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The idea to open a traditional Cretan kafeneio came about when two childhood friends, Yioula Svyrinaki and Michalis Psomadakis, moved to Athens in 2012. They were both working day jobs, Yioula at a deli and Michalis in construction, when they started developing their plans to open To Laini, a kafeneio (a cafe that also serves food) specializing in Cretan cuisine. Culinary Backstreets shares their story and how To Laini came to be in March 2017.

They wanted something "small, cheap, welcoming, serving great tsikoudia and good food." Their space is just that – it’s quite small, with no more than ten tables in total and a bar. Their open “kitchen” behind the bar consists of a couple of electric stoves, a camping gas canister and a portable little oven. When we first saw it, we wondered how they managed. But when there’s a will – and we would add, a love for food – there’s a way.

Their guiding philosophy is to offer dishes made with high-quality products, cooked with love and at a low price point. Everything they serve, both food and drink, comes from Crete, either from family members there or other small producers they personally know and work with. Luckily, the main distributor delivering food products from different parts of Greece to Athens is nearby.

To read this article in full, please visit: Culinary Backstreets

Photo Source: Culinary Backstreets

Great news for the environment as the use of plastic bags in supermarkets and grocery stores has dropped by 80% following the measures that were implemented in Greece in 2018. A remarkable 1.5 billion fewer plastic bags were used since the environmental measure came into effect on January 1st, 2018.

 

While plastic bags were given away for free in supermarket and retail stores up to December 2017, in 2018 businesses began charging for plastic bags, beginning at 4 cents for thin bags and going up to 40 cents for larger, thicker ones.

 

The reduction in plastic bag use is expected to be even higher in 2019, as from January 1 the charge for plastic bags will begin at 9 cents.

 

To read this article in full, please visit: Greek Reporter

The preparations for the top sports tourism event “Santorini Experience” to be held for the 5 th consecutive year, on 4-6 October 2019, in Santorini, continue with a new distinction.

Specifically, “Santorini Experience” received the highest distinction at the prestigious Ermis Awards, by receiving the Gold Award, in the “Events Production” section, in the “Sports Events” category, for the best sporting event production in 2018! The event ended last year with participants from more than 40 countries and a participation rate of 55% of men and 45% of women.

Regarding Santorini Experience’s new award, the Mayor of Santorini, Mr. Nikos Zorzos, highlighted: “For the second time in the last three years we have the pleasure of winning the golden distinction with Santorini Experience at the Ermis Awards as the best sports event production. Since the beginning of the term of this municipal authority, sports and consequently sports tourism is a top priority and “Santorini Experience” is the “flagship” of the sporting events held under our aegis. By offering residents and visitors the opportunity to participate in a sporting event that combines sport with knowledge and information, but also approaching all ages and the whole family, we have established an event, that as an institution, is increasingly attracting more people from abroad. This gives Santorini the opportunity to show its comparative advantages and to participants the opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of the island, as well as to try out their personal stamina. I think we have achieved a great deal of our goals and we are now looking even higher, hoping to be able to organize a half marathon and even bigger open water swimming routes in the near future”.

Only a few days left for participants to take advantage of the early bird 50% discount on registration price, until 31/3/2019. During the second wave of registrations, beginning from 1/4/2019, the discount per activity will be 25%. The third and final wave of registrations will begin from 1/6/2019 and last until the event, with the final registration cost being applied.

Register HERE!

One of the most important factors to the success of “Santorini Experience”, is the support to the organization as well as to the island itself from the hospitality sponsors, who promote the event with special offers and prices and contribute in the prominence and development of sports tourism in Santorini. Until now, this year’s effort is supported by: Santorini Hoteliers Association, Meltemi Hotels & Resorts, Athina Luxury Suites, Santo Maris Oia Luxury Suites & Spa, Canaves Oia, Vedema a Luxury Collection Resort, Mystique a Luxury Collection Hotel, Santo Houses, West East Suites, Desiterra Luxury Suites & Villas, 270 Oia’s View, Fanouris Condo, Monolithia, Casa Iphigenia, Sienna Resort, Esperas Santorini and Loizos Stylish Residencies, while participation continues.

