XpatAthens

XpatAthens

Monday, 21 October 2019 13:38

More Than 10,000 Visitors In Navarinia Fest

The 192nd anniversary from the Battle of Navarino in the presence of President of the Hellenic Republic

Pylos has been at the forefront of the world for yet another year, honoring and reviving one of the most historic events in modern Greek history. Pylos- Nestor Municipality celebrated the 192nd anniversary of the historic Navarino Naval Battle, in a three-day commemoration event from October 18-20, 2019.

This year’s festivities were attended by more than 10,000 visitors and the President of the Hellenic Republic, Mr. Prokopis Pavlopoulos.

Former Prime Minister, Mr. Antonis Samaras, Messinia MP and representative of the Hellenic Parliament, Mr. Giannis Lampropoulos, Messinia MPs, Mr. Periklis Mantas and Mr. Miltos Chryssomalis, Peloponnese Regional Governor, Mr. Panagiotis Nikas and Pylos-Nestor Mayor Mr. Panagiotis Karvelas all attended the event.

The historic Navarino Naval Battle, revived for another year, on Saturday, October 19, 2019, in the old port of Pylos, through the reenactment organized by Pylos-Nestor Municipality. The sky shone, and the historic naval battle resurrected 192 years later, with the participation of 5 rare traditional sailing boats, of the Traditional Boat Association (one dating back to 1900) and the assistance of special audiovisual media and fireworks. It is worth mentioning the leading role of the Association for the Preservation and Conservation of Traditional Shipbuilding and Nautical Art and Heritage “Proteas” and its Vice President, Mr. Nikolaos Vlavianos, who designed and manufactured a ship model of that era with tackle for the reenactment of the Turkish flagship. A spectacular live storytelling scene awaited the visitors, with a canvas of fireworks at the event closing. Navarinia is a celebration that commemorates the history of all nations involved, as well as people who have passed to immortality by putting their stamp on the founding of the modern Greek State.

Citizens’ safety and facilitation was achieved thanks to the full support of Messinia Police Department, Pylos Police Department, Pylos Port Authority, Pylos Fire Department, National Emergency Aid Centre, Pylos Health Center, Red Cross (Kalamata Department), the staff of Pylos-Nestor Municipality, as well as all residents of the region who volunteered and respected the safety regulations.

Program of events began on Friday, October 18, 2019, with the organization of the traditional and modern boat race, in the Navarino Bay under the auspices of Maritime 2 Athletic Pylos Association “NESTOR” and the Traditional Boat Association, continued with national traditional dances by Ladies Association in Pylos and Pylos Cultural Association while ended with the inauguration of the periodical ship model exhibition of George Bouzounis, and the artwork by Denis Gaille. A roundtable discussion on the topic “Aris of Tsamadou” followed. The event was curated by Vassilis Vrettakos and Dionysis Karalis (Navarinia Committee), in collaboration with Nikolaos Vlavianos (Proteas Association), George Vozikis (member of the Institute of Shipbuilding Art), Aris Arvanitakis (Phoenix Register of Shipping Chief Executive Officer) and Maria Galoufa (archaeologist). Official guests were European Maritime Heritage President, David Morgan and board members Tomas Hoppe, Nice Edvine List Peterson and Jian Matias Vesterman.

On Saturday, October 19, 2019, an honorary event was held in favor of the French who lost their lives from Thermes during the period 1828-1832 while the events culminated in the evening with the Reenactment of the Battle at the Old Port of Pylos. On Sunday, October 20, 2019, His Eminence Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Messinia praised at the Holy Church of Virgin Mary Dormition in Pylos. During the three-day celebrations, those visited Pylos were able to visit “Psara” frigate and the Russian patrol vessel “Vasily Bykov”.

Protocol Organization: Region of Peloponnese
Events Organization - Naval Battle Reenactment: Pylos-Nestor Municipality

Grand Sponsor: Costa Navarino Sponsors: Maragkakis A.P. Erga Prasinou S.A., Aigaias ΑΜΚΕ, KATASKEVI Α.Τ.Ε., Panagiotopoulos Aristeides Ε.D.Ε., Super Market Afoi Panagiotopouloi, Α.Β. Vassilopoulos, Katritsis, Consortium Vioefarmoges Eleftheriou & SIA ΕΕ, Chondroleos Center, Europa Security, Local Companies from Pylos, Gialova, Methoni, Finikounda Communities, Tzikakis Efstathios-Rizas Aristomenis O.E.

