Whether an Athenian or new to the city, there's always something fascinating to explore! From the best Sushi places in town to the best beach bars for those who enjoy nightlife and beautiful beaches, this week's newsletter has something for every taste!

Remember to stay connected with us through our weekly newsletter, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!

7-year-old Greek pianist, Stelios Kerasidis, has composed a musical piece named “Isolation Waltz,” inspired by the coronavirus pandemic. Stelios dedicated his musical piece to everyone suffering from the coronavirus and people who are isolated at home because of the lockdowns.

 

The tiny pianist started performing in public at the age of five and performed at Carnegie Hall at the age of six. Following his great performances, Stelios began to compose his own music.

 

In October 2018, Stelios won first prize at the Golden Classical Music Awards Invited Winners List after a brilliant performance at New York City’s Weill Recital Hall. Playing a Chopin waltz for his audience and judges, he also became the youngest Greek musician of all time to play at Carnegie Hall.


















To read this article in full,please visit: greekreporter.com

Cafes and restaurants reopened in Greece on Monday for sit-down service for the first time in nearly six months, as the country began easing coronavirus-related restrictions with a view to opening to the vital tourism industry in the summer. 

Cafes, restaurants, and bars, which had been shut to all but takeout and delivery services when lockdown-type measures were imposed in early November, reopened for outdoor seated service only. Tables are set a certain distance apart to maintain social distancing while standing customers and music aren’t allowed.

A maximum of six customers are allowed per table, while staff must carry out compulsory coronavirus home self-tests. A nightly curfew that was in force from 9 p.m. is being pushed back to 11 p.m. as of Monday, with bars, restaurants, and cafes allowed to remain open until 15 minutes before curfew.

In recent weeks, the Greek government has been gradually easing restrictions as part of the efforts being made to lay the groundwork for Greece to welcome back tourists. Tourism is a vital industry for the country, and all tourism-related businesses and services are scheduled to reopen on May 15.

To read this article in full please visit: ekathimerini.com

Greek beaches have a reputation that they are second to none and, once again, the international media put them high on the list of the best beaches in Europe. Conde Nast Traveler distinguished three Greek beaches and invites travelers from all over the world to swim, at least once, in their crystal-clear azure waters.


Porto Katsiki Beach, Lefkada. Credit: @anna.vvagner

Lefkada’s Porto Katsiki beach is the first of three Greek entries on the list. As the article points out, it is a postcard-perfect beach on the south coast of the island, famous for its intense turquoise waters and sweeping views of the Ionian islands.

The second Greek beach on the list is Kleftiko, the most popular beach on Milos island. It's only accessible by boat or on foot. through a hiking path, but it's definitely worth visiting to marvel at its dramatic coastline. Not to mention its iconic volcanic rock formations, ideal for cliff-jumping. 


Kleftiko Beach, Milos. Credit: @thetantraveler.

Last but not least, the third entry is Seitan Limania in Chania, Crete. Imposingly located on a steep cliff, it's the perfect beach for adventure lovers since you have to walk through rugged dirt roads to get there (or simply take the boat). The reward is a white-pebbled beach with glittering blue waters!


Seitan Limania, Chania, Crete. Credit: @soulrepresentations

Main image: @lefkadaslowguide

When apokries arrives in Greece (aka carnival season), it brings with it a whirlwind of festivities and traditions that capture the essence of the season. Amidst the familiar dances and masquerades lie some of the most peculiar and intriguing customs, each with their own story to tell.

Let's explore some weird and wonderful traditions that have been passed down through generations.

Alevromoutzouroma, Galaxidi

Credit: George Tzafos Courtesy: alevromoutzouroma.gr

In the town of Galaxidi, Apokries takes on a uniquely messy tradition known as Alevromoutzouroma, or Flour Wars. This custom likely traces back to the Byzantine era, when chariot racers would paint their faces. However, it wasn't until the maritime era, starting around 1840, that it gained widespread popularity, particularly among sailors bidding farewell to their families before embarking on their journeys.

During this festive occasion, the port of Galaxidi transforms into a battleground as participants armed with bags of flour engage in friendly battles, covering each other in powdery white. For visitors who prefer to stay flour-free, there is a simple solution: they have to sport a "moutzoura," or a cross on their forehead made of shoe polish, ensuring they remain unscathed amidst the floury madness. 

Genitsaroi & Boules, Naousa

Credit: Xydas Yiannis

In Naousa, during the festive season of Apokries, the town bursts into a vibrant celebration filled with laughter and colorful traditions. One such tradition involves the Genitsaroi and Boules, who bring history alive amidst a whirlwind of excitement. Months of preparation lead up to this uproarious affair, with participants scouring for the perfect attire and borrowing shiny baubles from family and friends.

