The Sani Festival in Halkidiki will be celebrating its 30-year anniversary with a special performance by the world’s beloved tenor, Andrea Bocelli.
Every summer, from July to August, Sani Festival at Sani Resort brings together Greek and international artists. Set in glorious open-air surroundings of the natural amphitheatre surrounding the castle ruins upon Sani Hill, this unique location provides the perfect atmospheric arena that holds up to 3,000 guests.
World’s leading tenor Andrea Bocelli
Rooted in jazz, the first Sani Festival took place in 1992 and since then, the programme has diversified and the venues expanded to accommodate a wide programme of music and performing arts, from classical music to modern dance and musical theatre.
“This year, 2022, we’ll be honouring the history of the Festival, celebrating its 30th anniversary with a wonderful range of performances including Andrea Bocelli, who will put his signature on the last day of the celebratory Sani Festival on August 20th, the most anticipated music event of the summer! Recognised as an icon of the greatest Italian vocal tradition, he has managed to bring classical music to the top of the global charts, with albums like Romanza, Sacred Arias, Sì and Believe,” announced the organisers of the event this week.
From July 9 through to August 20, there will be a range of top-class concerts with some of the world’s best artists on stage from the jazz, pop and rock genre, including renowned musician Bob Geldof and the Bobkatz, Afro-Cuban artists Chuco Valdés and Paquito D’Rivera, beloved artist and a Greek audience favourite, Jack Savoretti; as well as leading Greek performers such as Manolis Mitsias, Christos Thivaios, Eleni Tsaligopoulou, Penni Baltatzi Dimitris Basis, Rena Morfi, Doros Dimosthenous, Rita Antonopoulou, Kostas Thomaidis and Kalliopi Pouska.
“This musical embrace of the Mediterranean is a tribute to Sani Festival in Halkidiki, which has always celebrated multiculturalism in music. With performances in Greek and foreign languages, the programme features songs much loved in our country and abroad,” conclude the event’s organisers.
On the 14th of May 1920, Komotini was freed after centuries of Ottoman and Bulgarian occupation.
It was one of the last cities that joined the newly established Hellenic Republic after the country’s independence. To commemorate this, every year in May, the people of Komotini celebrate the Freedom of Thrace in a row of festivities called “The Eleftheria”. Starting on the second day of the month, the festivities last for 16 days with several events taking place around the city including traditional dances, exhibitions, feasts and more.
This year an extra special event takes place, the International Conference on the 100 Years of Komotini’s Freedom which was cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions for the past two years, consecutively.
Here is the program of anniversary events for the 102 Years of Freedom in detail.
Monday, May 2 8.00 p.m. In the streets of the city starting from the Tobacco Warehouse up to the square, bagpipers of the Laboratory of the House of Tradition and Folklore “Philotechnes” will play music across the city.
Tuesday, 3 May 8.30 p.m. Cultural Movement Mikros Diakomos presents the play “Minotaur”. It is a musical performance with elements of performance and dance.
Wednesday, 4 May 6.30 p.m. Read of the book “Deceiving Time” written by Anastasis Vistonitis at the local public library, Tsanakleios School organized by the Directorate of Secondary Education of Rodopi.
8.30 p.m. The Cultural Movement of Rodopi organises a Jazz Concert with the 14-member Big Band “Allegro” under the direction of Nikos Ieronymos.
Thursday, 5 May 6.30 p.m. A presentation on “Konstantinos Karatheodori in Smyrna on the eve of the Asia Minor Catastrophe”. A history lesson presented by the Karatheodori Museum on the life, work and educational activities of Konstantinos Karatheodori, the famous Greek mathematician of Einstein. The event takes place at Tsanakleios School.
9.00 p.m. Live with the band “Endless Stream” at the city’s Central Square.
Friday, 6 May 10.00 a.m. The first GREEN FEST, a festival underlying the ecological issues are planet is currently facing, organised by The Youth and Volunteering Center “Exagono” of the Municipality of Komotini in collaboration with the Directorate of Primary Education of Rodopi and FOLLOW GREEN takes place. The event includes educational floor games and interactive actions for the environment such as the importance of recycling and the negative effects of sea pollution. The event is mainly for the students of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 8th, 9th and 13th High School of Komotini. Moreover, vegan food cooked by the students of the Public vocational school of Komotini in collaboration with the Association for the Care of People with Special Needs “Agioi Theodoroi” will be available to the public.
