The Greek National Theater's 2019-2020 season includes more than 20 productions, 4 of which will be staged with English surtitles every Wednesday through Sunday.
Surtitles will be applied to the current production of "Tonight We Improvise" and to the upcoming performances of Jack Thorne's adaptation of Charles Dickens' "Christmas Carol," from November 15 to January 12, 2020.
For the 2020 season, English surtitles will be available on the production of "Macbeth," from February 7 to March 8, and on Georges Feydeau's "Lady from Maxims," from March 21 to May 31. All 4 productions will be staged at the Ziller Building on Agiou Constantinou Street
Preparations for Santorini Experience continue as the great sports tourism event approaches its 6th year, on October 2-4, 2020. Santorini, which is recognized among the top destinations around the world, will attract professional and amateur athletes once again this year, offering them unique moments of sports and tourism combined. The trail running and open water swimming races that will be held on October 3 and October 4, respectively, will have an eco-friendly approach, through a strategy that incorporates plastic-free actions, always placing the safety of all participants as its main priority.
The history of the volcano
The volcano of Santorini is one of the largest underwater active volcanoes in the world and perhaps the only volcano whose Caldera reaches the sea.
From the volcanic eruptions of ancient times, which even connected Santorini with the myth of the lost Atlantis, to the recent earthquakes, the history of Santorini is directly connected to its “restless” territory and its volcanoes. Parts of Santorini’s volcano are Nea Kameni (1707- 1711 AD), Palea Kameni (46-47 AD), the underwater volcano Columbus (active) (1650 AD), and Christiana Islands. The exciting swimming race of Santorini Experience will take place in the sea gap between Thira and Thirasia, which was formed during the Minoan eruption that took place in 1613 BC, featuring a depth of more than 1,000 meters.
Swim in the deep blue waters of stunning Santorini
On the morning of Sunday, October 4, 2020, participants of Santorini Experience will have the opportunity to swim over the lost Atlantis, according to Plato, on the mesmerizing 1.5 miles (2.4 km) route from the volcano to the old port of Fira. Swimmers will enjoy the imposing view of the island in the warm waters of the volcano, at the open water swimming race by Vikos. The event will look after all athletes by providing high-quality safety lifeguard buoys. The swimming route will be held, as every year, with absolute safety in the captivating waters of Santorini, where the average water temperature in October, reaches 20-22 degrees Celsius. Lifeguard Patrol’s specialized lifeguards and rescue boats will contribute to the safety of the race for another year. Different categories will be formed depending on the final number of entries and a separate category for those wearing wetsuits will be added too. The race will be held under the technical direction of Greek national swimming coach with Olympic and World Championship distinctions, Nikos Gemelos, with the approval of the Hellenic Swimming Federation, according to FINA regulations and the event’s health protocol in accordance with the instructions of the special scientists-collaborators of the Hellenic Swimming Federation, based on the epidemiological data and the suggestions of the Health Committee of the General Secretariat of Sports. You can find all the technical details of the swimming route here.
The event will be held, in accordance with the strict standards set by the Greek Ministry of Tourism, the General Secretariat of Sports and all relevant sports Federations. Santorini Experience will be planned and delivered based on the protocol of races, which will ensure public health and safety of all parties involved. Moreover, the health and safety of all participants remain the event’s main priority. The 10km race is organized along with AS Ifestos Thiras and EAS SEGAS Cyclades Region and approved by the Hellenic Athletics Federation (SEGAS).
Santorini Experience has joined the Greek actions of the #BeactiveHellas 2020 program of the European Commission and is held under the auspices of the General Secretariat of Sports.
The award-winning Active Media Group is responsible for the event’s Sports Production, and it is worth noting, that the event’s Official Hashtag #SantoriniExperience, has created its own unique trend on social media.
