XpatAthens
Thursday, 02 April 2020 17:36
Everything You Need To Know About The Athens & Epidaurus Festival 2020
Due to this year's unprecedented circumstances, Katerina Evangelatos, Artistic Director of the Athens & Epidaurus Festival, unveiled the original concept and planning behind the 2020 program privately, through a moving video. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, performance dates are not included in the press kit.
We all hope that this year's Festival will come to fruition as soon as circumstances allow it, with as few disruptions as possible.
We all hope that this year's Festival will come to fruition as soon as circumstances allow it, with as few disruptions as possible.
What is the Athens & Epidaurus Festival?
The Athens & Epidaurus Festival is Greece’s leading cultural event and one of the oldest performing arts festivals in Europe (1955). Each year, the Athens & Epidaurus Festival presents performances from acclaimed artists in theatre, dance, and music and attracts large audiences from around the world.
The festival takes place annually in the months of June, July, and August. More specifically, the Athens Festival performances are held between June 1st and mid to late July while the Epidaurus performances are held every Friday and Saturday, from early July to mid-August.
In Athens the festival is held at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, Peiraios 260, and Opening to the City. In Epidaurus it takes place at Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus and the Little Theatre of Ancient Epidaurus. Site-specific performances are presented in various neighbourhoods of Athens and Piraeus, including outdoor spaces and archaeological sites, thus expanding the Festival’s scope and audience and encouraging spectators’ active engagement.
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Tuesday, 07 April 2020 04:00
Pink Supermoon To Shed Its Light Over Greece
While the coronavirus pandemic has brought anxiety and uncertainty to the world, a beautiful sight is on its way to remind us how a natural phenomenon can carry extraordinary beauty.
The April full moon is often referred to as Pink Moon because of the pink spring flowers that appear at around the same time of year.
The 3rd and brightest supermoon of the year is about to make its appearance in the Greek sky. At 21:08 (EEST) tonight Tuesday, April 7, the moon will reach its closest point for 2020 at a distance of 356.907 kilometers, at the perigee of its orbit making it appear 30% brighter and 14% larger. The full moon will occur at 05:35 (EEST) on Thursday, April 9.
In a time of isolation and social distancing, this stunning natural phenomenon can be observed from our balconies, terraces, rooftops, and gardens. Don't miss the change to witness the awe-inspiring Pink Moon tonight!
In a time of isolation and social distancing, this stunning natural phenomenon can be observed from our balconies, terraces, rooftops, and gardens. Don't miss the change to witness the awe-inspiring Pink Moon tonight!
This content has been sourced and prepared by Codico Lab.
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Tuesday, 21 April 2020 14:27
Lycabettus Theater To Undergo Major Makeover
The area around the theater on Lycabettus Hill in central Athens is about to undergo a complete makeover. According to Topio7, the architectural and landscape design firm, which won the competition to undertake the project, the redesign will concentrate on highlighting the hill's rugged scenery and the stunning views of the capital that spreads below the hill.
Panita Karamanea, one of the company's 3 partners, stated that "Lycabettus is not just any hill in the capital, it's not just a green space. It is a place with a mythological and cultural dimension, something very important for its identity."
The remodeling will convert the parking lot and its surrounding areas into a space for walks and recreation. At the same time, the redesign of the supporting buildings will accentuate the aesthetic value of the theater.
To read this article in full, please visit: ekathimerini.com
To read this article in full, please visit: ekathimerini.com
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Wednesday, 06 May 2020 14:37
Welcoming The Digital Citizens' Academy
What is the Digital Citizens' Academy?
It is a cutting edge initiative to gather, on a single platform, educational content aimed to improve the digital skills of citizens. The platform combines content from 29 different thematic units and includes 156 courses, more than 1500 teaching hours, from 23 vendors.
How Can I Use The Academy To Improve My Digital Skills?
Joining is free and does not require a complicated registration. All you need to do is select a category, a thematic unit, and a course that suits your interests and level of knowledge, which you can complete online at your own pace.
How Was The Content Selected? Is It Valid?
The content has been selected by a team of experts from the Ministry of Digital Governance in collaboration with Greek academics and experts in digital education. Greek and International experts warrant a) the quality of the content and structure of the educational platform and, b) the simplicity of use.
Will I Be Able To Find Courses That Meet My Needs?