The Genitsaroi proudly don their fustanellas, traditional skirts adorned with sparkling silver, and brandish their long swords, known as "palas." Their faces are covered with wax masks. On the other hand, the Boules, men dressed as women, are gracefully draped in flowing dresses. Their faces, too, hidden behind wax masks embellished with ribbons and flowers, exude an air of mystery. As the procession begins, led by excited children, the air fills with the lively melodies of the zurna and the rhythmic beats of the daouli drum. It's a spectacle of joy and merriment, marking the climax of this enchanting celebration.

The Stealing of the Bride, Rethymno



In the municipality of Mylopotamos in Rethymno, a unique tradition is revived during Clean Monday. This custom dates back to the Turkish occupation era. Participants reenact the scene with figures representing the bride, her six brothers, and characters like the Turkish judge. For about four centuries, locals have kept this tradition alive through playful acts, dancing, and enjoying traditional treats.

Before the wedding, the bride is "examined" by the Turkish judge to test her purity. The scene unfolds with the bride's siblings dancing in the square, while spectators pretend to be Turks trying to "steal" her. Despite attempts by the pretend Turks, the siblings protect the bride by playfully "hitting" them with screws. Eventually, the bride is "stolen" by people known to her brothers, only to return later, often pretending to be pregnant. The event is filled with laughter, music, and treats, creating a vibrant atmosphere that celebrates local culture and heritage.

Babougera, Serres

Credit: Geo Selalm 

Babougera, a blend of Greek words for "old lady" and "old man," is a custom that takes place every year in the village of Vamvakofito in Serres. In this vibrant spectacle, locals take on various roles, including grandparents, the bridal couple, a doctor, a postman, and more, dressed in old clothes and eerie masks, often crafted from sheep and goat skins. Large bells hang from their waists, and they wield tapus sticks, symbolizing protection and authority.

The Tapoutzides, pivotal figures in the performance, safeguard the group, especially the bride, from potential "kidnappers" among the audience. Their tapus sticks, derived from the Turkish word for "ball," are used forcefully, instilling fear and respect. Additionally, characters like the bear and the monkey add to the spectacle, each symbolizing different aspects of village life and traditions. The event begins with church services and progresses through the village with accompanying bagpipes and bells, culminating in lively celebrations in the central square, including feasting and dancing.

Kodonofoi, Thessaloniki

Credit: Motion Team

Dressed in elaborate attire, the Kodonoforoi of Thessaloniki, or "bell wearers," commence their parade from the White Tower, adorned with painted faces and hefty bells. Rooted in ancient practices to safeguard crops, these customs, passed down through generations, continue as rituals to ward off malevolent forces and celebrate abundance.

Embracing their heritage, villagers don sheepskin, animal hides, and masks, joining in the joyous Dionysian festivities. Amidst the clangor of bells and the spectacle of painted faces, the Kodonoforoi breathe life into tradition, embodying the enduring spirit of community and the resilience of cultural heritage in Thessaloniki.

Geroi & Koreles, Skyros


Apokries in Skyros, offers a glimpse into a colorful festival where tradition meets celebration. Among its key players are three central characters: the Old Man, Korela, and the Frank. The Old Man is dressed in traditional shepherd attire and a goatskin mask and carries on the legacy of generations past. His outfit, complete with heavy bells around his waist, creates a rhythmic melody as he moves.Korela, often embodied by women in traditional dress, adds to the spectacle with graceful dance moves and waving scarves. Meanwhile, the Frank's attire satirizes those who embraced Western fashion, adding a touch of humor to the festivities.

Throughout the carnival, participants engage in friendly competitions and perform satirical verses, reflecting on both island life and current events. The celebrations culminate in a lively gathering at the Castle, where the community comes together to revel in Skyros's rich cultural heritage.

An Online Survey helping you get the most out of living in Greece.

The British Consulate in Greece would like to hear from British nationals about your experiences of living in Greece. They are updating their guides, planning their communications with central government and local authorities and developing our social media presence in Greece. By telling them about the issues you have encountered, either getting a registration certificate, planning/obtaining healthcare, learning Greek and more, will help the Consulate to tailor their information services to your needs in the best possible way to be useful for all British nationals in Greece. 

Please take a few minutes to complete the online survey here.

The online survey will run until 29/02/2016.

Santorini Experience returns with an explosive mixture for 2nd year on 7 – 9 October 2016.

The event that caught the attention of all sports friends and offered unique moments and emotions to professional and amateur athletes, returns for second consecutive year in the energetic volcanic island of Santorini.

The first announcement for the great organization of sports tourism “Santorini Experience” was held on Wednesday, May 18, 2016, with cinematic way at the Gold Class halls of Village Cinemas at The Mall Athens.

The event's program included two parallel screenings of the event’s video - documentary from the previous year (as was shown in more than 1.6 million households in Greece and abroad), to reporters and senior executives, as well as greetings from ambassadors and representatives of the organization.