Accommodation packages at great prices and for all preferences
Up to this point and in these difficult times, this year’s event is supported with amazing offers and prices by the following hospitality sponsors: Athina Luxury Suites, Santo Maris Oia Luxury Suites & Spa, Canaves Oia, Katikies Santorini, Andronis Arcadia, West East Suites, K&K Unique Holiday Homes, Folia Bianca, Cocoon Suites, Marvarit Suites, Iriana Suites, Nefeles Luxury Suites, Sienna Resort, Santo Houses, Memories Hotel, 270 Oia’s View, Cori Rigas Suites, Uma Ray Suites, Loizos Stylish Residencies, Monolithia, Fanouris Condo, Epavlis Hotel, Iokasti Villa, Olive Cave Houses, Panorama Boutique Hotel, Esperas Santorini and Santorini Hospitality. Whether you wish to stay in the Caldera, Fira, Imerovigli, Oia, or in the beautiful Pyrgos, Monolithos, Akrotiri, Kamari, Messaria, Emporio, Megalochori or at the endless beach of Perissa and Perivolos, Santorini has everything. Participants may opt to stay in a room for two people, in a house for 4-6 people or in a villa with a pool for 4-10 people, amongst the many other options of Santorini.
All those traveling to the island by ferry will be able to enjoy the safety and comfort of Blue Star Ferries once again this year. The top Greek shipping company offers a 40% discount on the ferry tickets, from/to Santorini, and a 30% discount on vehicles to all those visiting the event and the island during that period. Each person who has completed his/her registration is entitled to the same discount for 3 more people if these are his/her escorts, or for 4 people if these are family members.
Moreover, the top Greek rental company Avance, as the event’s official car rental partner provides participants of Santorini Experience with an opportunity to make their reservation, with a 15% discount on the official price list, for any vehicle of their choice regarding their travel to the island during the period of the event.
Athina Luxury Suites, Vikos Natural Mineral Water, and Blue Star Ferries are the event’s official sponsors.
Luanvi is the event’s official sports supplier for another year.
Boatmen Union Santorini is the event’s official supporter.
Avance is the official car rental partner.
Messinian Spa is the event’s official beauty partner.
Premium TV partner: SKAI
Premium media partner: 24MEDIA
Red Swim Academy, Swim Academy, Leandros, and Swimmingclub.gr are the athletic partners of Santorini Experience.
The event is assisted byLifeguard Patrol, Voluntary Lifeguards of Santorini, Atlantis Dive Center, Santorini Nautical Club, and Caldera Yachting.
Tangopapas.com is the event’s travel partner.
Santorini Experience is co-organized by the Municipality of Santorini, Municipal Sports Cultural Environmental Organization of Santorini (DAPPOS), and Active Media Group.
Originally from Sicily, granita is a semi-frozen dessert with crystalline texture, made from sugar, water, and various flavorings, mainly fruit juices. It's extremely popular all around Greece, especially among kids, and it's the ultimate drink to survive the Greek summer's scorching heat.
Yield: 4-6 servings Difficulty: Easy
Prep Time: 15 minutes Ready in: 6 hours
Ingredients:
150 g water
150 g brown sugar
800 g watermelon, cleaned
1 teaspoon(s) vanilla extract
lemon juice from 1 lemon
lemon zest from 1 lemon
sliced watermelon for decor
Preparation:
In a pot, add the water with the sugar and place it over medium heat for about 2 minutes.
As soon as it starts bubbling, let it boil for 2-3 minutes, and then remove from heat. Set the syrup aside to cool.
Cut the watermelon into 2-3 cm pieces and puree them along with the syrup, the vanilla extract, and the lemon zest and juice into a blender.
Share the mixture into ice-cube trays and freeze them for 5-6 hours.
When they freeze well and you are about to serve them, pour the ice cubes into the blender and puree them until they look like snow.
Fill the glasses and serve with watermelon slices.
To read the complete recipe and learn the nutritional information, please visit: akispetretzikis.com
As we step into the New Year, it's not just about resolutions; it's about seizing the chance for a fresh start, envisioning accomplishments, and making promises that resonate with our practical, day-to-day lives. Let's ditch the theoretical and dive into why setting goals is not just important but downright practical.
1. Goals Are Our Personal Growth Catalysts
Beyond checklists and achievements, goals propel us toward personal growth. Each goal becomes a milestone in our journey, pushing us to learn, adapt, and evolve. It's not just about what we achieve externally, but how we transform internally along the way.
2. Goals Fuel Lasting Motivation
External rewards might provide a temporary high, but internal motivation sustains the marathon. Practical goals force us to tap into our intrinsic desires, igniting a fire that keeps burning. They serve as constant reminders of why we embarked on this journey, fostering enduring motivation. 3. Building Resilience Through Challenges
Goals are not just about success; they're about navigating the hurdles that inevitably arise. In pursuit of our objectives, we build resilience. Challenges become opportunities to learn, adapt, and persevere, shaping us into more resilient individuals capable of weathering storms.
