In 2023, the legendary Margarete Roeder Gallery in New York City presented the five Bronx-based women artists in the exhibition Bronx Fivefold: Harmonious  Convergence, highlighting the diversity of their visual expression, as well as the  creative collaboration born out of 20 years of friendship and artistic comradeship in  an art scene that is both unique and dynamic. 

Extending this multifaceted solidarity and wanting to bring a piece of the South Bronx to Athens, the artists present works in a variety of media in the show Made in the  South Bronx. They reveal ways in which their daily contact with this particular area of  New York City, as residents and active artists, has influenced their visual practice.  Their themes include the importance of the cultural heritage bestowed upon us by  indigenous peoples, the tragic destruction of life and nature due to human brutality,  the transformations of neighborhoods due to gentrification mechanisms, and the  personal changes in our emotional and spiritual worlds caused by the interaction with a rapidly changing global socio-political environment. 

Formally trained as a painter, Mexican-American Blanka Amezkua's creative  practice is greatly influenced by Mexican popular art and culture, from papel picado  to comics. She combines traditional and contemporary techniques, as well as socio cultural mythologies and philosophies to preserve evidence of the past in the present. Honoring the wisdom of the indigenous people of the Americas, Amezkua has made  research on medicinal plants and flowers from the first book of medicine created in  the Americas, the Codex de la Cruz-Badiano (1552). The visual result is a series of  papel picado pieces dedicated to the Cempasuchil flower and the California poppy, created in collaboration with maestro don Rene Mendoza from Huixcolotla, Puebla,  Mexico in August 2024. Underscoring her ancestors' respect and admiration for plant diversity, Amezkua pays tribute to the valuable knowledge of Mexico's ancient and  modern culture and its special contribution to world art and science. 

 

Carey Clark's video installation includes elements that she has been exploring for  many years in her current practice. Her idiom involves merging different figurative  elements to convey a reality that is not dictated by visual observation, but  encapsulates the emotions and sensations experienced. Exploring a new body of  work that incorporates her long term interest as a figurative painter in picturing  alternate landscapes, cityscapes and portraits through montages of diverse  elements, Clark shows a series of painted images-portraits of her Bronx  neighborhood combined with projections of videos displaying diverse places from  which she got inspiration for her paintings. The overlap between the moving and  painted images, the interplay between movement and stillness, allude to the endless  impermanence of our world and the multiple rapid or slow, positive and negative  transformations it creates- though often invisible to our eyes and not perceived by our direct perception. 

Linda Cunningham's work is concerned with time, transience and contradictions,  with a particular interest in the architectural and structural remnants of present and  past cultures. Her images employ a fluid, calligraphic line and drawing form. With  compelling forms she often challenges the viewer to accept the sometimes  discomforting content of her works. In Cunningham's mixed media South Bronx  Waterfront Sagas series, her materials and images merge, revealing a broken history of the South Bronx, an area that was once a haven for clean air and greenery. The  themes addressed are environmental concerns in relation to industry, urban blight  and loss of the natural environment, as well as her concern for her Bronx home area  facing the mechanisms of gentrification. Athens residents share a number of parallel  concerns, which reveals the universality of socio-political strategies aimed at  economic gains at the expense of community cohesion and economic equality, as  well as the environment and history of the area. In another series of works,  Cunningham addresses the consequences of the climate crisis, depicting the  devastating hurricanes that have hit America in recent years. 

Mimma Scarpini is an Italian artist living in New York who creates with various visual media. Her work is characterized by both an abstract and figurative idiom, engaging  in a dialogue with both the European figurative and abstract art traditions. The  triptych drawing on paper entitled Black Eden depicts a burnt Garden of Eden, which, according to the Bible, was originally created by God as a Paradise for humans. The  medium Scarpini uses, charcoal, is itself burnt organic matter (wood), intensifying the idea of the irreversible evil perpetrated by the human hand. In the mixed media work  on paper Maria Mesa fleeing tear gas at the border, she is inspired by the Pulitzer  Prize winning Kim Kyung Hoon's photograph of migrants running away from tear gas  at the border with Mexico. Hoon’s photograph captures a paradox, underlined by  Scarpini’s use of color: as the woman and her children flee from tear gas, their  shadows appear to move in the opposite direction, as though returning to the very  place they are trying to escape. This aesthetic detail reflects key elements of the migrant experience: while they flee from danger and economic hardship, they also  leave behind their culture and history—an identity that calls them back, like the  irresistible pull of a siren’s song.

Tammy Wofsey's art attempts to condense the essence of the natural world within  the confines of paper. Paper acts as the conduit that gives life to all her prints. Her  creative pursuit is guided by the goal of creating a deeply human connection to our environment and evoking a sense of slowing down over time. In this series the artist  prints blue mountains on large flat paper, engraves them and folds them. According  to the artist, the folded paper contains a memory that cannot be erased, telling a  story that can be revived at any time with specific stimuli. Images evoke memories  and vice versa, and connections between past and present are effortlessly activated:  the smoke from the forest fires in California and Canada erases the artist's memories of her home state of Colorado and the view from her apartment in the South Bronx,  respectively. The viewers can pick Wofsey's works in their hands and process them  as they would flip through the pages of a memory-filled photo album. She hopes her  work will give viewers the time to 'slow down', reflect, experience positive memories  and aim for a better balance between their inner and outer worlds. 

The untold epic saga of the Sacred Band premieres on June 12 and 13 in the presence of the director Lefteris Charitos and the film’s participants 

Army of Lovers directed by Lefteris Charitos, tells the untold epic saga of the Sacred Band, an elite force of 150 pairs of male lovers who became the most formidable warriors of the ancient world. 