Hashtags: #navarinia #navarinonavalbattle

Website
Facebook 
Instagram 
Twitter
YouTube Channel 

Thursday, 23 December 2021 07:00

Christopsomo: Where Bread Meets Fine Art

Christopsomo, or “Christ’s bread,” has been an indispensable part of the Christmas Day table in every Greek household throughout the centuries.

If you are ever fortunate enough to spend a Christmas in Greece, you will be certain to become enchanted by the enticing aromas of baked bread, pastries, cookies, and other foods during the holiday season.

Greek Christopsomo

Some Greek holiday goodies are steeped in ancient regional traditions, while others you will find throughout the entire country, but perhaps with a local twist.

The bread is traditionally baked on Christmas Eve and served on Christmas Day at the table when the whole family gathers to eat together. It is believed that this sweet bread brings blessings to the family during this holy season.

The dough for Christopsomo is divided into two pieces. The first portion, the largest, forms the main base. The somewhat smaller portion is made into a large cross with curled and split ends and several other symbolic shapes.

In the past, symbols represented aspects of the family’s life and professions as well. For example, if the family were fishmongers, images of fish would be shaped and added to the loaf.

In more agriculturally-based times, the surface of the bread would often be covered with flowers, leaves, or fruits, indicating the family’s hopes for a good harvest and healthy herds of animals.

A walnut is placed in the middle of the cross, symbolizing life as well as fertility. The walnut shell can also be interpreted as representing the cave in which the Christ Child was born.

Baking the most elaborate possible Christopsomo is an unspoken challenge for bread makers in Greece. In many parts of the country, “Christ’s bread” has truly become a piece of timeless art, with incredibly beautiful, intricate decorations.



To read this article in full, please visit: greekreporter.com
The sports tourism and wellness event Navarino Challenge updates its schedule annually with new activities for people of all ages and abilities. With the message “sports unites people” Navarino Challenge will be held for the 12th year on October 18-20, 2024, at Costa Navarino and Pylos. More than 55 activities will be hosted at two of the destination’s four hotels, W Costa Navarino and The Westin Resort Costa Navarino.


The North Face Athletes to Run the Scenic Routes of Navarino Challenge

This year, the team of athletes from The North Face is expected to have a dynamic presence, competing in the top Half Marathon powered by The North Face with athletes Giorgos Dimoulas, Alexandros Tzoumakas, and Nikoletta Tzavara, discovering the exciting route that crosses Voidokilia and combines dirt, sand, and asphalt with the message “Never Stop Exploring”.

Register for the Running Activities

Participants can join the 21.1km route powered by The North Face, 10km, 5km powered by Miele, and 1km races right away. The children’s race is free of charge. Register through the special form available at the following link

2 Navarino Challenge Running by Elias Lefas

High-Intensity Training & CrossFit with Dimitris Moros

In collaboration with the top physical education professor Dimitris Moros and FitnessArt, Navarino Challenge will also conduct CrossFit activities powered by Squatwolf and high-intensity training powered by Squatwolf, ensuring the muscular strengthening of the participants. Squatwolf, the Premium Gymwear Brand from DUBAI, which came to Greece exclusively by SportAdore is participating for the first time in a Greek sports event, presenting technical gym clothes that elevate training to another level.

Water Activities with Moraitis Watersports

The beloved water sports that made a dynamic debut last year will once again feature the name and signature of Moraitis Watersports. Sea and adrenaline lovers can choose from a wide variety of activities in the historic Bay of Navarino through three different vouchers. The “Watersports Voucher 1” includes Windsurf and Kayak Tour. The “Watersports Voucher 2” includes Wakeboard, Waterski, Wakesurf, and Wingfoil, with 10% of the proceeds going to the charity action “Sharing Is Caring” and to 12 NGOs. Finally, the “Watersports Voucher 3” includes e-Foil, Kitesurf, and Catamaran activities. Participation in the activities requires booking accommodation at Costa Navarino through Navarino Challenge. Register through the special form available at the following link.

