the intersection of Art and Technology, presenting its own Art/Tech Corner at the 1st Athens International Literature Festival. On Saturday and Sunday from 14:00 to 20:00, visitors will have the opportunity to experience an innovative literary universe, where words and stories come alive through immersive, interactive, and multisensory journeys.
What if you could walk inside your favorite book? At the Art/Tech Corner, Immersive Cinema by Poetics transforms storytelling into a new digital experience through 360° VR projections, from the cosmic sci-fi of Arthur C. Clarke in 2001: A Space Odyssey, as visualized by Stanley Kubrick, to the dystopian fantasies of Philip K. Dick. Visitors will also get the opportunity to discover a striking literary and audiovisual work chronicling writer John Hull’s personal journey into the world of blindness, based on his audio diaries.
The Art/Tech Corner hosts two unique works of digital art and literature that allow the written word to escape the page and become a digital experience, curated by the Athens Digital Arts Festival (ADAF). Words, stories, movement, and interaction invite the audience to “read” with their body, gaze, and touch. Invading Space Characters by Vera Sebert is a game where poetic prose about memory loss slowly moves across the screen while the viewer/player destroys characters one by one with a click, opening gaps within the poem itself. As the letters disappear, reading becomes fragile and the text is deconstructed right before our eyes, like memory gradually fading. Acqua Alta by Adrien M and Claire B is a book brought to life through augmented reality. Ink drawings and foldable paper transform into an intimate dance performance. A mundane story is disrupted by a strange flood of ink, transforming a simple narrative into a dreamscape.
Guided Tours: Journeys Through Memory
Highlighting the connection between AILF and the venue hosting it, on Saturday and Sunday at 12:00, the team of the Industrial Gas Museum will lead guided tours for adults and teenagers through Athens’ former gasworks, a rare industrial monument and the best-preserved gas factory in Europe. Participants will meet at the Central Chimney and follow the original gas production line to admire the machinery, experience the factory smells still lingering on site, and gain insight into the workers’ roles and everyday life in the historic Gazi district through historical documents and audiovisual materials.
The first edition of the AILF special section Athens, a city for writers is dedicated to accomplished Greek writer Menis Koumandareas (1931-2014), a formidable chronicler of Athens. On Sunday 29 March, at 11:00, we take to the streets of the city for a walking tour highlighting the landmarks that inspired his writing and instilled his characters with life and specificity. Starting from Hotel Grand Bretagne, we will follow the traces of Koumandareas’ literary heritage from the heart of the city to Monastiraki and Gazi, and get to know the city through his eyes. Guided by Alexandra Tranta, Doctor of Archaeology and Museum Studies and literary executor of Menis Koumandareas, this literary walk explores the neighborhoods, textures, and urban stories that shaped his work.
Parties: Musical Nights At The Auditorium Courtyard
As each festival day draws to a close, music takes over and the conversations sparked by the festival continue in a more relaxed, joyful atmosphere. Every night, in the Auditorium Courtyard, three unique dj sets will round out your AILF experience.
On Friday 27 March, at 21:00, En Lefko 87.7 radio producer Sakis Tsitomeneas sets the tone for AILF with a special DJ set, opening the festival with cinematic soundscapes, pop, electronica, and ambient textures that will get us moving. On Saturday 28 March, at 20:00, radio producer and DJ of Nostos 100.6 Iliana Stergiopoulou, takes over the decks for the second day of AILF, inviting the audience to a unique musical experience full of eclectic sounds, from neo soul, RnB and downtempo to electro jazz, electronica, sophisticated indie, and soul. The closing party of the festival on Sunday 29 March, at 20:30, will be in good hands, with the performers/protagonists of the AfroGreeks project, Tokyo (Tony Youngster) and Pepper & Spice (Konstantinos Kalagbor) delivering a dynamic dj set full of black music, accompanied by open-air screenings of videos from the AfroGreeks community project.