During the event, this year’s activities of “Santorini Experience”, which include swimming and running, were presented for the first time, along with their ambassadors and coefficients. It was also announced that the organization has been placed under the auspices of the Hellenic Swimming Federation (KOE), which happens for the first time in open water swimming competition in a sports tourism event, highlighting the importance and solemnity of “Santorini Experience”, not only in Greece but also internationally. The element of extroversion and international promotion was credited also to one more “surprise” - cooperation that was yet to be revealed.

TV channel FOX Sports of FOX Networks Group, one of the biggest sports television networks in the world in subscriber base, distribution and promotion of sport content, undertakes this year as Official Broadcaster the broadcasting of the sports documentary “Santorini Experience”. The sports documentary will carry forward unique images of sports tourism in Santorini, to millions of homes in Europe, Asia and Africa through the vast television network of FOX Sports.

This year's event program includes open water swimming from the volcano to the old port of Fira. The swimming route has been designed by the Federal Technical coach of Swimming, with Olympic and World medals in open water swimming Nikos Gemelos, who will be the Technical Director of the event in swimming, while great names of our national team, such as Olympic and World Champion in open water swimming, Spyros Gianniotis and World Champion in open water swimming, Kelly Araouzou, along with a variety of leading open water swimming athletes like Antonis Fokaidis, Giorgos Arniakos and Dimitris Negris will take part in this year “Santorini Experience”.

Respectively, various running routes will be held at the magical path that connects Oia with Fira overlooking the Caldera. This year’ s routes have been selected by the former marathon runner, holder of national best performance on the classical route, running coach, manager of All About Running and technical director of the event in running, Nikos Polias. At the end of the press event, the Mayor of Santorini Anastasios Nikolaos-Zorzos said: “Last year we started Santorini Experience. A sports event that is becoming an institution for the island. “Santorini Experience” gives visitors the opportunity to combine wellness with the unique nature of the island, to live an “explosive” experience. Santorini Municipality and the Athletic Organization DAPPOS embraced and supported this event from the first time, thus trying to highlight another face of the island, the athletic side. We welcome you to the organization and wish that you live a truly unique life experience”.

On his part, the President of the Municipal Sports Cultural Environmental Organization of Santorini (D.A.P.P.O.S.) Mr. Eleftherios Tzouros said: “The journey that began last year in May 2015 continues. A journey where man and nature become one with respect and love. The idea of Santorini Experience is unique and unprecedented, since participants are invited to compete on the Caldera of Santorini (Land & Sea), with invisible spectator the Atlantis which many researchers speculate that sank in the sea of the caldera area. This “marriage” of nature - human and culture is a unique experience that we expect you to live”.

The President of the Hellenic Swimming Federation (KOE), Mr. Dimitris Diathesopoulos said: “After last year's successful hosting of the Open Water race of “Santorini Experience”, at beautiful Santorini, with the participation of leading distinguished members of the national team, but also with the presence of the President of the Swimming Federation, and after relevant conversations between the Mayor of Santorini and representative bodies of the organization, it was a mutual understanding that this great event will be implemented for the second consecutive year. This time it has been placed under the auspices of the Hellenic Swimming Federation. Something that signifies the importance and solemnity, not only in Greece but also internationally. Both I personally as president and KOE, we believe that this year we will have successfully organized a large organizational and participatory event and this will mark its establishment in a national and international level as one of the most important events in the Open Water area. I wish good luck to those who curated the event, expressing the assurance that KOE will be standing close to this effort, aiming to become one of the most important events in our field with a long perspective and massiveness in participations”.

Finally, the CEO of Active Media Group, Mr. Akis Tsolis said among other: “Municipality of Santorini, D.A.P.P.O.S., KOE, local companies of the island and a top global television network join together to promote swimming, running, in a unique Greek landscape like that of Santorini. The announcements of this day are quite significant and a milestone for sports tourism in Greece. The assistance of the Hellenic Swimming Federation and the broadcasting of the complete documentary (rather than just highlights), by FOX Networks Group, to more than 40 million households, indicatively to countries like China, India, South Korea, Turkey, Israel, South Africa and many others, and in continents such as Europe, Asia and Africa, make me really happy that we managed in such difficult times to unite all our forces for an innovative organization like Santorini Experience. We do not rest on what tourism achieves today, but we continue to build for tomorrow”.

“Santorini Experience” is a collaboration between the Municipality of Santorini, the Municipal Sports Cultural Environmental Organization of Santorini (D.A.P.P.O.S.) and Active Media Group.

Sponsor: Alafouzos Sport
Supporter: Village Cinemas
Official Broadcaster: FOX Sports
Hospitality Sponsors: Athina Luxury Suites, Central Fira Hotel, Sienna Residencies, Memories Hotel, Loizos Stylish Residencies

Under the auspices of the Hellenic Swimming Federation (K.O.E.).

For more information, please visit: Official Santorini Experience Website

 
Facebook
Twitter
Youtube Channel