4. Enhancing Focus and Productivity
In a world filled with distractions, goals act as beacons of focus. When we have a clear objective, our energy and efforts are streamlined. It becomes easier to prioritize tasks, say no to distractions, and channel our efforts into what truly matters, boosting overall productivity.
5. Creating a Sense of Purpose
Goals provide a sense of purpose—something to strive for beyond the mundane. They infuse our actions with meaning, offering a clear direction in the chaos of everyday life. A life with purpose is more fulfilling, and goals guide us toward that overarching sense of meaning. Now armed with a more profound understanding of why practical goals matter, let's not just pursue fulfillment; let's revel in the journey toward our desired results. The weight on our hearts often stems from what we never attempted due to fatigue, fear, or doubts about success. So, let's embrace the practicality of setting goals and make this year truly transformative.
Cheers to a year of purposeful goals, personal growth, and tangible victories!
The City of Athens recently proceeded with the complete reconstruction of Athens’ largest food market, the historical “Varvakeios Market”. As the Mayor of Athens, Costas Bakogiannis, stated: “The heart of Athens is beating here, in Varvakeios; it is beating loudly and we all have great joy and enthusiasm because, today, the Market is turning the page”.
The Varvakeios Market’s history
With a history of over 130 years, Varvakeios Agora is Athens’ Municipal Market located centrally on Athinas Street, which connects Monastiraki and Omonoia squares. It includes a meat market, a fish market, as well as an open-air fruit and vegetable market. The meat, poultry, and fish stalls are housed in a building that was constructed by architect and professor at the National Technical University of Athens, Ioannis Koumelis. The idea was to consolidate the shopping booths that, until then, had been scattered around the Ancient Agora. The Market was named after one of Greece’s national benefactors, Ioannis Varvakis (1745-1825).
A foodie’s paradise
If you are a foodie looking for an authentic gastronomic experience in the heart of Athens, you will certainly love a visit to Varvakeios Market. In business nonstop since 1886 and open every day except Sunday, from early in the morning until late afternoon, the Market is a vibrant hub of authentic city life. In fact, experiencing its colors, sounds and aromas is like being catapulted into another era! The liveliest area is perhaps the fish market, where one can find around 100 professional fishmongers and get to know the “fishing geography” of the Aegean, while there are also many shops inside and around the market selling olives, herbs, spices, nuts and dried fruit, impressive varieties of Greek cheese, as well as traditional Greek sausages like soutzouki and pastourmas.
A must-meeting point for Athenians, especially on festive days of the year, the Market is literally the Grand Central Station of food, where people from all walks of life and lifestyles converge to discover the freshest and most delicious ways to satiate their hunger. Make no mistake; everyone shops here, from celebrity chefs to neighborhood grocery store owners. The Varvakeios Market is, thus, a tribute to the everyman as it knows no class divides, while it is also home to old cookhouses, such as the famed “Epirus” tavern, where one can enjoy some of the most traditional Greek dishes that are hard to find anywhere else. Whether a visitor to Athens or a local interested in culinary heritage, the Varvakeios Market is, thus, a definite place to visit!
An Interview with Dr. Paul Cartledge by Dr. Richard Marranca
In "Alexander: the Making of a God" (now on Netflix), we get to see some discoveries from Dr. Calliope Limneos-Papapakosta's excavation at Alexandria. Would Alexander's tomb be the greatest archaeological discovery?
Yes – and No. Yes, because it’s been sought for so long, speculated over so hard, and there’s a powerful mystique surrounding royal tombs (think – the Pyramids, the tomb of the first Chinese emperor, or … the Tombs of the Macedonian royals at Aigai, on which more below …). No, because I – like most sober, non-partisan observers and analysts – believe it’s been lost forever beneath the sea-waves that have long ago submerged the entire Royal Quarter of ancient Alexandria in Egypt.
Can we get our heads around the notion that Alexander had two fathers -- dual descent?
Olympias certainly did want everyone to believe that her firstborn son’s conception had something of the divine about it – though whether she fingered Zeus or an Egyptian-Greek variant of him, Ammon, is unclear. In another sense, regardless of what tale (myth) of his conception Olympias had put about, everyone would have accepted that Alexander as son of Philip II was at least descended from, even if not actually sired by, Zeus. This was because all Macedonian royals were considered to be lineally descended from Heracles, and Heracles was – in myth – sired by the greatest Olympian divinity of them all, Zeus.