Make Your 1st AILF Unforgettable: Meet The Writers & Get Merchandise
AILF’s in-depth masterclasses will give participants the chance to gain insight into the creative process of two internationally acclaimed writers, Booker Prize winner Paul Lynch and prominent American novelist Nicole Krauss. After each panel discussion, there will be book signings at the specially modified Old Retorts venue, where visitors will be able to meet and talk to the writers on a first-come, first-served basis. Greek editions of the writers’ books and festival merchandise will be available to buy both at the Technopolis shop and the festival book café, which will take over the INNOVATHENS space.
At the end of March, in the heart of Athens, literature will provide the inspiration for three days of dialogue, creativity and community. The 1st Athens International Literature Festival will transform Technopolis City of Athens into a space where ideas meet creators and the audience becomes part of a vibrant, multifaceted celebration of literature.
The 1st Athens International Literature Festival is brought to you by COSMOTE TELEKOM (Technopolis City of Athens Major Sponsor), Natural Mineral Water ARRENA® (Technopolis City of Athens Sponsor), Athenaeum Eridanus Luxury Hotel (Official Hospitality Sponsor), Welcome Pickups (Official transport sponsor), Skroutz.gr (Official Patron), Athens Conservatoire (Educational Partner) and is supported by the Embassy of Ireland, the Goethe Institute of Athens (Goethe-Institut Athen), the French Institute of Greece (Institut français de Grèce), and the Italian Cultural Institute in Athens (Istituto Italiano di Cultura in Atene).
For all the latest festival news, follow the AILF official accounts.
Website: www.ailf.gr
Facebook: AILF - Athens International Literature Festival
Instagram: @ailf.gr
Published in
Local News
Tagged under
Monday, 16 March 2026 14:36
Program Of The 5th Anniversary Japan Festival 2026
The 5th Anniversary Japan Festival is entering its final stretch with an exciting, refreshed program! Dozens of workshops, talks, live streams, concerts, performances, cosplay events, art exhibitions, retro gaming consoles, and much more await you - right where the heart of Japan beats!
Bridges Between Cultures
Visitors will embark on a journey to Japan with Kiki Koda, the festival’s Ambassador, as she explores the Japanese mindset, daily life, and way of thinking. Professor Kosuke Fukuda, PhD, will share his insights—delivered in fluent Greek—on the travels and work of Nikos Kazantzakis in Japan, including the author’s unforgettable experiences in Osaka in 1935. The friends of the Japanese Festival can also try their hand at writing haiku, sparking creativity and reflecting on the similarities and differences between Greek and Japanese culture in a workshop led by psychologist Stavroula Sanida, and they can watch the moving documentary The Lit-Up Calm by Hisashi Arima, which tells the story of the residents of Suzu City as they recover from two devastating earthquakes, restoring their annual matsuri festival and finding the resilience to rebuild their community. For lovers of Japanese history, mythology and folklore, Andreas Patsalides - also known as Tzapanezk - will present his book TZAPANEZK, immersing guests in a universe of gods, emperors, spirits, legends, and extraordinary tales, and welcoming discussions with anyone who shares a passion for the world of Japan.
The Visual Poetry Of Japan
The Japanese can find beauty in everything—even in the old, the worn, the imperfect, the humble, and the accidental. The Japan Festival invites visitors to experience the modest yet profound charm of Japanese traditional arts. Nectaria Dassacli, Conservator of Antiquities, will introduce audiences to Kintsugi, the traditional technique of repairing ceramics with gold, which heals a broken object and celebrates its story while transforming its cracks into marks of memory and value. Meanwhile, Japanese calligraphy master Mizuki Imamura will offer a deeply Japanese experience through her dedication to the mastery of the brush, and initiate visitors into the “living art” of Shodo, where every brushstroke carries the breath and spirit of the artist.
The festival will also showcase a world of beauty emerging from the elegance of Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arrangement, with Christalla Karaisaridou, inviting guests to awaken the beauty within themselves. Festival guests can also explore the Japanese Oni mask in Diabolu’s workshop, transforming it through the creative process of painting and modeling.