As a team of international archaeologists and historians is re-examining the newly uncovered evidence and gaining unprecedented insight into the story of the Sacred Band, their findings challenge us to rethink our understanding of Ancient Greece and our perceptions of heroism, gender and love across time.

The film is produced by Anemon (Greece) and Epo-Film (Austria) and is a co-production with ERT, ZDF / ARTE and ORF in association with SBS, Hearst Networks, History Italy, TV5 Québec and with the support of the Hellenic Film & Audiovisual Centre – Creative Greece (Tax Rebate and NextGenerationEU programme), Fernsehfonds Austria and Creative Europe. It is distributed by ZED.

The screenings are co-organised by CineDoc, the American School of Classical Studies at Athens and ANESIS open-air cinema, with the support of the Museum of Cycladic Art. 

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To watch the trailer, please CLICK HERE!

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About The Film

The Sacred Band was formed by the city of Thebes in 379 BCE to end Spartan domination. Fighting for four decades undefeated, it was annihilated by the forces of Philip II of Macedon and his son Alexander in the Battle of Chaeronea. Buried on the battlefield where they fell, the 300 were forgotten by history, until pioneer archaeologist Panayotis Stamatakis discovered the mass grave in 1880.

Stamatakis never published his findings and the grave was covered up, leading some historians to claim that the Sacred Band never existed. It was only in 2019 that a missing skeleton was found in the basement of the National Archaeological Museum of Athens, as well as the excavation logs with detailed drawings of the mass grave: they depicted an army of 300 men likely lying in pairs, their arms linked together.

A team of international archaeologists and historians re-examines the newly uncovered evidence, gaining unprecedented insight into the story of the Sacred Band. Their findings challenge us to rethink our understanding of Ancient Greece and our perceptions of heroism, gender and love across time.

Directed by Lefteris Charitos, Army of Lovers uses forensic archaeological research, unique archive, ancient artworks and animations to tell the story of the rise and fall of the Sacred Band and reveal the enduring relevance of antiquity in contemporary culture. The film’s central characters include archaeologist and skeletal biologist Maria Liston (University of Waterloo, Canada), historian James Romm (Bard College, USA) and contributors John Ma (Univ. of Columbia), Paul Cartledge (Univ. of Cambridge), Reine-Marie Berard (French National Centre for Scientific Research), Peter Krentz (Davidson College), Thierry Lucas (Collège De Marly), Jennifer Ingleheart (Durham University) and Panagiotis Iossif (Museum of Cycladic Art/Radboud University, Nijmegen).

SCREENINGS SCHEDULE

1. ATHENS – Thursday, June 12 2025 | Cotsen Hall 

Address: The American School of Classical Studies at Athens (9 Anapiron Polemou st. Kolonaki) 

Limited number of available seats. Free entry on a first-come, first-served basis; doors open at 18.00 and the screening starts at 19.00.  

More information HERE!

The film will be screened with English subtitles. A Q&A will follow after the screening with director Lefteris Charitos and archaeologists Panagiotis Iossif and Maria Liston, followed by a wine reception.

Those arriving early can also visit the multimedia exhibition, Imag(in)ing Samothrace: From Homer to the HoloLens, hosted in the Makriyannis Wing of the American School of Classical Studies. Curated by Bonna D. Wescoat, Ellen M. Archie, Rebecca A. Salem and designed by Mikri Arktos (Andreas Georgiadis and Vivi Gerolymatou), it brings together objects from the 15th to the 21st century to chronicle how artists expressed their physical, emotional, and intellectual encounters with the island. Highlights include rare Renaissance drawings of Samothracian antiquities by the antiquarian Cyriacus of Ancona, shown in Greece for the first time.

2. ATHENS – Friday, June 13 2025 | Anesis Open-Air Cinema 

Address: 14 Kifisias Av., Athens

          Doors open at 20.15 and the screening starts at 21.00.

          Presale HERE! 

The film will be screened with Greek subtitles and a Q&A will follow with director Lefteris Charitos and the film crew, moderated by Thodoris Antonopoulos (Journalist, LiFO).

About CINEDOC 

CineDoc is based in Athens, Greece; it showcases and (selectively) distributes award-winning greek and international documentaries. The screenings are organised in collaboration with the French Institute of Greece, Danaos Cinema, the Thessaloniki Film Festival, the CineDoc Volos and the Municipality of Volos, the "Simeio" Cultural Space in Rethymno, the Cyclades Preservation Fund (CPF) and the Thalassa Foundation. Screenings are accompanied by parallel events; the aim is to encourage dialogue, inspire collective actions and raise awareness on crucial subjects, such as the environment, gender equality, inclusivity, education, history, and more.

Additionally, CineDoc collaborates with cultural institutions, universities and various organizations, taking part in conferences, festivals and cultural events. Moreover, through CineDoc Island network the team organises documentary screenings both in Greek islands (Cyclades, Sporades, Ionian Islands and the Dodecanese) and across Greece, in collaboration with local cultural partners and film clubs.

Follow CineDoc on facebook and instagram.

​More info: https://www.cinedoc.gr  | cinedocanemon@gmail.com

This summer, House of Shila unveils SPACE REIMAGINED—a new, immersive series of artist-led room transformations at Mona, its acclaimed boutique hotel and cultural hub in downtown Athens.

For its inaugural edition, contemporary artists Elise Wouters and Angeliki Stamatakou were invited to inhabit and radically reimagine the very hotel rooms they resided in during their artistic residencies. Each was given a blank slate—physically and conceptually—to create an experience that blurs the boundaries between art installation, storytelling, and hospitality.

