Merry Christmas with these amazing festive sweet butter cookies! If you haven’t tried kourabiedes (Greek Christmas butter cookies) before, then you are certainly missing out. Soft, buttery, and fluffy with a crunchy bite and rich almond (or pistachio if you are feeling adventurous). This delicious kourabiedes recipe will definitely get you in a festive mood!

Kourabiedes are a delicious traditional Greek treat, packed with the aromas of fresh butter and roasted almonds and garnished with luscious layers of icing sugar - they are the ultimate Christmas cookie!

 

• 500 g butter, at room temperature
• 220 g icing sugar
• 1 g vanilla powder
• 1 teaspoon(s) rosewater
• 30 g bitter almond liqueur, or brandy or rum
• 200-280 g almond slivers or coarsely chopped, unsalted and toasted
• 900 g all-purpose flour
• 1 pinch salt

To Serve 

• 1 tablespoon(s) rosewater
• 300 g icing sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 180ο C (350ο F) set to fan.

2. In a mixer’s bowl add the butter, the icing sugar, and beat with the paddle attachment at high speed, for 10-15 minutes, until the mixture is fluffy and white.

3. Add the vanilla powder, the rosewater, the bitter almond liqueur, and keep beating. Remove the bowl from the mixer.

4. Break down the almond slivers with your hands, in order to crumble them, and add them to a bowl. Add the flour, the salt, and put them in the mixer’s bowl.

5. Mix the mixture with a serving spoon, very softly so that it does not lose its volume. As soon as the ingredients are homogenized, mix with your hands.

6. Shape balls, 30 g each, and transfer to a baking pan lined with parchment paper. Lightly press the center with your finger and bake for 20-25 minutes.

  
To see the full recipe and preparation instructions, please visit: akispetretzikis.com

XpatAthens has been connecting the English speaking community of Athens and Greece for 10 amazing years. We are proud to call Athens our home city and absolutely love the work we do to connect people near and far.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1) A Cape Sounion Day-Trip Transfer Service from YK Executive Transfers

Take a 4-5 hour trip along the Athens Riviera to the Temple of Sounion. Relax and enjoy as your local driver Giannis takes you for a lovely drive along the coast of Athens. Note, tour guide & lunch are not included, but may be added at an additional cost.

2) 1 spa voucher for a GB Collection Exclusive Massage at the GB Spa

Relish in the serene surroundings of the awarded GB Spa in Athens. Enjoy an exclusive massage at Athens' best spa!

3) Dinner for 2 at Chefi Restaurant

The summer garden is a refreshing city oasis and the food is divine! Enjoy dinner for two at one of Athens' finest restaurants.

4) Dinner for 2 at Dinner In The Sky

Head up above the city for a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience in central Athens that will take your breath away!

5) 2 nights accommodation at the King George Hotel Athens

Relax and unwind for two nights in central Athens at one of the city's best Luxury Collection hotels.

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While wine will always be popular in Greece, recent market trends suggests specialty beer from Greek microbreweries is making its presence known and more and more people are opting for a beer. Ekathimerini reports how Greek microbreweries and beer have gained popularity locally and abroad.

Greece’s microbrewing industry has grown markedly in recent years. In 2009 there were six microbrewers in the country. Now that number has risen to 35. Despite this increase, Greece is still considered an underdeveloped market in terms of microbreweries, with plenty of room for growth. According to the Hellenic Association of Brewers, there are now 1,000 microbreweries in Italy, 300 in Belgium, 500 in the Netherlands and more than 2,000 in the UK.

“There has been an increase in beers from Greek microbreweries due to higher demand from consumers. As a result, more Greek ales can be found on the market these days,” says Sofoklis Panagiotou, vice president of the Hellenic Association of Brewers. “There’s higher demand for flavors from Greece from foreign tourists while Greek consumers are always on the lookout for better beer made in the country and want to help small domestic producers,” he adds.