The infinite potential of a simple material fascinates Alex Lucky Origami, a Civil Engineer who has folded hundreds of origami papers, exploring their deep connections with mathematics and geometry - much like architect Masahiro Chatani, who used origami to represent 3-D designs, opening up new perspectives with light and shadow. Japanese ingenuity also shines in Rakugo, a traditional form of storytelling invented by Buddhist monks who wanted to make their sermons more appealing. Kimochi, one of Japan’s most talented Rakugo performers, will share both humorous and bittersweet tales exclusively for the Japan festival audiences.
Between 1794 and 1795, an artist working under the name Tōshūsai Sharaku created over 140 Ukiyo-e woodblock prints featuring Kabuki actors, Sumo wrestlers, and others, and then disappeared without a trace. Reflections on the work of this mysterious artist, Sharaku and Toulouse -Lautrec will be the main theme of Nektarianna K.Saliverou’s speech. The festival will also celebrate contemporary Japanese art through manga. Award-winning Greek mangaka Gyro Doujima, who lives and works in Japan, will introduce audiences to the magic of manga—often considered the cultural successor of Ukiyo-e—and will perform a live painting session specially for the festival.
Pop Culture At Its Best
The main stage will host the ultimate cosplay competition, featuring headliners Yvaine Dazzling and Olivia Chan, who will present the epic showdown of the country’s most talented cosplayers! The winners will travel to Japan to the international Pop Culture Festival in Hiroshima where they will represent Greece!
Photo Credit: Panos Bakogiannis
Photo Credit: Panos Bakogiannis
The main stage will shine with the performance by THE SUPERNOVAS in collaboration with Blue Hair Veela, while Greek cosplayer and crafter AngieV will share her secrets for the perfect cosplaying pose and photoshoot in a unique workshop. As for the savvy fans, they will be able to test their knowledge in the most exciting Anime Quiz Game, hosted by the well-known voice actor and radio producer Tasos Ntapantas from Greek Otaku Radio, and win collectible gifts, as well as exclusive anime merchandise!
Music Beyond Borders
This year’s Japan Festival welcomes an exciting special guest: Japanese music producer and performer KOHEI. With expressive vocals inspired by J-pop and J-rock, he combines the energy of Japanese pop culture with electrifying live performances, promising an unforgettable concert experience filled with emotion and dynamic sound.
The stage will also come alive with Japan’s beloved popular songs from the Shōwa era, performed by the captivating singer LJ English. Known for his powerful voice and striking tailor-made costumes, he brings passion and nostalgia to these timeless melodies. Meanwhile, W♪shcheerful will guide the Greek audience through a rich journey across Japanese music, from the nostalgic sounds of kayōkyoku to contemporary J-pop.
In 2007, Dimitris Rapakousios heard the Tsugaru shamisen, a traditional string instrument from northern Japan, for the first time. Since then, he has traveled eight times to Aomori, its birthplace, to study under the renowned Shibutani Kazuo Sensei. Now a virtuoso of the shamisen, he will share on the Japan Festival stage the powerful and evocative sounds of this tradition—music shaped by the region’s harsh winters, gentle autumns, and the breathtaking spring of cherry blossoms in bloom.
Bushidō: The Way of the Warrior
The Japan Festival celebrates the enduring spirit of Bushidō, honoring its legacy and influence on martial arts. Esteemed instructors will present dynamic demonstrations, offering audiences a glimpse into Japanese martial arts. The iconic “Empty Hand” martial art, Karate, originated in the Ryukyu Islands of Okinawa and spread worldwide through the Shotokan style taught by Funakoshi Sensei.