The Digital Citizens' Academy is a dynamic platform, and the number of topics and courses will continue to grow, covering even broader educational needs. More and more vendors will contribute educational content, enabling citizens to make more extended use of the Digital Citizens' Academy.
Soon, the Digital Citizens' Academy will be offering self-diagnostic tools so that every citizen can assess the level of their digital skills. Depending on the results of the self-diagnostic tools and the personal goals of each trainee citizen, the platform will offer personalized 'educational paths,' combining courses from various providers.
Originally posted in Greek on nationaldigitalacademy.gov.gr
Originally posted in Greek on nationaldigitalacademy.gov.gr
Translated by Codico Lab
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Thursday, 14 May 2020 19:32
Post-Coronavirus EU Health Protocols For Hotel Services
The European Commission, in collaboration with the President of the European Council, has put forward a Joint European Roadmap for the gradual lift of measures that were taken during the COVID-19 outbreak.
With the lifting of restrictions on travel-related activities, citizens are expected to gradually resume domestic and intra-EU travel. However, lifting measures too quickly may cause a sudden increase in infections, so until a vaccine is available, the need for travel and tourism should be weighed against the risks of a resurgence of the virus.
While drafting the 'roadmap,' the protection of the health of citizens, tourism workers, and tourists remains the key priority.
The guidance provides criteria and principles for the safe and progressive restoration of tourism and for the development of health protocols for the hospitality sector.
The EU Guidance for health protocols in hospitality establishments proposes policies to guide Member States in the design and implementation of infection prevention, control measures, and protocols for hospitality services providers, such as hotels and other hospitality establishments, to ensure the health and safety travelers as well as workers in the hospitality sector.
Epigramamatically, the guiding principles are the following:
The guidance provides criteria and principles for the safe and progressive restoration of tourism and for the development of health protocols for the hospitality sector.
The EU Guidance for health protocols in hospitality establishments proposes policies to guide Member States in the design and implementation of infection prevention, control measures, and protocols for hospitality services providers, such as hotels and other hospitality establishments, to ensure the health and safety travelers as well as workers in the hospitality sector.
Epigramamatically, the guiding principles are the following:
a) Epidemiological situation, b) The health and safety of guests and workers is a key priority, c) Local arrangements, d) Action Plan in case of infection, e) Training, f) Management of staff, g) Information for guests, h) Physical distancing and hygiene, i) Infection prevention and control measures (IPC measures) such as: Respiratory etiquette, Hand hygiene, Use of face masks, Ventilation, Cleaning and disinfection, j) Potential infections among guests or staff
The European Commission will continue collaborating with the Member States' officials, tourism stakeholders, and international organizations to expedite the implementation of this guidance.
To read the full set of guidences, please visit: ec.europa.eu
To read the full set of guidences, please visit: ec.europa.eu
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Monday, 18 May 2020 01:10
Drive-In Cinema To Open In Athens
Drive-in cinemas were very popular during the 50s and 60s, and their popularity has lately been on the rise, due to the global coronavirus outbreak and the need for social distancing.
According to the Athens Drive-In website, in a few days, Athens will get a drive-in cinema, after many decades. There is a countdown timer counting down to June 1. The drive-in's location is a secret and is not mentioned anywhere on the cinema's website or Facebook page.
On the website, there's one bold question, 'Do you want to be the first to live the drive-in experience?' prompting users to sign-up for updates!
We are looking forward to giving our evenings a dash of retro charm while staying safe at the same time. Stay tuned!
We are looking forward to giving our evenings a dash of retro charm while staying safe at the same time. Stay tuned!
This content has been sourced and prepared by Codico Lab
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Tuesday, 12 May 2020 07:00
XpatAthens Welcomes Eleni Meraki As An Official Content Contributor
XpatAthens is very happy to welcome Eleni Meraki as an official content contributor!
We're especially excited about sharing some of the inspiring content from her Be Your Own Muse platform which will be published for our readers in our Conscious Living section.
We will also work closely with Eleni to share some of the life-changing stories from her storytelling platform Guts & Tales - this content will be shared with our readers in the People section of our website.
XpatAthens works with writers, bloggers, cultural platforms, and local media in order to give our readers unique, useful, and up-to-date content. We're always looking to meet and connect with new content contributors and if you believe that your content would be a positive contribution to XpatAthens, learn more about working with us here.