Did Alexander believe that Artemis was present at his birth?
Artemis was indeed for all Greeks a goddess of childbirth – but she had no special Macedonian, let alone royal-Macedonian connections. Alexander’s Epirote mother much preferred Dionysus - and his house speciality of fermented grape-juice and associated ecstatic orgiastic rituals - to Artemis the perpetual virgin of the wild margins.
Murder at a Wedding
Why did Alexander have a falling out with his father, Philip?
Alexander too found the volatile, controlling Philip at best difficult, at worst impossible. So great had been his own estrangement, not too long before 336, that he had even gone into more or less involuntary temporary exile abroad. The issues between them were essentially personal, questions of power rather than of foreign policy objectives on which they were basically agreed.
And do you think it likely that Alexander and Olympias had a hand in Philip's murder?
I do think it very likely that Olympias had a hand in arranging Philip’s assassination – for, had Philip not been assassinated in 336, Philip and not Alexander would have led the planned Persian expedition that made Alexander’s name. Alexander would have been left behind at the Macedonian capital, Pella, to serve as Regent, a role he had performed (and exploited for personal advantage) already when only a teenager. By 336, Olympias had long ago fallen out with and been estranged from her husband. Over her son, however, she continued to exercise a powerful both attraction and domination. (He ‘joked’ that she charged him a high rent for the nine months she’d housed him in her womb.)
Tombs
Did Olympias' tomb or the tombs of Alexander's Persian wives ever get discovered?
Alexander’s mother Olympias was buried in Pydna, northern Greece – no question: written and documentary sources are agreed. But does the Tomb of Korinos house her tomb, as has been alleged? The jury is still out on that.
Alexander’s wives: he had three, simultaneously, all of them Iranian. The graves of none of them have been located.
What is Philip II's tomb like?
Only for Philip II (assassinated at Aigai in 336 BCE) has a seriously good case been made that his actual tomb has been located. Unfortunately, dispute continues over which of the earliest two of the three tombs excavated underneath the massive Aigai tumulus was his: was it Tomb I or II? Since II is more magnificent than I, in terms of its offerings, many have wanted it to be his, but there are legitimate doubts of a both chronological and osteological nature, suggesting that it is in fact that of Philip III Arrhidaeus, Alexander’s mentally impaired half-brother: Philip III of Macedon.
That would leave Tomb I for Philip II. One of its most famous features is an interior fresco depicting the abduction of Persephone (daughter of goddess Demeter) by Hades, eponymous ruler of the subterranean kingdom of the shades. (Tomb III is agreed to be that of Alexander IV, the ill-fated posthumous son of Alexander with his first wife, Rhoxane of (central Asian) Bactria or Sogdia.)
Alexander’s Death & Body Snatching
What caused Alexander’s Death?
How – or of what – Alexander died is one of history’s great mysteries. At one level, the question is binary: was it natural causes – or murder? If the former, what disease was it exactly that did for him at the tender age of nearly 33? If the latter, who – most – wanted him dead?
My historian’s instinct suggests that it was the unexpectedness, suddenness and prematurity of Alexander’s death, added to the king’s own known fears of assassination (but by force not poison), that gave rise to conspiracy theories of suspicious death – presumably by poisoning. More likely, in my view, is that he succumbed to some disease, his bodily resistance already fatally weakened due to a combination of near-death illnesses, grave war-wounds – and excessive alcohol consumption.
How and why did Alexander’s body get snatched?
As for how his – mummified – body ended up being buried in Egypt, first in Memphis, then at last in the new Egyptian capital he had founded, Alexandria, the story’s a bit complicated. Here are the headlines. Mummified in June 323 in Babylon, the corpse was somehow preserved there in southern Iraq until 321 when it was included in a grand cortege designed to transport it back to mainland Greece, for glorious reburial in the royal graveyard at Aigai (today’s Vergina). But near Damascus the caravan was intercepted, and the corpse hijacked, on the orders of Ptolemy son of Lagos, a Macedonian with whom Alexander had grown up and been educated, and whom Alexander had promoted to the highest status possible among his intimate Companions, that of one of his seven special Bodyguards.
Pharaohs: Alexander, Ptolemy, Cleopatra
Like the other Successors, Ptolemy had huge ambitions?