Savvas Mastrappas (8th Dan)—an accomplished international competitor and former coach of the Greek National Fudokan–Shotokan Karate Team—will join his team to showcase the power, precision, and discipline of this remarkable art. Festival visitors will also discover the graceful practice of Aikido, which does not rely on muscular strength but on complete harmony with the opponent’s movement in order to achieve maximum effect. Sensei Panagiotis Agrios of the Athens Bushido Center and Sensei Christos Koutelieris of Hellenic Inochikan Aikikai will introduce this elegant martial art focused on awareness and personal growth. Completing the program, Nikos Tsoupakis will present the Okinawan traditions of Yuishinkai and Ryukyu Kobujutsu, sharing more than 25 years of experience in preserving these historic martial arts.
Savvas Mastrappas (8th Dan)—an accomplished international competitor and former coach of the Greek National Fudokan–Shotokan Karate Team—will join his team to showcase the power, precision, and discipline of this remarkable art. Festival visitors will also discover the graceful practice of Aikido, which does not rely on muscular strength but on complete harmony with the opponent’s movement in order to achieve maximum effect. Sensei Panagiotis Agrios of the Athens Bushido Center and Sensei Christos Koutelieris of Hellenic Inochikan Aikikai will introduce this elegant martial art focused on awareness and personal growth. Completing the program, Nikos Tsoupakis will present the Okinawan traditions of Yuishinkai and Ryukyu Kobujutsu, sharing more than 25 years of experience in preserving these historic martial arts.
A Mind Sharp As A Katana
Festival visitors will have the chance to sharpen their minds with the timeless strategy of Japanese board games at the Japan Festival. They will have the opportunity to discover the elegance and challenge of Go, widely considered the world’s oldest board game, guided by certified instructor Petros Zazanis, or experience the fast-paced twists and strategic reversals of Othello with Andreas Litsas from the Hellenic Othello Players Association. Meanwhile, with Kostas Vlachos, visitors will explore traditional games such as Mahjong, Shogi, and the beautiful “flower cards” of Hanafuda. This card game developed during the Edo period, and today the largest active producer of Hanafuda cards is Nintendo, a company that first began its journey in 1889.
Cosmic Energy
Those who seek to discover the secrets of the stars can try 9 Star Ki, a method of Japanese astrology, that offers a comprehensive system for understanding a person’s character, talents, and life or relationship dynamics with Fanis Chazakis, in addition to the life force that surrounds us with Reiki practitioner and Life Coach Naoko Ishikawa who will introduce audiences to ki, a term that describes the vital energy that flows through all living things, connecting breath, spirit, and the natural world, who will also showcase the Japanese face-lifting method, a practice that harmonizes energy and beauty.
These experiences and much more await you at the celebratory 5th Japan Festival - don’t miss it!
The Japan Festival renews its support for Be the Miracle.
The Japan Festival is organized by Rising Sun Productions:
Panagiotis Agrios (Organizer, Public Relations)
Dorita Papadodima (Production Organization & Execution)
Art Exhibitions Curatorship: Artkor Team
Published in
Local News
Tagged under
Monday, 16 March 2026 13:50
1st Athens International Literature Festival (AILF)
The Athens International Literature Festival debuts at Technopolis from March 27–29, 2026. This three-day celebration brings together world-renowned authors, Nobel and Booker prize winners, journalists, and activists for a series of provocative discussions on the most urgent topics in literature and society today.
Program Highlights
The festival features a stellar international lineup exploring identity, gendered violence, the rise of the far-right, and the future of reading in the digital age. Key participants include:
-
Nobel & Booker Winners: László Krasznahorkai, Paul Lynch, David Szalay, and Nicole Krauss.
-
Featured Voices: Kevin Barry, Selva Almada, Katharina Volckmer, and activist Lilian Thuram.
-
Special Events: Masterclasses with Paul Lynch and Nicole Krauss, book signings at the "Old Retorts" venue, and a tribute to Athenian chronicler Menis Koumandareas.
Quick Schedule
-
Friday: Opening talks on resistance and political anxiety (18:00 – 21:00).
-
Saturday: Full day of panels on femicide, Dark Europe, and book clubs (12:00 – 20:00).
-
Sunday: Discussions on AI, cinema vs. literature, and deconstructing racial identity (14:00 – 20:00).