More About Eleni Meraki
We're especially excited about sharing some of the inspiring content from her Be Your Own Muse platform which will be published for our readers in our Conscious Living section.
We will also work closely with Eleni to share some of the life-changing stories from her storytelling platform Guts & Tales - this content will be shared with our readers in the People section of our website.
XpatAthens works with writers, bloggers, cultural platforms, and local media in order to give our readers unique, useful, and up-to-date content. We're always looking to meet and connect with new content contributors and if you believe that your content would be a positive contribution to XpatAthens, learn more about working with us here.
More About Eleni Meraki
Eleni Meraki is a life and business coach, multiple online entrepreneur, and writer, and has devoted her life to assisting people on their journeys to living a more authentic and happy life. She has coached and interviewed hundreds of people on their journeys of transformation towards a more meaningful life and conscious business making.
Visit Eleni's Websites
Eleni Meraki: www.elenimeraki.com
Guts & Tales: www.gutsandtales.com
By Your Own Muse: www.beyourownmuse.com
Visit Eleni's Websites
Eleni Meraki: www.elenimeraki.com
Guts & Tales: www.gutsandtales.com
By Your Own Muse: www.beyourownmuse.com
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Monday, 25 May 2020 10:51
Cafes and Restaurants Reopen For Business
Greek cafes and restaurants have opened again, following a 2-month hiatus due to the measures against the coronavirus pandemic.
Cafes and restaurants will operate following a safety protocol that dictates a distance between 70 cm to 1.7 meters between seats, and a maximum of 6 customers per table.
Cafes and restaurants will operate following a safety protocol that dictates a distance between 70 cm to 1.7 meters between seats, and a maximum of 6 customers per table.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Minister of Development & Investments Nikos Papathanassis stated that indoor seating is not allowed before the first half of June.
To read this article in full, please visit: amna.gr
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Thursday, 04 June 2020 21:10
Athens Playgrounds To Reopen On June 5
One by one, municipalities in Greece are announcing the reopening of playgrounds, as the Hellenic Interior Ministry has granted them to reopen.
Playgrounds were closed for the public at the beginning of lockdown restriction measures. The circular issued by the Interior Ministry states that for the reopening of playgrounds, all playgrounds should "meet all safety requirements," "in full accordance with the existing health conditions per region and the observance of the outlined and enforced protection measures."
According to a statement, the Culture, Sports & Youth Organization of the City of Athens (OPANDA) will proceed with the reopening of all playgrounds in Athens. "OPANDA has taken all necessary measures to meet hygiene requirements and follow the operating rules of the premises, following the Joint Ministerial Decision and the instructions of the Health Scientific Committee," it is emphasized in the announcement. Playgrounds will be open from Monday to Sunday from 08:00 to 22:00.
Meanwhile, the Municipality of Athens continues to plan the reconstruction of 19 playgrounds, which will be delivered by the end of July–remodeled according to the latest safety standards, suitable and accessible to children with mobility difficulties.
Originally posted in Greek on ethnos.gr
Originally posted in Greek on ethnos.gr
Translated by Codico Lab
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Thursday, 11 June 2020 07:00
XpatAthens Welcomes Eleni Maria Georgiou As An Official Content Contributor
XpatAthens works with writers, bloggers, cultural platforms, and local media houses in order to give our readers unique, useful, and up-to-date content.
We are always looking to meet and connect with new content contributors. If you believe that your content would be a positive addition to XpatAthens, click here to learn more about working with us!
We are very happy to welcome Eleni Maria Georgiou
as an official XpatAthens content contributor.
Who Is Eleni Maria Georgiou?
Eleni Maria Georgiou is an independent writer and publishing professional devoted to creating books that are creative, original, and modern.
Passionate about Athens and all the city has to offer, for four exciting years, I co-managed XpatAthens. This experience inspired me to write my first book, Eleni’s GREEK PHRASE BOOK: A Beginner's Guide to Greek Culture and the Greek Language in 2018, sparking the birth of Lenacke Press. I continue to write, think about, and publish creative and original books, adding to the Lenacke Press collection.
In addition, since 2004, I have been running fixyourenglish.com, a business that provides Editing, Proofreading, and Translation services.
I currently live in Athens, Greece with my husband and two kids. I am fluent in both English and Greek and interested in learning more languages. I like organizing and attending community group events, reading, listening to podcasts and audiobooks, writing, lifting weights, and going hiking.
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