Launching on June 6th, 2025, the time-sensitive interventions (on view through September) unfold across Mona’s signature penthouses, offering guests a deeply personal and tactile encounter with living art—available for both exploration and acquisition.

Curated and produced by House of Shila, SPACE REIMAGINED is inspired by the playful concept of rearranging space through the eyes of an artist—rooms become extensions of personal worlds, charged with narrative, texture, and memory.

This launch coincides with the debut of Mona’s rooftop—a members-only hideaway offering curated wines, soundscapes, and sweeping views of Athens.

London-based Belgian film photographer Elise Wouters has transformed Mona’s Suite into a meditative space of memory, femininity, and poetic introspection. Her installation unfolds as a sensory dialogue between image, word, and texture.

Rooted in repeated stays at Mona’s Suite, Wouters’ contribution features hand-painted silver prints of her analogue self-portraits, printed on delicate washi paper and installed against the room’s textural backdrops—aged patinas, gauze curtains, and painterly walls. Her work explores impermanence, vulnerability, and the traces of lived moments.

“I’m always in communication with the past,” says Wouters. “That’s how memory works—you return to a moment, and by returning, it changes. That’s the beauty.”

Guests will find handwritten love letters, found postcards, and a curated selection of her annotated books—offering intimate access into her creative world.

“There’s always a dialogue between photography and writing. I photograph what I can’t say, and I write about the photos I didn’t take.”

In collaboration with Parisian lingerie label Mavelle, Wouters and House of Shila have co-designed an exclusive limited-edition silk dress, available at Mona and online via the House of Shila e-shop.

Greek sculptor Angeliki Stamatakou reimagines Penthouse 16 as a dreamlike sanctuary where ritual meets sculpture and natural light sculpts the mood. Her space is one of emotional resonance—raw, grounded, and intuitive.

“Taking over a room is about changing how a guest feels,” says Stamatakou. “They live with my work, not just pass by it. It becomes part of their experience.”

Drawing from subconscious landscapes and organic formations, her sculptural interventions feel both ancient and otherworldly. 

Black clay mirrors—her first works in this medium—anchor the suite alongside a signature sculptural coffee table, lighting elements, and mysterious non-functional forms that feel unearthed rather than made.

“They’re like fossils formed over millennia—objects out of time and place.”

A curated playlist composed by the artist completes the atmosphere, enriching the spatial experience with sound and deepening its emotional layers.

On opening night, both transformed penthouses will be open to the public. Guests are invited to explore the installations, meet the artists, and acquire select pieces, available for a limited time.

The evening culminates with Mona’s first rooftop party of the summer, featuring guest DJs and curated natural wines.

The rooftop remains open to members throughout the season, Thursday to Saturday. New member applications are available here.

SPACES REIMAGINED continues from June through September 2025, with the installations accessible to guests staying in Mona Suite and Penthouse 16. Select works will also be available for purchase via the House of Shila e-shop.

This marks the first of an ongoing residency series—an invitation to reimagine hospitality through the lens of contemporary art and collaboration.

House of Shila (HOS) is a creative studio in the pursuit of aesthetic pleasures. HOS creates distinctively designed spaces, serving as laboratories of experiential storytelling. Dedicated to all things sensually beautiful, our work is multi-disciplinary spanning from boutique hotels (Mona and Shila), design, creative direction, curated pop-up events and publishing. HOS runs an artist-in-residence programme and members club between its locations in Athens and New York. Collaborating with creatives from around the world, we are driven by a desire to showcase inspired work that unites a community of artists, designers, and entrepreneurs, while supporting talent at all stages.

XpatAthens recently visited with Ithaca Laundry at their most central location at Koumoundourou Square in Athens. We experienced the profound impact their unique service has on the local community. Every Tuesday and Thursday, the Ithaca Mobile Laundry Unit arrives at this central square at 10 AM, offering clean clothes, social and psychological support, as well as food to those who need it most. What we discovered was more than just a laundry service—it was a beacon of hope, dignity, and community for vulnerable individuals living in central Athens.

Basic necessities like food and water are often seen as the most urgent needs for vulnerable populations, there is one service that might not immediately come to mind but it’s just as vital. Ithaca Laundry, a mobile laundry service founded in Athens, is doing something extraordinary; it is restoring dignity, offering hope, and providing much-needed support to the homeless, the elderly, and people from all walks of life.

The Birth of an Idea: A Vision for Change

The story of Ithaca Laundry began in 2016, when 3 students (Thanos Spiliopoulos, Fanis Tsonas, and Andili Rachouti) decided to bring a powerful idea to life. Inspired by a similar initiative in Australia, they set out to create the first mobile laundry service for the homeless not just in Greece, but in Europe. In April 2016, Ithaca’s mobile laundry unit hit the streets of Athens for the first time, launching what would become an ongoing mission to provide clean clothes to those in need. By January 2017, Ithaca began operating daily, growing both in the number of people it helped and the scope of its services. 

Fast forward less than a decade, and the Ithaca team is greater than ever, as is the work they do. From those early days, when resources were tight and their team small, Ithaca has grown into a comprehensive support system for vulnerable groups, constantly expanding its outreach and impact in the community.

Restoring Dignity, One Load at a Time

What makes Ithaca Laundry’s work truly extraordinary isn’t just the act of washing clothes; it’s the dignity it restores. For many, the idea of fresh, clean clothes might seem like a small luxury. But, for those without a home, those considered homeless, often invisible and struggling, as well as those living in overcrowded conditions or facing challenges such as lack of access to basic necessities like electricity and water, doing laundry can be an overwhelming challenge. Ithaca’s services go far beyond cleanliness, they are offering people an essential form of respect. It’s a heartfelt gesture, simple yet profoundly powerful, that says: “We see you and you matter.”