Official sponsors of the event are Ford Motor Hellas, Athina Luxury Suites, Natural Mineral Water “Vikos” and Alafouzos Sport. For one more year, Luanvi is the official sports supplier of the event.
Official supporters of the event are: Santorini Hoteliers Association, Meltemi Hotels & Resorts, Boatmen Union Santorini and Avance Rent A Car.
“Santorini Experience” is assisted by Lifeguard Patrol, Voluntary Lifeguards of Santorini, Mediterranean Dive Club, Atlantis Dive Center and Santorini Nautical Club. “Santorini Experience” is a co-organization of Municipality of Santorini, Municipal Sports Cultural Environmental Organization of Santorini (DAPPOS) and Active Media Group.

More info at: www.santorini-experience.com

Official Sponsors: Ford Motor Greece, Athina Luxury Suites, Natural Mineral Water “Vikos”, Alafouzos Sport Official Sports Supplier: Luanvi
Official Supporters: Santorini Hoteliers Association, Meltemi Hotels & Resorts, Boatmen Union Santorini, Avance Rent A Car Assisted by: Lifeguard Patrol, Voluntary Lifeguards of Santorini, Mediterranean Dive Club, Atlantis Dive Center, Santorini Nautical Club Hospitality Sponsors: Santorini Hoteliers Association, Meltemi Hotels & Resorts, Athina Luxury Suites, Santo Maris Oia Luxury Suites & Spa, Canaves Oia, Vedema a Luxury Collection Resort, Mystique a Luxury Collection Hotel, Santo Houses, West East Suites, Desiterra Luxury Suites & Villas, 270 Oia’s View, Fanouris Condo, Monolithia, Casa Iphigenia, Sienna Resort, Esperas Santorini, Loizos Stylish Residencies
Official Hashtag: #SantoriniExperience

With Thanksgiving around the corner, who would have known that this tradition also existed in Ancient Greece? Learn all about the ancient celebration in this week's newsletter!

We live in an era of great changes, an era where finding sustainable solutions means everything. Read this week's newsletter and see how Athens embraces sustainability for its people!

Remember to stay connected with us through our weekly newsletter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

August 15th, or Dekapentavgoustos in Greek, is one of the most important religious celebrations in the country and a quintessential part of the Greek summer. Except for honoring the final resting of the Virgin Mary, on this day, Greeks throughout the country celebrate with major festivities known as panigiria that include traditional music, dancing, good food, and plenty of drinks!

If you find yourself in Greece during August, make sure to experience the splendor surrounding the Dormition of Mary. Where else? On a Greek island, of course!

Tinos


@gpapapostolou.photo

The most popular destination for celebrating August 15th in Greece is Tinos, home to the Greek Orthodox Church’s holiest church, the Panagia Evangelistria. Thousands of visitors arrive in Tinos each year to enjoy various festivities in honor of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, including Tsiknias (the leavetaking of the Dormition, the mother of God, held nine days after) and Exοmbourgo (a religious feast in honor of Jesus).

Astypalaia


@astypalaia_island

Religion plays a vital part in the ethos of the residents of this scenic island in the Dodecanese archipelago. The most important celebration is the feast day of the Virgin Mary. The island’s biggest festival takes place in the monastery of Portaitissa, and the celebrations last for three days. On August 15th, everyone gathers in the church to shower the miraculous icon of the Virgin of Portaitissa with flowers and then moves to the ‘Rodia’ courtyard for the big fete with violins, lutes, and traditional dancing.

Ikaria


@dimitris_pazaitis

When it comes to “panigiria” Ikaria is the island to be! Especially on August 15th, big celebrations are held throughout the island, but the biggest ones can be found in the villages of Christos Rachon and Lagada. There you will find thousands of locals and tourists dancing the Ikariotikos and enjoying traditional food and delicious Ikarian wine; an experience not to be missed!