07.00 p.m. The formal opening of the Conference for the 100 years of Komotini’s Freedom with Konstantinos Hatzopoulos presenting “The entry of the Greek army in Thrace and the integration of the region in Greece” The conference will take place at the Papanikolaou Foundation, from 6-8 May.
9.00 p.m. A live music concert – Tribute to the great composer Mikis Theodorakis with Giannis Kallaris “In the Dream the Balcony” will take place at the Komotini Summer Theater. The mixed choir of the Association of Evrites of “E.CHO” participates.
Saturday, May 7
9.30 a.m. The second day of the Conference for the 100 years of Komotini’s Freedom at Papanikolaou Foundation.
12.00 p.m. A presentation on “The 1st POCKET PARK IN KOMOTINI” at the Intersection of Vyronos and Makedonias streets. The Municipal Council of Youth of Komotini with the Youth and Volunteering Center “Exagono” contribute to the transformation of an abandoned space into a cradle of greenery, a pocket of green! The members of the Municipal Council of Youth of Komotini, volunteers and citizens will meet at the site where the park will be created and will make the first tree and aromatic plants planting.
8.00 p.m. Folklore dance groups from the area will dance under the music of the local band “Thrakomelo”.
8.30 p.m. Myrsini Latzouraki Theatrical Workshop “On Stage” presents the play “Flight 1702 08, Kosovo” at DIPETHE Komotinis.
9.00 p.m. The “Evmolpos” Choir under the direction of Mr. Sakis Vargemetzidis will sing at the Cultural Movement.
Sunday, May 8 9.30 a.m. Last day of the Conference for the 100 years of Komotini’s Freedom at Papanikolaou Foundation.
9.00 a.m. The Youth and Volunteering Center “Exagono” in collaboration with the Mountaineering Association of Komotini and the Panhellenic Association of Foresters and Natural Environment Managers, plan educational hiking on the beautiful and picturesque trails in the areas of Nymfaia, Parcharia, Neromuloi. The meeting point where the excursion will start is The Great Heroon (Spathi). During the hike, a representative from the Forest Service will share with the participants their knowledge and useful information regarding the flora of the forest. After the hike, there will be a climbing demonstration at the Symbols. The action is supported by the Greek Red Cross.
11.00 a.m. The House of Culture, Tradition and Folklore “Philotechnes” celebrates World Dance Day at the courtyard of I.N. Annunciation of the Virgin.
8.30 p.m. Myrsini Latzouraki Theatrical Workshop “On Stage” presents the play “Flight 1702 08, Kosovo” at DIPETHE Komotinis.
Monday, May 9 6.00 p.m. “Exagon” in collaboration with the Ecological Group of Rodopi, grO2be and the ORGANIZATION EARTH is planning an open dialogue about Nature for those with ecological concerns. The event takes place at Pandrosos Museum of Natural History.
06.00 p.m. Opening of an exhibition of Thracian artists at Papanikolaou Foundation. The exhibition will last until the 14th of May.
6.30 p.m. Tribute to the Mayors of Epirus of Komotini at the Tsanakleios School.
Tuesday, 10 May 10:00 a.m. At the Vegetable Gardens of Komotini (OAED) “Exagono” in collaboration with the GI (Earth) Organization, the Spores of Rodopi and the support of environmental organizations of the city, plan the “From the field to the plate in a sustainable way”, an interactive way for people to learn more about food production and waste.
7.30 p.m. Presentation of the novel “Tracca The Witch of Thrace” by Nagia Dalakoura in collaboration with KLEIDARITHMOS publications and the DIMOKRITIO bookstore at the Byzantine castle of Komotini. Marika Pournara, a local lawyer, will talk about the book.
8.30 p.m. Traditional song concert with Theodosis Abatzianis “With two homelands in the heart,” A journey to the ends of the Universe guided by the song at the central square of Komotini.