Under the immediate post-mortem carve-up of Alexander’s empire, Ptolemy became viceroy (satrap) of the vital province of Egypt. But he harboured grander ambitions: to emulate Alexander as Egyptian Pharaoh, even though he hadn’t a drop of royal blood in his veins. The capture of Alexander’s corpse as a talisman in 321 – and grandiose reburial in a specially built Mausoleum at Alexandria (the clue’s in the name) - were an earnest of his future intentions, realised in 305 BCE. Whence the ‘Ptolemaic’ ‘royal’ dynasty, culminating in the reign and suicide in 30 BCE of Cleopatra VII.
Richard Marranca is an author who teaches ancient world, myth, and religion at Montclair State University. He writes for various print and digital publications, and his upcoming book, "Speaking of the Dead: Mummies & Mysteries of Egypt," will be published by Blydyn Square Books. Richard has had the honor of receiving a Fulbright to teach at LMU Munich and spent a semester in Athens during his doctoral studies at New York University. In his career, Richard has had the privilege of interviewing esteemed classicist Paul Cartledge on topics ranging from Alexander the Great to Greek philosophy.
Settled into my new place, with everything unpacked and unscathed, I welcomed my first houseguests for a long weekend in the city. Their first time in Greece, they were prepared to see all there is to see…
We did the required site seeing, the necessary museums, and the expected tavernas. We walked everywhere, spurred on by frequent coffee stops. We even made it down to the waterfront – for a great lunch at Rakadikon in Vouliagmeni (well-worth the trip!)
But here’s the strange and incredible part. Over the course of the weekend, my friends made a huge discovery.
Throughout their childhood, they had believed that their ancestry was partly Turkish. Their parents thought so, and apparently their grandparents thought so too. But after some interesting conversations, clarification of some historical facts, some name checking and eating Greek food which tasted ‘exactly like their mother’s’ – my friends concluded that their ancestry is, in fact, Greek! As it turns out, their (Greek) great-grandmother fled Smyrni (Izmir) in 1921, moved half-way across the world and completely closed the book on that part of her life. Her passport was Turkish, hence…
So this weekend went from a city-break in Athens, to a full-fledged discovery of roots, connecting with a newly-discovered past and adding a fantastic new layer to a family’s complex identity. Needless to say, it was a special few days.
And needless to say, they loved Athens. Especially the food ;)
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…
Cibus is situated in one of the most atmospheric corners of Athens, in the Zappion garden. The modern, minimal decor, the cool style and the excellent cuisine make this elegant restaurant one of the best choices in town. The cuisine offers a gourmet quality experience with homemade pasta, Mediterranean aromas, organic produce, fresh fish.
Bread and desserts are all prepared exclusively by the restaurant and the ice cream is outstanding. An all time classic meeting point for business men and politicians, Cibus is often booked for special events, like weddings and birthdays.
Cibus Restaurant is located at the Garden of Zappio (Entrance from the Vas. Olgas Avenue) Τel. 2103369364, 2103369300 Working hours: Daily from: 19:30 - 01:00 Free Parking
Do you have a recommendation or recipe to share? Send it to us at ideas@xpatathens.com!
The European Union subsidy program for Greece covering the 2014-20 period begins with almost 5 billion euros flowing in from Brussels in the next couple of years.
On top of the projects planned for the first two years of the program, amounting to 4.2 billion euros, another 750 million euros will go toward the funding of previously announced plans to boost employment among the jobless, of which 600 million euros is from the 2014-20 program with the rest coming from the previous program.
Αn amazing bread with a delicious, crunchy crust. You will prepare and bake it in no time at all because there is no yeast! What more can you ask for? Go for it!
Method
Put all the ingredients in a bowl. Knead until you have a smooth and light dough. Place the dough onto your working surface and knead for another 5 minutes to make it fluffy. Gather it to a ball and then pat it lightly on the top to flatten it. Place it inside an oil-greased baking pan. Use a sharp knife to score a cross on top. Place the pan on the bottom shelf of the preheated oven and bake the bread at 180ºC, for 35 minutes, until golden brown.
Ingredients
2 tea cups of strong flour 1¾ tea cups of wholemeal flour 1 tablespoon baking powder 1 tablespoon sugar 1 teaspoon salt 3 tablespoons butter, at room temperature 2 tablespoons yoghurt 1½ tea cups of milk
Preparation Time 10 minutes Baking time 35 minutes