Ithaca Laundry doesn’t stop at laundry. They also collaborate with other organizations to distribute food to those in need. The individuals that came to take a bag of food were not only homeless individuals—their were elderly citizens who struggle to cook for themselves, people living in cramped homes with too many others, and even those who, despite having a roof over their heads, are financially strained and just need a bit of support to get through a tough time.

The beauty of Ithaca’s work is that there’s no discrimination: help is offered to anyone who needs it. Whether someone is coming for clean clothes or a bag of food, the help is provided with open arms, no questions asked. From the moment the Ithaca van rolls up at 10 AM, people are already there, waiting in line with bags of dirty laundry in hand. Many of them arrive early, not just for clean clothes, but for the sense of community that Ithaca provides.

As we observed, the connection between Ithaca and the people it serves is palpable. The gratitude in the eyes of those who take a bag of food, or get their laundry done, is unforgettable. The visitors are welcomed warmly, and as we stood there, it was impossible not to notice how every person who crossed our path smiled, waved, or said hello—a clear sign of the sense of belonging they feel. The sense of hope and appreciation was evident in every interaction.

What struck us even more profoundly was how familiar the staff were with the people they serve—they knew them by name and vice versa. Ithaca’s impact is so needed and so beautifully embraced that it planted a seed of hope and gratitude in our hearts, reminding us of the power of compassion and community.

Social Support & Job Counseling: Going Beyond Laundry

In 2021 Ithaca launched a social service to provide psycho-social support to vulnerable groups, assisting with everything from medical appointments to navigating the complexities of daily life. Many people visiting Ithaca don’t just need clean clothes; they need someone to help them reconnect with the systems and resources that can help them rebuild their lives. The social worker is there to lend a helping hand and offer solutions to these everyday challenges.

Moreover, Ithaca Laundry is a place where collaboration thrives. They work with other NGOs and organizations to ensure that each individual receives the support they need. It’s a network of care, a reminder that when we come together, we can make a lasting impact.

A Path to Employment: Empowering Through Work

In addition to the laundry services and social support, Ithaca also runs a program for employment reintegration. Many of the staff members are people who were once homeless themselves, now given the opportunity to work in a supportive and structured environment. Through this program, they gain skills, experience, and confidence that can help them re-enter the job market. To date, 26 people have managed to reenter the job market and gain equal opportunities to find a job again. This sense of continuity is invaluable; it shows that Ithaca is not just a temporary fix, but a sustainable solution in helping people reclaim their lives and their independence.

And now, it becomes evident what lies behind the name Ithaca. It's about the journey. The journey of reintegration and recovery, much like the poet Konstantinos Kavafis wrote: "The journey is more important than the destination." It’s not just about providing food or washing clothes but helping people rebuild their lives, step by step. We listened to stories of individuals who lost everything in an instant, and yet, they were standing tall with the support of Ithaca.

Ithaca Laundry's Weekly Schedule

Ithaca Laundry operates at different locations throughout the week to serve vulnerable communities. On Mondays, their services are available at the Club for UNESCO – Piraeus and Islands (Mikalis 51, Piraeus) from 10:00 to 14:00. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, they are stationed at Koumoundourou Square, from 10:00 to 17:00. Wednesdays are dedicated to the Community Center “Cheirapsies” in Corinth, where the team is present from 11:00 to 16:00. On Fridays you can find them from 11:00 to 14:00 again at the Club for UNESCO – Piraeus and Islands (Kotyoron 35, Piraeus). Through this rotating schedule, Ithaca ensures access to its mobile laundry services in various key areas where the need is greatest.

Every month, at Koumoundourou Square, the Pop-Village arrives to create a warm, welcoming space of care and human connection. It’s a day where all three pillars of Ithaca’s mission combine in one meaningful event. Visitors come together to exchange smiles, thoughts, feelings, and experiences, creating a sense of belonging and support. The volunteers and staff of Ithaca join forces with others to offer a variety of services, ensuring that everyone who walks through the door feels valued and cared for:

• Laundry services with the Mobile Unit
• Psychosocial support
• Employment counseling
• Haircuts by The Box Hair Studio
• Distribution of essential items

The Youth Behind Ithaca: A Generation of Hope

What truly stood out to us during our visit was the youth and energy of the team behind Ithaca Laundry. These young individuals—many of whom started out as interns or volunteers—are dedicated to the cause and passionate about making a real difference in the world. It’s inspiring to see the next generation taking on such important work for the greater good. It’s a reminder that hope isn’t just about the future; it’s about what young people are doing today to create a better tomorrow.

We spoke with some of them, and the conversation was nothing short of inspiring. The common question we asked all of them was, "What made you want to work here and do this?" And the answer was always the same: "What we take back, because giving only makes you richer." It may be a cliché, but it's one of those truths that resonates deeply. Each team member had their own unique perspective and background. Sure, they came from different academic paths, but the common thread was their deep willingness to do good.

For example, Michalis' drive to help stems from his childhood, as his siblings are part of a vulnerable group. Marille started as a intern and simply couldn’t stop helping; it is kinda addictive. We also met Erica, who had just started her internship at Ithaca only three days before. Despite being so new, she had already felt the love and support that surrounds this beautiful action—there’s a certain energy here that you can’t ignore.