To read this article in full, please visit: Ekathimerini

Yorgos Lanthimos's tragicomic royal drama “The Favourite” won 7 awards at Sunday's British Academy Film Awards. “The Favourite” received the outstanding British film and screenplay awards as well as prizes for production design, costumes, hair and makeup. Olivia Colman and Rachel Weisz were also awarded for best and supporting actress respectively.

 

"Thank you for celebrating our female-dominated movie about women in power," said Deborah Davis, who won the original screenplay award alongside co-writer Tony McNamara.

Alfonso Cuaron's "Roma," won awards for best picture, director, cinematography and foreign-language film. Rami Malek won the best actor trophy for his gripping performance as Freddie Mercury in “Bohemian Rhapsody”.

 

The BAFTAs, will be scoured for clues on who might triumph at the Academy Awards on February 24 as this year’s frontrunners, Yorgos Lanthimos’s "The Favourite" an Alfonso Cuaron’s “Roma” have each received 10 Oscar nominations.

If you are looking to make a sweet edible treat this Christmas, also ideal as a small gift, try these decadent Sokolatenia Troufakia (chocolate truffles) with dark chocolate, walnuts, and Petit Beurre biscuits. 

 

They can be stored in the refrigerator for over a week, as long as they are in an airtight container. 

 

Ingredients

160g dark chocolate
180g Petit Beurre biscuits
1/2 cup full cream milk
1/3 cup fresh cream
1 tablespoon liqueur
1 & 1/4 cup chopped walnuts

Method 

• Chop chocolate into small pieces and completely melt over low heat in a double boiler.
• Place biscuits in a large bowl and crush them into very small pieces. Add a quarter of a cup of chopped walnuts.
• Pour melted chocolate over biscuits and walnuts and mix together with a wooden spoon.
• Add milk, fresh cream, and liqueur and mix thoroughly with a wooden spoon until all ingredients are well combined.
• Cover bowl with cling wrap and place in refrigerator (not freezer) for 1.5 hours.
• Remove from refrigerator and take a teaspoon of the mixture and begin forming them into ball-like shapes by rolling the mixture in your palms. It makes it easier by wearing food handling gloves, otherwise wet your hands with water in between each truffle.
• Roll each truffle into the chopped walnuts and place them back in the refrigerator covered tightly until ready to serve.

Originally published on: greekcitytimes.com

Revani (also spelled ravani) is a Greek cake known for its citrus flavors and use of semolina flour. The sponge cake is made with lemon zest and sweetened with a simple syrup with orange zest.

Here's an easy-to-follow recipe for the perfect revani, a delightful addition to any sweet table!

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup fine semolina
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs, separated
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 lemon, zested
• 1 cup milk
• 1 pinch salt

For the syrup: 

• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 strips orange zest
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

• Add the water, sugar, and orange zest to a saucepan and bring to a boil. Simmer for 5 minutes. Add the lemon juice and cool.
• While the cake is still warm, cover it with syrup. When the cake cools, you can sprinkle it with some powdered sugar, cinnamon, and almonds, if using.

To read this recipe in full and discover useful tips for delicious revani, please visit: thespruceeats.com

The best golf event in Greece and Cyprus, Greek Maritime Golf Event, will take place for the 9th year, on September 7-10, 2023, at Costa Navarino, Messinia, drawing the attention of the global and Greek maritime industry. 

 

The Greek Maritime Golf Event is a tournament that proves with actions its social work every year. This year, the top golf event will support Parents Association of Children with Cancer “Floga”. More specifically, during this year’s award ceremony to the winners and winning teams respectively, on Saturday, September 9, attendees will have the opportunity to directly contribute the amount they wish by taking part in the raffles for significant lottery prizes. The total amount collected will be given to Floga, which stands by children suffering from cancer and their families, fights for better medical, mental, and social care for them, shares their fears and concerns, supports their struggle in any way possible, and vindicates substantial presence and in issues relevant to the medical, mental and social care of these children. For more information about Floga: www.floga.org.gr   

 

In the context of this year’s event, the president of the Parents Association of Children with Cancer “Floga”, Ms. Maria Trifonidis stated: “Floga is a Panhellenic Association of parents of children with cancer that now counts 41 years of dynamic presence and social work alongside children suffering from cancer and their families, from diagnosis to the end of their treatment. In the guest rooms of Floga, 50 families from all over Greece are accommodated completely free of charge for as long as the children undergo treatment in the Oncology Departments of the Pediatric Hospitals of Athens. In childhood cancer, there is no prevention, but there is an early diagnosis that can lead to a cure for more children. Together, we can break down prejudice. We thank everyone who in one way or another supports our work and enables us to realize our goals”.