Published in
Events In Athens
Tagged under
Monday, 16 March 2026 13:22
Is Your Greek Home Insurance Valid? Many Overseas Owners Are Unaware Of This Hidden Clause
You paid for home insurance on your Greek property and believe that you have coverage.
There is a little-known provision in many home insurance policies (the vacant clause) that could have invalidated your coverage while your property is empty. It usually states that if your property remains vacant for 30 to 60 days consecutively, the insurance company will either reduce coverage or eliminate it completely.
Who Does This Apply To
- Greek diaspora property owners based in Australia, Canada, the U.K., the U.S.A. and elsewhere
- Property owners with a Golden Visa who are away from Greece frequently
- Seasonal owners with homes in Greece that sit empty for extended periods of time
- Any owner that relies upon a neighbor or family member to “check” on the property when they are away.
This last point is particularly relevant. Informally making arrangements with a family member does not constitute documentation of oversight. In the event that you file a claim and your insurance provider requests evidence that the property was being monitored during the time of the loss, a text message from your neighbour will not suffice.
Things That Could Happen While Your Property Is Unattended
- Vacant Clause - Exceeding the 30 to 60 day threshold will allow the insurance company to either reduce or invalidate coverage.
- Theft/Vandalism - These are often the first items that insurance companies drop once a vacancy limit is exceeded.
- Water Damage - Undetected leaks caused by burst pipes and boilers can turn a minor leak into a totally gutted apartment.
- Wildfire/Storm Damage - Greece’s vulnerability to wildfires and storms makes unmonitored properties extremely susceptible to damage.
- Claims Notification Deadlines - Depending on the type of claim filed, some Greek insurance policies have a requirement that claims be notified to the insurance provider within eight (8) days of the insured discovering the damage; whereas, in cases involving theft, the police must be notified within twenty-four (24) hours. In cases where no one is checking the property, it is likely that the opportunity to file a timely claim will pass.
Options To Protect Coverage
- Option 1 - Notify your insurance provider and ask them to issue a vacancy endorsement. This is going to cost you more money than simply having a standard insurance policy. However, this option still requires that you document reasonable efforts to monitor the property.
- Option 2 - Utilize a property oversight service. By utilizing a third party to conduct regular inspections of your property, you will create a paper trail documenting that your property is being actively monitored and is not abandoned. This provides you with an insurer-approved method to demonstrate that your property is being maintained while you are away and allows you to file a claim should something occur.
How Home Watch Athens Resolves This
Founded by Giannis Zisis, Home Watch Athens is a dedicated property management service for overseas owners in Athens - built around the specific challenges faced by Greeks abroad, international property owners, and Golden Visa investors who can't be there in person.
Monthly Property Inspection - The core service provided by Home Watch Athens includes monthly property inspections. Each visit includes:
- Leak inspection and moisture check of doors, windows, balcony and terrace
- Flush all faucets and toilets
- Check electric panel visually
- Collect mail and forward
- Send photo report to client via WhatsApp immediately after completing the inspection
Members of Home Watch Athens may also take advantage of additional services including:
- Payment and tracking of utility bills
- Coordination with insurance provider for renewals and claims
- Supervision of contractors and maintenance
- Cleaning and preparation prior to arrival
- Representation at building meeting
All of these options are made possible through a single, trusted keyholder providing full accountability and eliminating the need for clients to coordinate with relatives or chase down contractors from another part of the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long before my insurance is invalid?
Insurance policies typically contain a 30-60 day consecutive day vacancy clause. Please review your policy documents to confirm the applicable time frame.
Insurance policies typically contain a 30-60 day consecutive day vacancy clause. Please review your policy documents to confirm the applicable time frame.
Will my insurance cover me even if my property is furnished?
Partially. Furnished properties can assist with insurance coverage but will not supersede a vacancy clause once the specified time has passed.
Partially. Furnished properties can assist with insurance coverage but will not supersede a vacancy clause once the specified time has passed.