Wednesday, 11 May 6.00 p.m. Annual photo exhibition of the Photographic Group of Komotini at the Tobacco warehouse. The exhibition will last until the 18th of May.
7.00 p.m. Festive Byzantine Music live concert at the Papanikolaou Foundation in collaboration with the Association of Friends of Byzantine Music of the Metropolis of Maronia.
8.30 p.m. REX Concert with Zoe Tiganourias and Michalis Sourvinos. The two distinguished soloists masterfully combine the sounds of their musical instruments (accordion & guitar) in a program based on the Nuevo Tango of Argentina (celebrating the 100th anniversary of the birth of the unique Astor Piazzolla), but also in masterpieces of great composers from Europe and America to their own compositions. Stelios Generalis also participates in percussion.
Thursday, 12 May 6.30 p.m. Book presentation for “The first rains” by Spyros Kiosse at the Tsanakleios School. Tassos grew up in a popular provincial neighborhood of Komotini in the late ’70s, a transitional period for Greek society. A short story about adulthood, with all the innocence and tragedy that characterizes the most critical period of human life.
7.30 p.m. “1922 -2022: 100 years since the Asia Minor catastrophe” at the Papanikolaou Foundation. Speech by Mr. Nikolaos Intzesiloglou, Emeritus Professor of History, Philosophy and Sociology of Law.
9.00 p.m. “Here to stay” is a live concert with the magnificent Eleftheria Arvanitaki at the central square.
Friday, 13 May 10:30 a.m. Official raising of the historic flag of the city by the Mayor of Komotini, Ioannis Garanis at the Central Heroon (Spathi). Representatives of the Local Government, the authorities of the XXI Armored Brigade and the Honorary Military Procession will be present. A Memorial prayer and laying of wreaths will follow.
07.00 p.m. Reception of the holy icon of the Mother of God of the holy monastery of Panagia Faneromeni Vathyrryakos. Reception of the icon and its procession to the Holy Cathedral of the Annunciation of the Theotokos of Komotini, where a vespers with a bread class will be held.
8.00 p.m. Folklore dance groups will dance under the melody of the band “Orpheus”.
9.00 p.m. Speech about the Freedom of Thrace by Prof. Angelos Palikidis, Associate Professor of History Teaching, Department of History & Ethnology, Democritus University of Thrace at the Papanikolaou Foundation.
Saturday, 14 May 7.00 a.m. Doxology at the Holy Cathedral of the Annunciation of the Virgin. After the eulogy, the solemnity of the day will be recited. Laying of wreaths at the Central Heroon and a parade of The Cultural Organizations, the students, the Armed Forces and the Greek Police will follow.
8.00 a.m. 2nd “Brevert Eleftheria Thrace” 2022 at the Central Square. The event with the international code title “Brevet Eleftheria Thrace” has received an official license to organize events Brevets de Randonneurs Mondiaux (BRM) and has been part of the official international calendar ACP program since September 2020. It concerns the crossing of 210 km through many five local houses and five different municipalities (Municipality of Komotini, Municipality of Arriana, Municipality of Maronia Sapon, Municipality of Vistonida, Municipality of Iasmos) in two Regional Associations of Rodopi and Xanthi.
8.00 p.m. Dance groups are accompanied by the band “Lalitades of Rodopi” at Central Square.
Sunday, 15 May 11.00 a.m. At the west entrance of Panthrakikos Stadium, the Equestrian Club of Komotini is waiting for the public to show them their four-legged friends.
9.00 p.m. Concert with Georgia Ntagaki at the Central Square. With her beautiful melodies, songs and lyre, Georgia Ntagaki travels and enchants the people of Komotini with her band.
Monday, 16 May 7.30 p.m. Since 1977 the International Museum Council has been organizing the International Museum Day at the Folklore Museum of Komotini. The aim of this year’s theme of celebration “The Power of Museums” is to highlight the role of museum spaces in the issue of Mental Health in the difficult times of modern society.
Tuesday, 17 May 9.00 p.m. Concert with the band “As Old” at the Central Square.