And then, there’s Konstantinos, who is responsible for the daily operations and the welcoming and service of Ithaca’s beneficiaries. He once found himself in a difficult place, but with Ithaca’s support, he made his way back. We witnessed firsthand the power of love and care for others. The entire atmosphere was filled with a sense of mutual respect and a deep commitment to giving back. It’s amazing what can be accomplished when people genuinely care for one another.

In closing, we'd like to leave you with something Thanos, a volunteer at Ithaca team shared with us: "We are all potentially homeless." It’s a reminder that life can change in an instant, and it’s through empathy and community that we can make the world a better place for all.

If you’re planning a weekend escape and haven’t considered Thessaloniki yet, you’re seriously missing out. Greece’s second largest city is the kind of place that sneaks up on you. With its sea breeze, layered history, insanely good food, and that laid-back northern Greek vibe, it’s the perfect mix of chill and culture.

Here’s how to do a weekend in Thessaloniki right.

 

 

You’ll likely arrive in the afternoon, which is ideal. Drop your bags at your hotel or Airbnb (somewhere around Ladadika or Ano Poli is a good call), and hit the streets.

Start your weekend with a stroll along the waterfront. Head towards the White Tower, grab a coffee or a gelato, and just walk. Locals do this every day and call it volta. It’s not just walking; it’s people-watching, flirting, decompressing. Join in.

For dinner, go to Sebriko or Ouzeri Aristotelous. They do modern takes on traditional meze and fresh seafood. Don’t skip the tsipouro or local wine. Thessaloniki does food really well, and you’re just getting started.

If you still have energy, check out Vogatsikou 3 for cocktails or find some live music in the Ladadika district. 


@o_thessalonikios

Start your day with Greek coffee and bougatsa (sweet custard pastry) at Bantis or To Anoteron. Locals have strong opinions about their bougatsa, so feel free to try a few and choose sides.

Then, dig into Thessaloniki’s rich history. You’ve got options:

• Rotunda and Arch of Galerius (early Christian and Roman architecture right in the city center)

• The Byzantine Walls up in Ano Poli for amazing city views

• Or the Museum of Byzantine Culture, which is way more interesting than it sounds

Hungry? Time for lunch at Diagonios (for maybe the best souvlaki in the city) or head to Ergon Agora, a stylish deli-restaurant hybrid with killer Greek flavors.

Afternoon? You could shop along Tsimiski Street or visit one of the city’s many indie bookshops and record stores. Or, let’s be honest, take a nap. This is Greece, and naps are practically sacred.

Dinner? Mourga is a must for creative, seafood-centric Greek cuisine, or go traditional with Ouzeri Tsapari in Krini. For nightlife, Urania or La Doze are fun picks, and Thessaloniki has a big student population, so things stay lively late.


@triada_kon

Wake up slow. Get a coffee (freddo espresso preferrably) and walk through Modiano or Kapani markets. Smell the spices, watch the chaos, maybe grab a koulouri to munch on.

Then take the bus or a taxi out to Nea Krini or Kalamaria for seaside vibes and lazy Sunday lunch. You’ll find tavernas right on the water where the seafood is fresh and the wine flows freely. Let it be your slow farewell to the city.

If you’ve got time before heading out, circle back to Ano Poli; quiet streets, colorful houses, hidden courtyards, and one last chance to take in those sweeping views over the Thermaic Gulf.


@eleftheriavla_5

• Walk everywhere if you can. The city is compact and full of surprises.

• Eat everything! Thessaloniki is a UNESCO City of Gastronomy for a reason.

• And don’t rush it. This isn’t a checklist kind of place. It’s a vibe. Soak it in.

You’ll leave feeling like you didn’t “do” Thessaloniki, you felt it. And trust us, you’ll go back again and again.

Written by Maria Ermides

It’s not easy to define actor, musician, and all-around creative force Jerome Kaluta — he simply doesn’t fit into any one box. Whether you first heard of him through the viral hit “Kalavryta” or as the charismatic host of the popular travel series Ftasame (Here We Are), one thing’s clear: Jerome continues to leave his artistic mark on Greece, and he’s just getting started!

In a candid and inspiring conversation, XpatAthens sat down with the self-described Afro-Greco to talk about life as an artist in Athens, what fuels his creativity, and what exciting projects he has on the horizon.

Inspiration is everywhere. You can find inspiration everywhere. On the road, when you’re driving, when you’re not driving. I believe that inspiration, in the end, comes when you have peace of mind. Whenever your mind is free and you have time to think. Then ideas start to emerge and you have some inspiration. 

I grew up with music because I was born in the 80s. I come from Zaire, now Democratic Republic of the Congo, we have a very rich culture, a very rich music culture. It was a way, because back in the day, we didn’t have internet or YouTube, house parties were the thing. Where communities got together and they were together, it was like they were back home. Being in a foreign country, it was like they were back home. So I grew up into house parties, music, African music mostly, so I have all of these ideas, all of these stories. 

I identify myself as Afro-Greco, this is the title of my first album, but this is the title of a Universe that we created of Afrogreco Entertainment, the whole label that we have. So the idea behind it was that I was born and raised in Greece by my Mum and my Dad, obviously, who come from The Congo, from Zaire, but I was raised Greek. Because I was here, I went to school, I went to the university. So my whole experience is Greek. My whole background is African. So I cannot choose. I can't wake up tomorrow and say I’m Greek and I’m caucasian. They’d say: You’re not caucasian. I cannot wake up tomorrow, and say I’m Shaka Zulu, I’m the only African that’s been. I cannot choose one and say that I’m the only one because it happened that way, not (just) for me but for thousands of kids that were born and raised in Athens, Greece or Greece in general.