 

This year’s event returns to the two signature 18-hole courses The Dunes Course and The Bay Course, in an idyllic landscape full of centuries-old olive trees with a stunning view of the Ionian Sea, the historic bay of Navarino and the picturesque port of Pylos.  

On Friday, September 8, participants will take part in the shotgun scramble held at The Bay Course. On Saturday, September 9, the golfing action moves to The Dunes Course for another shotgun scramble. Teams will compete to win the top three positions in the overall standings, whereas special awards will be given to individual players who will achieve the best scores in the “Longest Drive” and “Closest to the Pin” categories.

Finally, non-golfers will have the opportunity to attend the Golf Clinic that will take place on Saturday, September 9, at The Dunes Course. 

 

Greek Maritime Golf Event is attended by some of the most significant maritime companies from Greece and Cyprus, and many other important Greek companies that support the event.

IRI/The Marshall Islands Registry is the event’s Platinum Sponsor.

Mainline Shipping Company is the event’s Gold Sponsor.

Aegean Baltic Bank, Arrow Hellas, DNV, Marine Tours, and Swift Marine are the event’s Silver Sponsors. 

Miele is the Official Sponsor.

Poseidonia Restaurant and Grey Goose are the Official Supporters.

Under Armour is the Official Clothing Partner.

Messinian Spa is the event’s Official Beauty Partner. 

Minoa Water is the event’s Official Water.

Karalis Beach Hotel, Miran, Athi Rodi, and Daily Deli are the event’s Partners.

Costa Navarino, The Margi, Tsikeli Boutique Hotel Meteora, Iliada Sunset Suites, Namaste Boutique Apartments, Marmari Bay Hotel, Ogarden Suites, Grand Meteora Hotel, and Platanos Steakhouse are the Auction Partners. 

Boo Productions is the Audio Visual Partner.

 

The event will be held under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism.

Greek Maritime Golf Event is organized by Birdie Events, through an initiative of the recognized Greek PGA golfer, Mr. Thanos Karantzias. The Sports Marketing Agency of the Year ActiveMedia Group has undertaken the event’s Golf Production. 

The golf tournament is exclusively addressed to distinguished executives of the maritime industry.

 

#greekmaritimegolfevent #costavarino 

Photo Credit: Greek Maritime Golf Event 

Set against the breathtaking shores of Godai Beach, Otro Mundo is more than just a festival; it’s a soulful invitation to awaken your senses, deepen your connections, and celebrate life.

From June 6–8, immerse yourself in a transformative experience that blends electronic music, holistic workshops, captivating performances, and a conscious marketplace, all just a short drive from Athens.

At the heart of Otro Mundo is its electronic music experience. This year, expect a curated line-up that takes you on a sonic voyage through Electronica, Organic Downtempo, Deep Melodic House, Tribal, Afro, Progressive, and Tech. Music is the universal language that unites us all, and at Otro Mundo, it serves as the thread that weaves together every element of the festival. With sounds that resonate deep within your soul, this is a space where dance and rhythm become the language of connection.

One of the highlights of this year’s festival is the appearance of Mira, one of the most influential artists in Berlin’s underground scene! Mira performs across the globe – from Berlin’s legendary clubs to the desert of Burning Man – and through her “Mira Invites” events in cities like New York, Lisbon, London, Mexico City, and Los Cabos.

The second highlight is the showcase by Athenian label Revolt, one of the most respected collectives in the underground electronic music scene in Athens. Revolt has built its reputation by pushing the boundaries of electronic music – with talented artists and explosive gigs in Athens and abroad.