Wednesday, 18 May 7.30 p.m. Revival of chant in the streets of the city and around the Komotini Club starting from the Central Square. Organization: Cultural Association of the Byzantine Fortress of Komotini. The “Evmolpos” Choir participates.
The program is presented by journalist Irini Tsakiri.
What better way to kick off the very first ‘This is Athens City Festival’ than with a huge picnic filled with an array of food, friends, sunshine, and music.
Celebrate Protomagia (May Day) today and the launch of this exciting new spring Festival at the blooming grounds of Plato Academy Park, located in the historic Kolonos neighbourhood of Athens.
Famous radio DJ hosts of Athens will soundtrack the day from the early morning to late evening, with dozens of free activities on offer; including movie screenings, kids’ activities, family games, and lots of food and drinks.
So if you find yourself in the Greek capital make sure to head over and take part in the great range of festivities on offer!
Full Details Below-
EVENT: Urban Picnic at Plato’s Academy Park (FREE ENTRANCE)
VENUE: Park of Plato’s Academy | Plato’s Academy Park, Monastiriou 138-140, Athens
DATE & TIME: 1st of May 2022 | 10:30 am till late
PROGRAM
10.30-12.00 Live DJ set from HiT 88.9
10.30-15.00 Archaeological excavation workshop by Archaeolab
12.00-13.00 “The Highway Singers’’ by Burger Project (Music play for traffic education, offered by Attiki Odos)
12.30-18.30 Spring Games for kids by Kid A
13.00-16.00 Live DJ set by En Lefko 87.7
16.00-20.00 Kite show by Kite Parade
16.00-18.30 Live DJ set by Red 96.3
18.30-19.30 Live concert by Soul Peanuts
20.15 “The Bucket List” movie projection (Comedy with Jack Nicholson & Morgan Freeman)
Sani Gourmet Festival, the internationally recognised gastronomic event of Sani Resort in Halkidiki, returns in 2022 for its 15th anniversary.
And this year, the fine-dining institution is celebrating the “Contemporary Greek Culinary Scene”, with nine of Greece’s leading chefs combining international influences and their own personal flair into well-known, authentic dishes that will be served to guests for what is set to be a memorable experience.
The Sani Gourmet Festival, which has been a successful event year in and year out, entices visitors from all over the world. This year it will take place from May 20 to 24, with five days of gourmet-related workshops, including; wine tastings, presentations and cooking demonstrations.
“Now in its fifteenth year, we’re proud to be celebrating the Greek culinary scene and welcoming Greece’s distinguished chefs from the 20th until the 24th of May at our acclaimed haute cuisine celebration, Sani Gourmet. Globally recognised for bringing together exciting, new chefs and already established culinary heavyweights, each chef will create a unique degustation menu paired with exceptional wines,” announced Sani Resort.
The A-list contemporary Greek chefs who will create degustation menus – inspired by their signature dishes and perfectly paired with Greek and International wine labels are- Sotiris Evaggelou, executive chef at Salonica; Liza Kermanidou, talented pastry chef from Pantechnicon / Café Kitsuné; Adam Kontovas, head chef at Kobra; Gikas Xenakis, head chef at Aleria ; Vasilis Mouratidis, executive chef of Squirrel & Andromeda; Dimitris Pamporis, executive chef at Treehouse / Bubo; Giorgos Papazacharias & Thanos Feskos, head chefs at Delta Restaurant; Manolis Papoutsakis, founder and chef at Haroupi / Ten Tables; and Alexandros Tsiotinis, executive chef and owner of CTC.
This spring the stunning island of Spetses will be filled with a retro vibe during a long weekend featuring vintage adventures, a nostalgic atmosphere, and special tweed appearances.
From the 15th to the 17th of April 2022, Spetses island will welcome guests- from all around the country and the world- for a unique “Weekend in Tweed”. The special event, run by the Poseidonion Grand Hotel in collaboration with the Hellenic Bicycle Museum, is a celebration of classic English glamour- with participants filling the hotel and village square with their retro bicycles and vintage attire.
Paying homage to old-world charm and traditions, Spetses is the ideal destination for this unique event, as the stunning island is renowned for its aristocratic feel and cosmopolitan aura.