5 Navarino Challenge Water Sports by Elias Lefas

Beach Volleyball with Michalis Triantafyllidis

In collaboration with the former international volleyball player and record- holder for national team appearances, Michalis Triantafyllidis, and Triantafyllidis Beach Arena, the King of the Court Beach Volleyball Tournaments powered by Bacardi will be held again this year. In anticipation of the NAVARINO CHALLENGE King of the Court event, which will be held at the Dunes Beach at Costa Navarino, Triantafyllidis Beach Arena is organizing a series of tournaments this summer: the BEACH ARENA CHALLENGE King of the Court. The top 2 champions from the entire series, will win free participation in the exciting NAVARINO CHALLENGE King of the Court and complimentary accommodation in Pylos, while there will be a draw for 5 free entries in the NAVARINO CHALLENGE King of the Court. For more information: www.beacharena.gr

6 Navarino Challenge Beach Volleyball by Dimitris Andritsos Photography

Book your accommodation package now

Enjoy a weekend full of outdoor sports activities for all ages. Book now the complete sports activities package and experience a unique sports and cultural event. For more information on accommodation packages at W Costa Navarino and The Westin Resort Costa Navarino please email booking(at)navarinochallenge.com or call Vita N Travel at +30 210 3249070. Check the accommodation packages here.

Miele is the Platinum Sponsor.
MOTODYNAMICS Group
is the Gold Sponsor.
Costa Navarino, W Costa Navarino, and The Westin Resort Costa Navarino
are the Official Hospitality Sponsors.
Knorr, and The North Face
are the Silver Sponsors.
Vikos Natural Mineral Water
is the Official Water.
Luanvi
is the Official Sports Supplier.
KORRES, Trace ‘n Chase, and Pilia Express
are the Bronze Sponsors.
SIXT, a member of the MOTODYNAMICS Group
is the event’s Premium Mobility Partner.
Navarino Icons
is the event’s Authentic Flavor Partner.
Messinian Nest, Municipality of Pylos-Nestor, Bacardi, Poseidonia Restaurant, Karalis Beach Hotel, and Karalis City Hotel & Spa
are the event’s Partners.
Kois Optics
are the Official Optics Partner.
Vlaha, Phee, Messinian Spa, and Zoe Resort
are the Supporters.
SKAI
is the Premium TV Partner. Liquid Media is the Premium Media Partner.
Athens Medical Group
is the Medical Partner.
p³ = Plastic Pollution Prevention
is the Sustainability Partner.
Athens University of Economics and Business
is the event’s Educational Partner.
Angelic Yoga Arts, Falcons Football Academy, FitnessArt, Gymnastics Stars, Moraitis Watersports, Mouratoglou Tennis Center Costa Navarino, Navarino Golf Academy, Navarino Outdoors, Pilates by Mandy, Red Swim Academy, Swim O’ Clock, Triantafyllidis Beach Arena
are the Athletic Partners.
The event is Assisted by Vita N Travel, and Pylos Association of Enterprises for Tourism Development.

Navarino Challenge will be held under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, the Greek National Tourism Organization, and the Region of Peloponnese.
The event is organized by ActiveMedia Group, which is also responsible for the event’s Sports Production.

More information about this year’s activities and schedule will be announced in the coming weeks.

#navarinochallenge #costanavarino #sportsunitespeople #eatwell #runwell #livewell

Website: www.navarinochallenge.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Navarinochallenge
Instagram: http://instagram.com/navarinochallenge
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NavarinoC
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/NavarinoChallenge
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@navarino_challenge
Thursday, 05 February 2015 14:07

My Week In Athens… Feb 21

With this week’s grey skies, rainy days and cold nights – and let’s not even mention crisis – I think I can speak on behalf of many of us when I say that last weekend’s party at the GB was just what the doctor ordered. A few hours of welcome escape from the winter rut…

This ‘Night to Remember’, which has become a highlight annual event for the expat community, went off in great style. A beautiful venue, yummy buffet and great music (ok, sure, and the open bar…) made for an evening of fun! I actually had a really good time, met some new people and, with a room full of people dancing and ‘whooping’ in a conga line, I couldn’t help but forget my day-to-day and really smile in the moment.

But I remain eternally awestruck at how many people know all the words to ‘It’s Raining Men’. And all the moves to match ;) Must check YouTube…

Also great to see our friends from the Greek-Irish Society out in full force!

Smile in the moment – must remember to do this more often…

Check out some pics from the night HERE!

