Understanding Greece: Pedion tou Areos as an open-air cinema
Pedion tou Areos is once again transformed into an open-air cinema, as part of the “Plásmata 3” exhibition organized by the Onassis Foundation Stegi from May 27 to June 15, 2025. This year’s event includes film screenings of feature and short films, offering the public a unique open-air cinema experience in the center of Athens. […]
Understanding Greece: Singing in One’s Own Language
As we approach the grand final of Eurovision, we would like to express our appreciation for Greece’s representative, Klavdia, who chose to sing in her native language — Greek. At a time when the contest often favors English-language entries, her decision stands out as an act of artistic courage and cultural integrity. We believe Eurovision, […]
Understanding Greece: Open-Air Cinemas – A Beloved Summer Ritual
Few things capture the spirit of a Greek summer quite like an open-air cinema. Known locally as “therina sinemá” (θερινά σινεμά), these outdoor movie theaters are not only a way to enjoy a film under the stars, but a treasured cultural experience deeply woven into the fabric of Greek summer life. A Tradition with History […]
Understanding Greece: A Celebration of Spring and Flowers
n Greece, May 1st (Protomagia) is not just about labor movements—it’s a day deeply rooted in ancient rituals that celebrate spring, nature, and renewal. The most iconic symbol of this celebration is the May wreath (πρωτομαγιάτικο στεφάνι), a tradition that continues to thrive in homes and villages across the country. A Wreath of History and […]
Understanding Greece: Labour Day in Greece
The 1st of May, internationally known as Labour Day or May Day, is much more than a public holiday in Greece. It is a day deeply rooted in historical struggle, sacrifice, and the persistent demand for social justice, dignity, and workers’ rights. Internationally, Labour Day originated from the tragic events of 1886 in Chicago, when […]
Understanding Greece – Red eggs
Why are eggs red? One of the oldest customs associated with the celebration of Christian Easter. It originates from Mesopotamia and the first Christian communities in the region. From there it spread to Europe and the entire Christian world. The Easter egg is red in color and symbolizes the blood that Christ shed on the […]
Understanding Greece: The Athens Polytechnic Uprising, A Battle for Freedom and Defiance Against Dictatorship
On November 14, 1973, students at the Athens Polytechnic occupied their campus, rallying around the call for “ΨΩΜΙ – ΠΑΙΔΕΙΑ – ΕΛΕΥΘΕΡΙΑ”(=BREAD – EDUCATION – FREEDOM – NATIONAL INDEPENDENCE) That night, 1,500 students resolved to remain inside the Polytechnic, while outside, thousands of citizens gathered in solidarity, supporting their stand against the dictatorship. By November […]
Understanding Greece: the Marathon -A Historic Endurance Race
The marathon is a long-distance running race officially set at 42.195 kilometers (26.219 miles), now a staple of the modern Olympic Games. While ancient Greece didn’t have a specific race of this distance, the concept was introduced by French philologist Michel Bréal (1832-1915). He convinced Pierre de Coubertin to include it in the first modern […]
Understanding Greece – Celebrating Greek Music and Cultural Heritage, Axion Esti
Today, we’re spotlighting a remarkable piece of Greek cultural history. On October 19, 1964, the monumental work Axion Esti by composer Mikis Theodorakis and poet Odysseas Elytis was performed live for the very first time at the historic Rex-Kotopouli Theater in Athens. This groundbreaking performance brought together Greek poetry and music in a way that […]
Understanding Greece: 200 Years Since the Revolution (1821–2021): Royal Voices in Verse
During the brief presentation about the Greek Revolution of 1821 against the Othoman Empire by our director, there was a discussion about Ludwig, King of Bavaria who was also a poet and had written several poems in support of the Greek Revolution, the town of Messolonghi and also about its siege by Turks and […]