And with the sweet spring weather being the perfect time to enjoy such an occasion- plus the all-time classic character of the Poseidonion as a backdrop- visitors are invited to enjoy a three-day event dedicated to a whimsical journey through time- full of evocative activities and memorable moments.
Over the weekend, guests will be able to hop on a classic bicycle and enjoy a leisurely ride around the island; stop off for a charming picnic in the blossoming nature, and experience afternoon tea at the Poseidonion Grand Hotel- all while parading in their elegant outfits and tweed attire.
The long weekend will also include plenty of delicious delicacies and famous signature dishes from Poseidonion; plus a range of surprises including a beauty pageant highlighting the best dressed, an atmospheric party, and special awards.
About the Hotel
Poseidonion Grand Hotel first opened its doors in 1914. This stunning building has become a famous landmark on Spetses island, a favourite spot for affluent Athenians and international jet-setters. The striking hotel occupies a prime seafront position and is one of the first things you spot as you arrive on the Saronic island.
Details
If you would like to dress in your best vintage/ tweed outfits and take part in this charming journey through time during “A Weekend in Tweed”, contact Christina Lagkadianou on-
Thessaloniki is celebrating all things arts and culture this weekend with the 5th Art Thessaloniki International Contemporary Art Fair and the 18th Thessaloniki Book Fair both taking place at Thessaloniki’s International Exhibition & Congress Centre from Thursday 25th to Sunday the 28th of November, 2021.
Regarded as one of the most important art exhibitions in Southeast Europe, the annual Thessaloniki art fair attracts hundreds of artists and thousands of international visitors each year.
This year, due to the pandemic it will be a smaller exhibition, however, 29 galleries from seven countries, close to 20 parallel projects, three museum exhibitions, and almost 800 artists’ works are displayed at the exhibition.
Organised by the National Agency for The Organisation of Exhibitions, Congresses and Cultural Events (HELEXPO S.A.) together with Pantelis Tsatsis, Artistic Director, this year the exhibition is considered a major reflection of Thessaloniki’s rich cultural scene.
Thessaloniki’s international art fair
“This is an art fair that invests in the strategically important geographic location of Thessaloniki, its multicultural identity, its rich and long history. Thessaloniki’s history spans some 2,300 years. Thessaloniki is a popular tourist destination in Greece and renowned for its festivals, events and vibrant cultural life in general,” announced the event organisers.
Award-winning composer Lina Tonia has premiered her new composition for the first time yesterday, while the honoured artist for 2021 will be Professor Yiannis Fokas. An honorary distinction will also be given to artists Dimitris Alithinos and George Lazogas for their work and their contribution to contemporary Greek art.
In addition to the participation of 30 galleries from Greece and abroad and 20 parallel projects, the museum exhibition will be presented with works by internationally renowned artist Victor Vasarely in collaboration with the Museum of Drawing Skopje.
Honouring the 200 Year Anniversary of Greek Independence, the Ethnographic Center of George Meliki will present the original installation, K.P. Kavafi. A special tribute to the Greek revolution 1821-2021, with the paint and the pen of Philhellene Painters and Travelers, will also be displayed. Dedicated to the 200 years of the Greek revolution (1821-2021), about 50 collectible lithographs from the first lithographic prints of the Philhellene painters Karl Krazeisen, Adam Friedel, Peter Von Hess, and European newspapers during the period 1821-1828 will be on exhibit.
Thessaloniki Book Fair (TBF)
Regarded as an important event for the book industry, this event attracts publishers, authors, translators, literary agents, booksellers, librarians, academics and institutions for books and literature from Greece, the Balkans, Western Europe, the Southeastern Mediterranean and from all over the world.
Thessaloniki’s book fair
This year, TBF’s central theme is ‘The Ongoing Revolutions of Books’, aiming to combine the celebrations for the 200th anniversary of the Greek Revolution with all the changes that took place during the pandemic regarding people’s perception of books and literary events.”.
German-language literature will be this year’s Guest of Honour with authors invited from German-speaking countries as well as book professionals.