I feel privileged because I have things to draw on from different places, you know, the way bedtime stories are in Greece and bedtime stories are in Congo, if we can say that they are. They are different because the stories are different, the culture is different, the heritage is different, so I am rich. I speak 5 languages, I compose and sing in those 5 languages, I try to sing in those 5 languages. Language is a key to another way of thinking.

I was born in the 80s. So, growing up in the 90s, it was like a blend. I’m a hip-hop head. So at the time, hip-hop was a mix, you got jazz samples, blues samples, funk samples. So hip-hop was mixing all of those together. I grew up with all of that. When you listen to Fugees, singing “Killing Me Softly”, you realise it’s not their song, you have to go back and see who Roberta Flack was. So you listened to that but you also listened to the original. It takes you to other places. When you listen to, let’s say Fugees again, because they’re one of my favourite groups, singing “No Woman No Cry” you go back to Bob Marley. You say who is Bob Marley, what was reggae. And I did that, not with hip-hop only, but with every genre. 

I’m chasing a feeling. I’m always chasing a feeling. I’m chasing a feeling that I had when I was 15-years-old. That happened when I first went out to a club. So we went out and we danced our bodies out. So I went back home, and it was great. I saw something new and my feet were hurting. So this is the feeling I’m chasing for me and for the people that come to my shows. I want to make them feel like that. Fall in love, you know.

You know my music and the way I structure my playlist is to attack what’s important. And for people the most important thing is your heart, your soul and your waist. This is African. When you aim at the waist, you can’t lose!


@jerome_kaluta 

Listen, it’s challenging. I feel for all of the artists that are musicians or that are actors, who work for 6 months and spend the other 6 months being unemployed. You know, it takes time. If you are persistent, and if your star shines, you get your break then you can get good things. But you cannot live by doing one thing only. Or, if you’re a workaholic like I am, you will jump to different projects. 

I flow with whatever happens, at a time. I examine each opportunity. You know music needs time. I take my time with music. You know I can write a song right now. I have the ability. But when I make a song or an album, I need it to mean something, so I take my time with it. I take my time, I absorb, I change my mind, I may record a song and I have to like it. I mean if it takes me a whole year to release it, I have to like it the whole year. If I don’t like it for 8 months, it won’t make it. I’m very hard on myself. I need it to be on time, I need it to be relevant, I need it to offer something.

You got one opportunity. When they offer you something, I couldn’t say no, because when it’s TV, it doesn’t happen. TV doesn’t happen every day. The travel show Ftasame (Here We Are) came about because of me being in two series that went great, so they saw me and said ‘we like this figure, maybe we can change something.’  So they decided, maybe we can have a travel show, a black man, an African man, or an immigrant, let's say, who had grown up here to show us Greece. So I say it happened slowly, not because I’m slow, but because it’s multi-layered if you see it. It’s the first time somebody who is African, who is not Greek, has hosted a show on National TV. 


From Jerome's TV Show. @jerome_kaluta

All of this time, I’ve been meeting people, listening, absorbing information by watching. I’ve done everything. I cooked with people, I rode horses, I fell off a horse, I milked a lot of cows, I made clothes. Because the concept of the show is that we come to your town and village, we want to meet you and experience what we do, and I want to be your helper. I don’t always get it right, and that’s the concept. Many of them have tried to tell me before, but I say, don’t tell me, just tell me on the spot. So if I make it, I make it but if I don’t make it, I fail you know. So we build houses, we milk cows, we make lots of glyka! (sweets).

That I’m a guy who does things in my own way, who does things differently, for sure. Who mostly proposes stuff that hasn’t been done before. I mean, I’ve heard so much hip-hop, I adore hip-hop. So, if I’m going to do something, I always put in my mind that I’ve heard Jay-Z, I’ve heard the Roots. I’ve heard all of these monsters (in a good way) create amazing things. So you’ve got to go beyond that. You don’t want to recreate that. That’s the challenge.

What I’m mostly concerned about is to change the narrative, to change the story, to change the way things are done. Maybe I’ll be the first black guy to play Othello in Greece. So I would like to have a change. To leave things in a better way, maybe.

I make room and I'm not alone anymore. There are many artists, many beautiful people. The Afro-Greeks they’re great and it’s fuel for me, So I fuel myself because I say I was blessed to be different and to stand out and to be proud and to do whatever I can do. I’m still working on it, I’m 

not here yet. 

We’re finishing the travel show. We’ve been two years on the road and I’d like to focus on my music. I have a song, which was released just recently, “Mazi Sou.” I will release some music, I will have some shows with my bands, and compose some music. I’m going to do a theatrical show with someone, and I’m going to write a kids' book. They proposed for me to write a kids book! I love kids, I’m a kid. They are my friends, we’re the same age. I like kids' stories, I like it because I always combine it with music. And you know, music was always important to me growing up [they] are still like mantras. You know, giving a kid a story with a perfect melody is great.

I’m going to Thessaloniki, the 30th of May. And as for Athens, we had a show on the 30th of April, so we will have to see! I’ve just spent two years on the road with the travel show, I haven’t been able to relax and have the studio time that I want. I have songs, I need to release some songs. I need to create some songs. I have a new sound already there. I’m preparing two albums. The one album is going to be in Greek, singing in Greek, but having that other sound. Because I realised, going around a lot, I have a lot of Greek fans. Like kids and all of that, so I need to communicate with them. And then I have the other album, which has all the languages. Greek, Lingala, Swahili, French, English.

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Sitting down and talking with Jerome Kaluta was truly eye-opening — an inspiring and down-to-earth conversation that reminded us how powerful authenticity and passion can be. We’re truly grateful to him for sharing his story, his energy, and his vision with us.