Lesvos


@evangelou_giannis

On the 15th of August, the most popular celebrations in Lesvos take place in the village of Agiassos, where the church of Panagia Agiasotissa is located. Along with a church service and plenty of food, including the traditional dish “Keskeki” ( a combination of stew and wheat ), visitors can attend several cultural events such as theatrical performances, exhibitions, and concerts, as well as the local track races known as “Christophidia”.

Nisyros


@nuno_eca

Nisyros celebrates the day of the Assumption with great reverence! The celebrations take place at the Monastery of Panagia Spiliani and run from the 6th until the 15th of August. During these days, the monastery hosts women from all over the island who are committed to making 300 prostrations daily, kneeling in front of the icon of the Virgin Mary, and fasting. On the day of the Assumption, the icon of the Virgin Mary is carried in a procession. The feast begins when the icon arrives at the village, with the traditional dance of “koupa”.

Kefalonia


@nico_cene

A rather peculiar legend surrounds the celebration of Dekapentavgoustos in Kefalonia, as well as the church hosting it, Panagia Fidousa, in the village of Markopoulo. Every year around August 15th, small snakes appear inside and outside the church. According to the legend, in the 1200s a convent of nuns was praying for safety from a pirate attack, and during their prayers, hundreds of snakes appeared between the nuns and the pirates, saving their lives. Since then, “Virgin Mary’s snakes”, as they are called, enter the church and head for the icon of the virgin.

Greece has submitted the nomination file of Mount Olympus for inclusion in UNESCO’s list of World Cultural and Natural Heritage Sites.

“Mount Olympus, the highest mountain in our country, is linked to ancient mythology, to Homer, to the history of Greece throughout the centuries. The home of the gods is one of the strongest Greek brand names,” said Culture Minister Lina Mendoni.

Mount Olympus is Greece’s highest mountain with an altitude of 2,918 meters. In 1981 it was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and in 2021 it was declared a national park by presidential decree.

UNESCO is expected to issue a final decision by September.

Originally published on: ekathimerini.com

Nestled among the vibrant tapestry of global urban culture lies an unexpected treasure: Troon Street in Athens. In a recent unveiling by Time Out magazine, celebrated for its keen eye for cultural hotspots, Troon Street proudly clinched the 28th spot on the list of the 30 coolest streets in the world for 2024.

But what defines the essence of a 'cool' street? Is it the diverse array of cafes, culinary havens, and inviting bars where time seems to stand still amidst the exploration of tantalizing cuisines and innovative cocktails? Perhaps it's the charming boutiques teeming with one-of-a-kind treasures that entice the curious wanderer. Or could it be the intangible ambiance that envelops a street, an unmistakable aura of community and familiarity?

In crafting its esteemed list, Time Out meticulously weighed various factors, including culinary diversity, libation offerings, cultural vibrancy, nocturnal allure, and the collective spirit of each street's inhabitants. The result is a celebration of streets that have evolved into dynamic hubs, offering sanctuary from the urban hustle and bustle.

Leading the charge is Melbourne's High Street, an urban sanctuary renowned for its plethora of gastronomic delights, hidden watering holes, and independent boutiques. Here, locals and visitors alike revel in a palpable sense of camaraderie, epitomizing the inclusive spirit of the community.

And amidst these illustrious thoroughfares lies Troon Street, a beacon of Athenian charm and authenticity. Stretching from the historic neighborhood of Thisios to the heart of Petralona, Troon Street captivates with its fusion of storied landmarks, picturesque vistas, and a thriving local scene. It beckons travelers to immerse themselves in an authentically Athenian experience, where every corner reveals a new facet of the city's rich tapestry.

In an age where streets have transcended their traditional roles as mere conduits of traffic to become vibrant social spaces, Troon Street stands as a testament to the transformative power of community and culture. As the world embraces al fresco dining and champions green initiatives, Troon Street remains a shining example of urban revitalization done right—a place where the echoes of the past converge with the pulse of the present, and every step narrates a tale of resilience and renewal.

Originally published in Greek on: intronews.gr