Until next week,

Jack

In this weekly space, keep up with ‘Jack’ as he navigates daily life in Athens… Anecdotes, stories, hits & misses, the good, the bad and, well, the rest…

Monday, 16 February 2015 11:42

Kiku Seaside

Kiku means chrysanthemum in Japanese, the restaurant's trademark, however, it is a blooming cherry twig, ever so surreal, but always characteristic of the Japanese’s great love for flowers. Kiku has a sleek and modern exotic aura that is brought out by white and blue striped fabric sofas and armchairs and charming wood everywhere.

Kiku seaside offers a lounge atmosphere, cocktails and Japanese cuisine, a combination that seems to resonate with the crowd and fills the restaurant daily. Here you can enjoy Japanese cuisine with an excellent sea view and lots of greenery before you as well.

Address: Orfeos 2, Vouliagmeni - 2109671866, 6945416674

Original text by Dimitris Antonopoulos  - Translated by Eleni Georgiou

For more information, please visit athinorama.gr

 

Do you have a recommendation or recipe to share? Send it to us at ideas@xpatathens.com!

Friday, 20 February 2015 21:02

Eggplant Dolmades With Herbs And Cheese

Stuffed eggplants come in many shapes and sizes in the repertoire of traditional Greek recipes. This is a favorite.

For the sauce

4 cups canned chopped tomatoes
2 garlic cloves
Salt and sugar to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil

For the eggplants

1 - 2 cups all purpose flour
4 large eggs, slightly beaten
3 1/2 cups breadcrumbs
2 2/3 cups grated Kefalotyri cheese (about 220 g)
2 medium-large eggplants, cut lengthwise into 18 slices, each about 1 cm thick
350 g kasseri cheese, or any semi-hard, mild yellow sheep's milk cheese, coarsely grated
1 1/4 cups anthotyro or ricotta, drained
3/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
½ cup chopped fresh mint leaves
1/3 cup chopped fresh oregano leaves
Pepper to taste

Instructions

1 In a medium saucapan, simmer the tomatoes, garlic, salt, sugar and olive oil together until thickened and reduced by about 1 cup. Remove from heat and set aside.
2 Preheat oven to 350F/180C. Oil 3 baking sheets and one glass baking dish large enough to hold the eggplant rolls (about 13 X 9 X 2 inches).
3 Place flour in a wide shallow bowl, eggs in second bowl, and breadcrumbs mixed with 1 cup kefalotyri cheese in another.
4 Season each eggplant slice with salt and pepper. Press each slice, one at a time, into the flour, then dip into the beaten egg, and finally into the breadcrumb-cheese mixture.
5 Arrange eggplant slices in single layer on prepared sheets. Bake eggplant in batches until coating is golden, turning after 15 minutes, about 30 minutes total. Cool on sheets.
6 Mix the kasseri, anthotyro, herbs, and 1 cup of kefalotyri in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
7 Spread about 2 tablespoons of the cheese filling over the surface of each eggplant slice. Starting at the narrow end, roll up eggplant slices. Arrange rolls, seam side down, in prepared baking dish. Spoon the sauce over the rolls and sprinkle with remaining kefalotyri.
8 Bake uncovered until the eggplant dolmades are heated through and the kasseri melts, about 30 minutes.

greek food - greek cooking - greek recipes by diane kochilas http://www.dianekochilas.com/

Sunday, 22 March 2015 21:43

Vegan Olive Oil Cake

While I am more than happy to partake in the Easter festivities of eating lamb and cracking eggs, I typically don’t participate in the 40 days of fasting and repenting. However this year I decided to become a bit more involved in all the processions surrounding Easter. By “involved” I mean that I decided for one day (hey you gotta start somewhere) not to eat meat, eggs or butter.

This also seemed like the perfect opportunity to put myself to a dairy free, egg free baking challenge. The result was this delicious polenta and olive oil cake served with a fruit compote. It was so delicious that it actually has me thinking about going for two days of fasting instead of one next year! Here is the recipe, should any of you need some Lenten baking inspiration.