2. Mind, Body, & Soul Workshops: Reconnect Within

Take a pause from the dance floor and dive into your mind, body, and soul through workshops and rituals designed to open your senses and provoke deep thinking. Led by a carefully selected group of facilitators, these sessions offer the opportunity to reconnect with yourself and the world around you. Whether it’s through meditation, yoga, or spiritual healing practices, these workshops provide a sanctuary for personal growth and transformation. 



There is a wide variety of activities such as: Sound Healing, Breathwork, Kundalini Activation Process, Shiatsu/Kali Prana Massage, Reiki, Cacao Ceremony & Ecstatic Dance, Music & Yoga, 5Rhythms, Tarot & Astrology Readings, Live Drawing Workshops etc. 

3. Immersive Performances: The Magic of Surprise

Otro Mundo is all about being part of something magical. Expect performances that will take you by surprise, transporting you into a world of wonder and blurring the line between artist and audience. One moment you’re dancing under the stars, the next you're swept into a surreal piece of theatre or a mesmerizing movement ritual. These moments are unscripted, raw, and unforgettable, each one a reminder that magic lives in the unexpected.


@otromundogathering

4. Artisanal Bazaar: A Marketplace of Conscious Creations

If you want to take home more than just memories from Otro Mundo, the artisanal bazaar is a vibrant market showcasing unique, handmade creations from small producers and local artisans. This is a space to shop consciously, support independent makers, and discover beautiful, one-of-a-kind items, whether it’s jewelry, clothes, gifts, or natural products. Everything in the bazaar is crafted with care and intention, embodying the festival’s commitment to sustainability and community.

A Beach Festival Like No Other

One thing that sets Otro Mundo apart is its location, Godai Beach, Ermioni, just a short drive from Athens. Not only does it offer stunning views of the sea, but it also creates the perfect environment to unwind, swim, and dance under the sun. The Holy Spirit weekend is the ideal time to escape the city while enjoying the natural beauty of Greece’s coastline. You can even camp within the festival grounds for a fully immersive experience or choose from a variety of accommodations nearby, from budget-friendly options to luxury stays in Porto Heli and Ermioni.

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CLICK HERE to grab your tickets for the 2025 Otro Mundo Gathering — and be part of something unforgettable!

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Born from Friendship, Grown From Purpose

Otro Mundo has its roots in humble beginnings. What started in 2018 as small beach gatherings among close friends on the Greek Islands quickly evolved into a full-fledged festival. These informal gatherings were where musicians, spiritual seekers, and artists would come together to celebrate life, nature, and music. The sunsets were the backdrop for deep connection, as friends would gather around bonfires, chant, dance, and play music in tribute to Pacha Mama.

As time passed, this “tribe” grew, and with it, the vision for Otro Mundo. The festival is a manifestation of a shared dream to create a harmonious and diverse community where people can connect, celebrate life, and enhance peace and oneness. It’s a space where everyone can come together, exchange vibrations, and celebrate the things that matter most.


@otromundogathering

A Festival Name with a Deeper Meaning

Otro Mundo is more than a name; it’s a vision. Rooted in the philosophical concept of eterotropia, it represents a space that operates outside dominant systems, inviting us to reimagine how we live, connect, and celebrate. Eterotropia describes places that exist beyond the norms of everyday life; zones of freedom, play, and deeper meaning. At Otro Mundo, this idea comes to life. The festival becomes a living, breathing “other world,” where time slows, values shift, and participants co-create a more conscious, harmonious way of being, if only for a few magical days. It’s a temporary utopia that stays with you long after you leave.


@otromundogathering 

Join In for Otro Mundo 2025: Embrace the Light

Otro Mundo is more than just a festival; it’s an invitation to come together. Guided by the spirit of "A World Together," people gather from across the globe to share in a powerful experience of music, movement, and meaning. There, borders dissolve, and what unites us speaks louder than what divides us.

Join us under the sun and stars to celebrate the beauty of connection — where cultures blend, friendships spark, and souls align on the dancefloor. This is your invitation to be part of something greater: a shared journey into joy, unity, and transformation.

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CLICK HERE to watch the Teaser Video of this year's gathering!

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