Can a home watch service keep my insurance coverage valid?
Yes. Documented property inspections establish the proof of active oversight expected by insurance providers. Additionally, a documented property oversight service will ensure that any necessary notifications are fulfilled in the event that something happens to your property while you are away.
Yes. Documented property inspections establish the proof of active oversight expected by insurance providers. Additionally, a documented property oversight service will ensure that any necessary notifications are fulfilled in the event that something happens to your property while you are away.
What is the best way for Golden Visa holders to manage their property?
Combining a compliant insurance policy with a documented property oversight arrangement will protect your investment and satisfy compliance requirements associated with your residency program.
Combining a compliant insurance policy with a documented property oversight arrangement will protect your investment and satisfy compliance requirements associated with your residency program.
Your Greek property is currently vacant between visits; it is time to take action – before you need to file a claim and discover that your coverage did not apply.
Published in
Healthcare, Insurance & Visas
Tagged under
Monday, 16 March 2026 13:16
The Athens Property Management Company Many Property Owners Don’t Know About
If you own a property in Athens but live outside Greece then you will likely ask yourself at least one variation of the same question; Who can be responsible and look after my home while I am away?
Most foreign property owners create an informal arrangement; a family member willing to help, a neighbor who has a spare key, a friend who checks on your home from time to time. The informal arrangement usually works until it doesn’t. And when something goes wrong many miles away (i.e., when you cannot be there to handle the issue), checking on your home from time to time may not be sufficient.
Home Watch Athens is a specific and dedicated property management service designed exclusively for overseas owners of homes in Athens - for Greeks living abroad, for all international property owners, and for Golden Visa holders requiring a local representative rather than simply a telephone number.
A Trusted Person To Manage Your Home in Athens
The services provided by Home Watch Athens were created and will be run by Giannis - thus providing an owner with a single contact person, a single key holder, and a single accountable individual. Therefore, there are no telephone centers, no rotating personnel, and no handover of your keys to someone you do not know.
Giannis represents the consistency and reliability that overseas owners require. He knows your property, its idiosyncrasies, and what is considered normal - therefore, if something is amiss prior to becoming a costly issue, he is aware of it.
What Will a Property Management Company in Athens Actually Do?
More than you would think. Your property is inspected each month, and a record is made of its condition. Following each inspection, you receive a photograph report detailing what took place during the inspection - wherever in the world you are located.
Each property inspection includes:
- Leak detection and moisture test of all walls
- Doors, windows, balcony and patio inspection
- Flush tap test and toilet flush test
- Electrical panel visual inspection
- Collection of mail and forwarding of same
Who Can Help Me Manage My Home in Athens?
That is the exact space Home Watch Athens was established to fill. Not a large agency managing hundreds of properties. Not a neighbour who is helping you out as a favor. An individually managed, founder-led service providing consistent and documented monthly inspections of your property.
Therefore, for Greeks residing in countries such as Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, and USA - and for international property owners who visit Athens only once or twice a year - it is the difference between hoping everything is fine versus actually knowing.
How About Emergency Situations?
In cases of urgency - i.e., a ruptured water pipe, a burglary, a neighbor's complaint against you, a utility failure - having someone who is familiar with your property and able to respond quickly in the event of an emergency is of great value.
In case of an emergency, Giannis coordinates emergency response, supervises contractors, and informs you of any developments regarding the emergency so that you are not forced to deal with a remote emergency situation using a series of untrustworthy contacts.
Members also have access to:
- Payment and monitoring of utility bills
- Representation at meetings of condominium associations and building boards
- Supervision of contractor work and maintenance activities
- Cleaning and preparation of your home prior to your arrival
The Property Management Solution in Athens That Overseas Owners Have Been Searching For
Regardless of whether you are searching for a person to take care of your home in Athens, a property management service for your Greek property while you are abroad, or a trusted contact for emergency assistance - Home Watch Athens was developed to fulfill these needs.
Published in
All About Property In Greece
Tagged under