 

  • 1 ¼ cup cake flour
  • ¼ cup + 2 Tbsp. yellow cornmeal
  • 2 tsp. baking powder
  • ¼ tsp. salt
  • ¼ tsp. cinnamon
  • 1 cup sugar
  • zest of ½ orange
  • zest of ½ lemon
  • ½ tsp. rosemary, finely chopped
  • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ cup orange juice
  • Fig and Orange Honey Compote
  • 1 pint of fresh figs
  • 2 oranges
  • ½ cup honey
  • ¼ cup + 2 Tbsp. water
  • 2–4 tsp. fresh lemon juice, to taste


For the entire recipe please visit: MarisaChurchill.com

 

Wednesday, 28 October 2015 07:00

ABTA 2015 Travel Convention Hosted In Greece

Over 500 key players of the UK travel industry forged new relationships with the Peloponnese during the highly successful ABTA 2015 Travel Convention that took place at luxury resort Costa Navarino in the Peloponnese during October 12-14.

“I would like to thank and congratulate our hosts, the Region of the Peloponnese and the Greek National Tourism Organisation for the amazing hospitality they have shown us over the last few days, feedback from delegates has been incredibly positive“, ABTA’s CEO, Mark Tanzer, said in an announcement.

“We have all been extremely impressed by Costa Navarino, which is a sustainable resort of the very highest quality”, he added.
The flagship event for the UK travel trade, held annually by the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA), was attended by a total of 526 decision makers, influencers and opinion formers spanning the full breadth of the mainstream and specialist travel sector; from tour operators, hotels and airlines to all types of travel retailer.

The planning and organization of the convention in Greece this year was a coordinated effort between the Region of Peloponnese, the Tourism Ministry, the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO), Aegean Airlines and TEMES (Costa Navarino) and aimed to increase the arrival of visitors travelling to Greece through British agencies. The UK is Greece’s second largest tourism market after Germany.

To read more, please visit: Greek Travel Pages
Athens is a visitor's paradise, with sights, sounds and tastes that leave everyone delighted. As it turns out, Athens is also a busy conference destination, with lots of companies and professional organizations choosing the city for international meetings.
 
I spent the last couple days driving around the 'Athenian Riviera', down the coast along the 'paraliaki', all the way to the southern tip at Cape Sounion. This was a work-related mission to inspect the seaside hotels of Athens, in view of holding a business conference here next year. I saw a number of properties, and was pleasantly surprised by some, and surprisingly disappointed by others.
 
Over 2 days I visited:
  • Divani Apollon
  • The Margi
  • Astir Palace
  • Westin Athens
  • Grand Resort Lagonissi
  • Grecotel Cape Sounion

In general, I'd say a few of these places need some updating - removal of decades-old carpets, a fresh coat of paint, some updated décor. But a couple of them are simply gems - for reasons you might not guess. For example, the Divani Apollon has one of the biggest and most impressive spas in Europe! Quite unexpected. If I'm being completely honest, I'd have to say that I expected 'more' - more 'wow' properties, more choice, more consistency in terms of quality throughout the entire property range. Nonetheless, there are a number of solid options for a business conference.

To be sure, these are not cheap places. Group rates for September start in the high-100's per night - and go up quite quickly to the 300€+ range. But for a business conference, these are more-or-less in line with other European capitals for business conference rates.

In the end we chose The Margi - it combines the gorgeous style and service of a boutique hotel, with the modern meeting room facilities we need, a kitchen run by a well-known (and skilled!) chef, and a brand-new extra-large luxe swimming pool. They also run The Margi Farm, an organic farm where they grow much of the food served in the restaurant. The Margi is not directly on a beach, but you can reach Astir Beach on foot within literally 3 minutes.

If you're looking for a gem of a hotel along the Riviera, The Margi is it. Just forget about mid-September 2017 - we reserved the whole place.

Until next week,

Jack

The Margi
11 Litous Street, Vouliagmeni
www.themargi.gr
www.margifarm.gr

Divani Apollon
Agiou Nikolaou 10, Vouliagmeni
www.divaniapollonhotel.com
This summer, the Municipality of Athens launched a new smartphone app called "myAthensPass" that will help connect drivers with available parking spaces in the center of Athens. With only 10,500 open parking spots, Athens is making use of everyday technology to make parking easy and reliable.

Smartphone users can download the “myAthensPass” application through the Google Playstore or Apple’s Appstore; charge their credit, debit or prepaid card with the desired sum starting from 50 cents and up to 20 euros; choose a parking space on the digital map, the parking duration and type in their licence plate number.

The "myAthensPass" app only covers Athens' controlled parking zones and has replaced the scratch card parking system. The app is part of Athens' ongoing effort to provide better digital services to residents and visitors.

Article source: Greek Travel Pages
Page 101 of 452