You can follow Jerome on Instagram, TikTok, Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube be to stay up to date with his latest projects.

His new single “Mazi Sou” is now streaming on Spotify, and if you're in Thessaloniki, don’t miss his upcoming live performance at Soul on May 30th — it’s bound to be an unforgettable night!

And if you’d like to show your support or rep some style, check out his merch at shop.afrogreco.com.

A special thanks to This is Loco for hosting us for this special interview!

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About the Author

Maria Ermides is a Greek-Australian who moved to Athens in 2024. A journalism grad, she's currently studying positive psychology and loves creative writing! She's also publishing a book as she continues to explore and get to know Greece more deeply.  

On Saturday, May 24, from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM, This is Loco transforms once again into a lush green haven! 🌱 In collaboration with Sanopwleio, this special pop-up event brings over 200 small indoor plants and 100 unique pots, perfect for finding the ideal green companion for your space.

Come by to meet us, chat about plants, and discover your next leafy roommate over a coffee!

Sanopwleio is a family-run business based in Anixi, Attica, active since 1985. Originally focused on selling animal feed (hence the name “Sanopwleio” from sanos, meaning hay), the business has grown over the years to include seasonal garden plants, small pet supplies, and, most recently, a curated selection of indoor plants and pots. Their latest focus aims to help people bring calm and joy into their everyday lives—especially during challenging times—through the presence of nature at home.

Whether you're a seasoned plant lover or just getting started, this event is the perfect place to get inspired and green up your space. See you there! 🌿✨

Get ready to dive headfirst into the Athenian culinary scene, because 2025 is shaping up to be a banner year for food lovers in this ancient metropolis. Forget dusty ruins for a moment (though definitely go see those too!), because we’ve scoured the bustling streets, peeked into hidden courtyards, and sampled our way through countless plates to bring you the definitive list of the 10 best restaurants you absolutely, positively need to try in Athens this year. From innovative takes on classic Greek fare to exciting international flavours with a Hellenic twist, your taste buds are in for a wild ride. So, ditch the tourist traps and prepare for a truly authentic Athenian dining experience. Kali Orexi!

Nestled in the charming Koukaki district, according to CJ Digital, Aleria isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a culinary journey. Housed in a beautifully restored neoclassical building, the ambiance alone sets the stage for a memorable evening. But it’s the food that truly steals the show. Chef Gikas Xenakis takes traditional Greek recipes and elevates them with modern techniques and a creative eye. Think slow-cooked lamb served with smoked eggplant puree and crispy pita chips, or fresh seafood dishes infused with aromatic herbs and local olive oil. The presentation is artful, the service impeccable, and the wine list boasts an impressive selection of Greek vintages. Aleria is perfect for a special occasion or when you simply want to indulge in a sophisticated dining experience that pays homage to Greece’s rich culinary heritage while pushing its boundaries. Expect a refined atmosphere and prices to match, but trust us, it’s worth every euro.

Why it’s a must-try in 2025: Aleria continues to innovate, consistently earning accolades for its inventive dishes and commitment to showcasing the best of Greek ingredients. Their ever-evolving menu ensures there’s always something new and exciting to discover.

Prepare for a flavour explosion at Nolan, a restaurant that dares to be different. Located in the heart of Athens, just a stone's throw from Syntagma Square, Nolan seamlessly blends Greek and Asian culinary traditions, creating dishes that are both surprising and utterly delicious. Chef Sotiris Kontizas, known for his appearance on MasterChef Greece, brings his unique vision to life with dishes like the signature steamed buns filled with slow-cooked pork belly and a tangy tzatziki-inspired sauce, or the delicate sea bass carpaccio with yuzu and dill. The minimalist décor allows the vibrant flavours to take centre stage, and the lively atmosphere makes it a great spot for a fun night out with friends. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone here; Nolan is a testament to the exciting possibilities that arise when culinary worlds collide.

Why it’s a must-try in 2025: Nolan remains a trailblazer in Athens' food scene, constantly experimenting with new flavour combinations and techniques. Its popularity speaks volumes, so booking in advance is highly recommended.

For a truly authentic taste of Greece, head to Tzitzikas & Mermigas. With multiple locations across Athens, this beloved meze restaurant embodies the spirit of sharing and convivial dining. The menu is a delightful journey through regional Greek specialties, from creamy fava bean dip and flavourful soutzoukakia (spicy meatballs) to grilled halloumi with fig jam and crispy fried calamari. The atmosphere is always buzzing, filled with the chatter of locals and the clinking of glasses. It’s the perfect place to sample a wide variety of Greek dishes in a relaxed and unpretentious setting. Order a selection of mezedes, a carafe of local wine, and settle in for a long, leisurely meal. This is Greek hospitality at its finest.

Why it’s a must-try in 2025: Tzitzikas & Mermigas remains a reliable favourite for its consistently high-quality meze, affordable prices, and vibrant atmosphere. It’s a staple of the Athenian dining scene for a reason.

If you’re looking for a truly exceptional and boundary-pushing culinary experience, Funky Gourmet is the place to be. This two-Michelin-starred restaurant, located in the vibrant Pangrati district, is helmed by chefs Georgianna Hiliadaki and Nikos Roussos, who are known for their playful and avant-garde approach to Greek cuisine. Expect dishes that are as much a work of art as they are a delight to eat, with surprising textures, unexpected flavour pairings, and a theatrical presentation. The tasting menus are a journey of discovery, showcasing the chefs’ creativity and deep understanding of Greek ingredients. While it’s undoubtedly a splurge, a meal at Funky Gourmet is an unforgettable experience for serious food aficionados.