Additionally, the 18th TBF will focus on the following themes:
New Writers Festival Children’s and Teenagers’ Corner New Book Technologies Who Needs Classical Studies Today? Translation Festival 200 Years From the Greek Revolution Politics: Freedom and Responsibility Guest of Honour: German-language Literature
This year, the Hellenic Cultural Foundation will honour Thessaloniki’s writers Matsi Chatzilazarou (1914-1987) and Anestis Evangelou (1937-1994), while a discussion on the literature of Thessaloniki has also been organised.
Athens is set to host its 38th Classic Marathon this weekend with the shorter race taking place on Saturday the 13th and the longer course on Sunday the 14th of November 2021.
The popular event is recognised as the world’s original modern marathon, attracting thousands of participants and spectators from around the globe.
“After two years of absence for all our racing events, SEGAS (Hellenic Athletics Federation) is returning with a top event for Greece and the whole world,” the Federation’s President, Sofia Sakorafa, said during a press conference in Athens.
A total of 30,000 runners will participate in the 42km course and the 10km and 5km races under strict application of the safety protocol for sports events, announced Sakorafa, adding that only the fully vaccinated runners and those with proof of recovery from COVID-19 are allowed to participate in this year’s event.
Athens Classic Marathon
The Athens Marathon is run entirely on asphalt beginning at the small town of Marathon and the finish line is in Athens’ magnificent Olympic Stadium.
According to the organisers, the Athens Marathon allows runners the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of the legendary Greek soldier Pheidippides who first ran the 42 km route from the battlefield of Marathon beach to Athens in 490 BC.
It is said that Pheidippides ran from the aftermath of the Battle of Marathon straight to Athens- eager to let all Athenians know about the victory against the Persians. Entering the gates of the ancient city, he is said to have uttered the word ‘’nenikēkamen!” which means “We’ve won,” at this stage he is said to have fallen on his knees in exhaustion – and sadly died.
The distance between Marathon and Athens is around 42 km, as Pheidippides set out and endured what is now a distance completed by hundreds of thousands of runners around the world every year.
Since the revival of the Olympic Games and the Marathon race in the first modern Olympics in Athens in 1896, thousands of runners have participated in the authentic course. In 2019, a record 60,000 participants from 105 countries and regions participated; and organisers anticipate the numbers will be back up again in 2022.
All runners crossing the finish line this year will receive a collective medal designed by prominent Greek sculptor Costas Varotsos. It is the second in a series of special medals, which will be handed to runners every year until 2026, which will be the 130th anniversary of the first Marathon race of modern times.
The 62nd Thessaloniki International Film Festival (TIFF), one of the oldest film festivals worldwide and one of the leading film events in Southeast Europe, has officially kicked off; taking place from the 4th through to the 14th of November, 2021.
Screening close to 200 films in selected movie theatres across Thessaloniki, there is also a digital platform, where 144 titles will be featured. The Festival opened last night with Audrey Diwan’s Golden Lion winner, Happening and the popular event will close its curtains with another French title, Paris, 13th District by Jacques Audiard.
The TIFF focuses on independent cinema and emerging filmmakers from around the world- serving as an essential platform for film professionals from Greece and Southeast Europe. The event normally attracts an audience of more than 80,000; including hundreds of Greek and foreign guests, plus well-known artists, directors, producers and talented crew from the international film scene.
According to Festival Director Orestis Andreadakis, this year, films from all over the world will be screened at the famous halls of Olympion at the central Aristotelous Square, at Warehouse 1 close to the port, as well as at the Makedonikon Cinema.
Makedonikon Cinema in Thessaloniki
For the first time, TIFF will host three competition sections: International Competition (a program with films from across the Globe), Meet the Neighbors Competition (with first or second features from Greece’s extended “neighborhood”), and Film Forward Competition section (with films that go beyond the conventions of film genres).
The 14 films selected in the international competition, three of which are Greek, are feature debuts or sophomore films and will be setting their sights on the Golden Alexander. They are Holy Emy by Araceli Lemos, Moon, 66 Questions by Jacqueline Lentzou, and Pack of Sheep by Dimitris Kanellopoulos.
Another three Greek films participate in the Meet the Neighbors competition section: .dog by Yianna Americanou, 18 by Vassilis Douvlis, and The Man with the Answers by Stelios Kammitsis. In addition, another triplet of Greek films is found in the “Film Forward” competition section: Magnetic Fields by Giorgos Goussis, ORFEAS2021 directed by the performance art duo FYTA and The Timekeepers of Eternity by Aristotelis Maragkos.
Moreover, the 62nd TIFF is screening eight masterpieces of Greek cinema, within the framework of the initiative “Motherland, I See You: The 20th Century of Greek Cinema”, held by the Hellenic Film Academy, under the auspices of the “Greece 2021” Committee, and sponsored by the National Centre of Audiovisual Media and Communication (grand sponsor), the Greek Film Centre, Athens Epidaurus Festival and Thessaloniki Film Festival, with the support of the Greek Film Archive and Finos Film. “Motherland, I See You: The 20th Century of Greek Cinema” is an initiative dedicated to salvaging, digitalizing, screening, and studying films from the diverse heritage of 20th-century Greek cinema.
The majority of the program’s Greek films will also be available online, through the Festival’s platform.
Organisers have also made note that this annual celebration of the Cinema will take place safely, observing all the health protocols, as only those who have a vaccination certificate or intellect will be able to enter the rooms.
Greece’s largest annual international visual art event Art Athina returns both digitally and in-person this year.
Showcasing a curated selection of local and international galleries from Europe, America, and the Oceania region, this edition will be presented at the landmark King George Hotel at Syntagma Square.
Under the auspices of the President of the Hellenic Republic, Katerina Sakellaropoulou, the event will take place through the digital platform Art Athina Virtual 2021 and with the exhibition Art Athina Pop Up.
It will be held digitally from November 1 to November 30 and can be visited in person on the ground floor of the King George Hotel in Syntagma Square on November 12-21.
More than 45 galleries from Greece and abroad will participate in the event. The program of this year’s Art Athina includes speeches in the foyer of the Pallas Theater, videos, and performances that will have as a starting point the renewed website of the event and sometimes the streets of the city.
The Panhellenic Association of Art Galleries and the team of Art Athina with artistic director Stamatia Dimitrakopoulou are responsible for the event.
Launched in 1993 by the Hellenic Art Galleries Association, Art-Athina has been promoting Greek contemporary art creation and has been established as a great meeting point for artists from the Greek and the wider international community. It is now the biggest annual international visual art event in Greece.
Greece’s historic event Run Messinia- an ultra marathon race- begins today October 2nd, in Messinia, in the Peloponnese, honouring the bicentennial of the 1821 Greek Revolution.
Messinia is a special place for the Greek Revolution of 1821, as it’s home to historical battles, great heroes and fighters. It is a region where some of the most important battles were held, such as the battle of Sphacteria, in Niokastro, the battle of Maniaki, which cost the life of Greek hero Papaflessas; and also the naval battle of Navarino, which essentially sealed the end of the Revolution and marked the liberation of Greece, resulting in the establishment of the modern Greek state.
Messinia, home to many Greek war heroes
This special event held between October 2-11, 2021, will take place in eight Municipalities of Messinia, Laconia and Arcadia and will include a total of 10 marathons, within 10 consecutive days.
The event will showcase all the areas associated with the Greek Revolution in Messinia both culturally and touristically. From Areopoli of Laconia to historical places such as among others Stoupa, Kardamyli, Verga, Kalamata, Nedousa, Alagonia, Dyrachio, Neochori, Poliani, Skala, Paloukorahi, Katsarou, Solaki, and other historic sites, to the end of the races at historic Pylos.
Run for Freedom will start on Saturday, October 2nd, from Areopoli of the East Mani Municipality, pass through Stoupa of the West Mani Municipality and end in Kardamyli.
On Sunday, October 3rd, starting from Kardamyli, will pass through Verga of the Kalamata Municipality and end in the city of Kalamata.
On Monday, October 4th, the athletes starting from Kalamata will cross Nedousa and finish in Alagonia.