Why it’s a must-try in 2025: Funky Gourmet continues to push the boundaries of Greek gastronomy, maintaining its Michelin stars and solidifying its reputation as one of the most innovative restaurants in the country.

Escape the city bustle and transport yourself to the Mani Peninsula at Mani Mani. This charming restaurant in the Thissio district specialises in the hearty and flavourful cuisine of the Peloponnese region. Think rustic dishes like hilopites (traditional pasta) with rooster in red wine sauce, slow-cooked pork with oranges, and flavorful pies filled with local greens and cheese. The warm and inviting atmosphere, with its stone walls and wooden accents, adds to the authentic experience. Mani Mani offers a taste of a different side of Greece, one that is deeply rooted in tradition and local ingredients. It’s a comforting and satisfying dining option that will leave you feeling like you’ve just enjoyed a home-cooked meal in a Greek village.

Why it’s a must-try in 2025: Mani Mani continues to champion the regional cuisine of the Peloponnese, offering a unique and delicious alternative to the more common Athenian fare. Their commitment to quality ingredients and traditional recipes shines through in every dish.

Located in the Ilisia neighbourhood, CTC, led by the talented chef Alexandros Tsiotinis, offers a refined and contemporary dining experience. The restaurant’s sleek and minimalist design provides a sophisticated backdrop for the beautifully plated and thoughtfully crafted dishes. Tsiotinis’s cuisine showcases a modern interpretation of Greek flavours, often incorporating international influences and innovative techniques. Expect dishes like perfectly seared scallops with fava and truffle oil, or slow-cooked octopus with smoked paprika and potato foam. The tasting menus are a popular choice, allowing diners to experience the full breadth of the chef’s creativity. CTC is a perfect choice for a special occasion or for those seeking a more upscale and contemporary dining experience.

Why it’s a must-try in 2025: CTC consistently receives rave reviews for its elegant ambiance, impeccable service, and innovative cuisine. Chef Tsiotinis’s dedication to culinary excellence makes it a standout in Athens’ fine dining scene.

For a truly old-school Athenian experience, head to Oinomageireion Epirus. This traditional taverna, located near the Central Market, has been serving up classic Greek comfort food for generations. Don’t expect fancy décor or elaborate plating; here, it’s all about the honest, flavourful dishes and the no-frills atmosphere. Think hearty stews, grilled meats, and simple yet delicious vegetable dishes, all cooked with time-honoured recipes. The lively atmosphere, often filled with locals enjoying a midday meal or an evening drink, adds to the authentic charm. Oinomageireion Epirus offers a glimpse into Athens’ culinary past and is a must-visit for those seeking a truly genuine and unpretentious dining experience.

Why it’s a must-try in 2025: In a city that’s constantly evolving, Oinomageireion Epirus remains a steadfast guardian of traditional Greek flavours and a testament to the enduring appeal of simple, well-cooked food.

Prepare for a culinary curveball at Birdman, a popular izakaya (Japanese pub) located in the lively Agia Irini Square. While it might seem out of place on a list of Greek restaurants, Birdman has carved out a unique niche by blending Japanese techniques with high-quality Greek ingredients. Expect expertly grilled skewers (kushiyaki) made with local meats and vegetables, creative small plates with a Mediterranean twist, and an impressive selection of sake and Japanese whiskies. The lively and buzzing atmosphere makes it a great spot for after-work drinks and snacks or a fun and casual dinner. Birdman proves that culinary boundaries are meant to be broken, and the result is a delicious and unexpected dining experience.

Why it’s a must-try in 2025: Birdman’s innovative approach and consistently delicious food have made it a firm favourite among Athenians. Its unique blend of Japanese and Greek influences offers a refreshing and exciting dining option.

Transport yourself to the Greek islands without leaving Athens at Seychelles. Located in the trendy Koukaki neighbourhood, this charming restaurant exudes a relaxed and bohemian vibe, reminiscent of a Cycladic taverna. The menu focuses on fresh seafood and seasonal ingredients, with dishes that are simple yet bursting with flavour. Think grilled octopus with capers and oregano, fresh fish carpaccio with lemon and dill, and flavorful seafood pasta dishes. The whitewashed walls, blue accents, and outdoor seating create a perfect setting for a leisurely meal on a warm Athenian evening. Seychelles offers a taste of island life in the heart of the city.

Why it’s a must-try in 2025: Seychelles continues to impress with its focus on fresh, high-quality seafood and its laid-back island atmosphere. It’s a perfect escape from the urban bustle.

Okay, so it’s not technically a full-service restaurant, but no culinary tour of Athens is complete without a visit to Lukumades. This iconic shop, with locations across the city, specialises in the traditional Greek doughnut, loukoumades. These golden, honey-drenched balls of fried dough are simply irresistible. You can opt for the classic version with honey and cinnamon, or try more modern variations with chocolate sauce, nuts, or ice cream. Lukumades is the perfect spot for a sweet treat after a meal or a delightful afternoon snack. It’s a taste of pure Greek indulgence that you simply can’t miss.

Why it’s a must-try in 2025: Lukumades remains a beloved Athenian institution, consistently serving up delicious and comforting loukoumades that are a true taste of Greece. It’s a sweet ending (or beginning!) to any culinary adventure in the city.

So there you have it – our top 10 restaurants to try in Athens in 2025. From innovative fine dining to traditional tavernas and exciting fusion concepts, the Athenian food scene is more vibrant and diverse than ever. So, book your tables, loosen your belts, and get ready to embark on a delicious journey through this incredible city. You won’t be disappointed. Yiasas!