On Tuesday, October 5th, the runners starting from Alagonia will pass through Dyrachio and Neochori of the Megalopoli Municipality and complete their effort in Poliani of the Kalamata Municipality.
From Poliani, on Wednesday, October 6th, participants will cross Skala and end up in Paloukorahi of the Oichalia Municipality.
On Thursday, October 7th, the route will highlight historical places of the Oichalia Municipality, as the athletes starting from Paloukorahi will cross Katsarou, Solaki, Meropi, Loutro, Diavolitsi, Ano Psari, Dorio and end up at the statue of Kolokotronis in Ramovouni.
On Friday, October 8th, starting from Ramovouni, the runners will pass through Zerbisia of the Messini Municipality, Kalogeresi, Saint Nikitas Sellas and Tripyla of the Trifylia Municipality, in order to reach Maniaki of the Pylos-Nestor Municipality.
On Saturday, October 9th, the participants will start from Maniaki, pass through Agios Andreas of the Messini Municipality and Kato Minagia and finish in Koroni.
On Sunday, October 10th, the route will move exclusively within the Pylos-Nestor Municipality from Koroni to Methoni and then to Pylos.
The 10th and final route of Run for Freedom to be held on Monday, October 11th, starting from Pylos, will provide runners with the opportunity of passing through Niokastro, observing Sphacteria and Paleokastro, while crossing Kremmidia and Schinolakka.
According to the event organisers, “Run Messinia will leave a legacy for the future of the place, as it highlights and promotes through its social media, the historical places, the battles and all the monuments, through which runners will pass.”
Andros’ boutique guest house, Mèlisses has teamed up with local producers to create a series of gastronomic experiences that will showcase the alluring Cycladic isle in a unique and beautiful way; as guests will be treated to the freshest ingredients the island has to offer- in the most stunning of settings.
With the aim of bringing guests from different backgrounds together over a shared meal (to experience the true essence of Andros) dinners will take place at a range of remarkable spots around the charming and diverse island. This will include gatherings at a neoclassical home of a shipowner, a picturesque seaside dinner on a sandy beach, and a gathering at a secluded olive grove.
Images by @eventions_wedding
What’s even more special is that the location of each dinner will not be disclosed until one day before the event- so guests will be treated to surprise after surprise!
The dinners will be in collaboration with leading local and international chefs, who will highlight local ingredients and support its producers. In addition, 50% of proceeds will be donated to charitable organisations including Philanthropic Association of Apoikia and Andrion Club.
“We believe in supporting the island of Andros, as well as its local producers and communities,” says the Mèlisses team.
When asked what guests can expect, Allegra Pomilio, the outstanding host at Mèlisses, who warmly welcomes her guests and invites them to feel at home, told IN+SIGHTS GREECE, “We haven’t finalised the menu yet, but one thing I can reveal about the first event is that honey will be one of the key elements of our dishes.”
And without giving too much away, Allegra revealed that she and her talented team have been working on a few new dishes including a “Tart with Honey, Cardamom Pastry Cream and Fresh Fruits”; and a “Homemade Ravioli, filled with Honey Roasted Squash- served with Pistachio and Beurre Noisette Sauce”.
“The Hive” Dinner Saturday, 18th of September, 2021
The first pop-up event from the series will be a communal epicurean experience featuring a five-course dinner curated by the talented Mèlisses’ team. The meal will feature seasonal ingredients native to Andros, paired thoughtfully with Greek wines and spirits.
“Our first supper will be at the house of Mèlisses, our hive, where guests and friends alike gather.”
Mèlisses
This beautiful B&B is a place where you can fully experience the character and charm of Andros island. Overlooking the Aegean Sea, Mèlisses is like a home away from home, as Allegra and her family beautifully transformed her family’s Greek residence into an enchanting place for visitors to stay.
The property features two double bedrooms with direct access to the large infinity pool, two suites, and a cottage with a private pool. All rooms overlook the Aegean Sea, while breakfast is served at the open kitchen in the main house, in front of the infinity saltwater pool- making it a memorable experience for guests.
For more details on The Hive Pop Up Dinners head to melissesandros
