Given the public's increasing familiarity with digital cultural experiences, the Acropolis Museum’s newly launched virtual edition is a delightful development. Digital visitors will be surprised by the virtual tour that will almost certainly instigate the desire to see the breathtaking collection in person once the museum reopens its doors.

 

“Research carried out by museums has shown that an interesting digital tour only strengthens the visitor’s desire to physically visit the museum and see the pieces depicted in the photographs up close,” says Stamatia Eleftheratou, the director of the Acropolis Museum’s collections and exhibitions.

 

The museum’s meticulously planned digital edition takes internet users around the museum and provides information on its temporary exhibits, special events, educational and family activities, research, conservation, and new technologies. The Acropolis Museum is the first Greek museum to display all of its permanent exhibits online, along with explanatory notes, available in English, German, Italian, French, and Spanish.

“Nothing can replace the experience of a proper museum visit, but the portal is a marvelous substitute, and not just because of the current situation,” says Eleftheratou. “Basically, it complements and/or strengthens a physical visit, while also giving remote audiences a very good idea of the space, its operation, its activities, and its collections.”

 

This remarkable endeavor involves the management of 27,755 digital archives, the digitization of 496 handwritten excavation logs, 110,000 photographs, 18,410 documentation forms for movable finds, and 7,500 conservation logs. The museum's  multifaceted digital archive is a fountain of knowledge waiting to be discovered by experts and amateurs alike.

To read this article in full, please visit: ekathimerini.gr

In case you happen to be in Greece on January 5th and 6th, then here is what you can expect or experience:  In the morning of January 5th, Greek children sing–once again–from door to door. The song they sing is not that known as the Christmas’ or the New Years’ carols, but also beautiful.

Young men will dive or jump in the water and try to catch the holy cross. The person that will catch it, will have a lot of luck this year. Take a look at this video, to get a better idea.

The Epiphany tradition goes back to ancient Greece, and particularly to a feast which was called “Plintiria” (=washing machines). During this feast, the Athenians carried the statue of Athena to the coast of Faliro (close to Piraeus) to wash it in the sea, to make sure it would keep its magic powers.

Don't forget that on January 6th, a lot of people have their Name Day as well: Fotis, Foteini, Theofanis, Theofania, Fani, Ourania, Iordanis. You can wish them: Xronia Polla! Χρόνια Πολλά!

If you want to learn other Greek wishes you can use for Name Days, National Holidays or Social Occasions, you are welcome to download the “Greek Wishes For Social Occasions” FREE eBOOK, including Audio for the correct pronunciation.

In Greece, it is also common to receive a pomegranate as a gift (in Greek ; rodi - ρόδι), made of metal, glass or other materials, to bring good luck for the new year. This tradition goes back to Greek history, as well as to other ancient cultures.

This beautiful red fruit was a symbol of fertility and rebirth in ancient Greece. Many goddesses had it as their symbol: Hera, the goddess of marriage, Aphrodite (Venus) the goddess of beauty and Persephone, daughter of Demeter, who brought the spring while also being the Queen of the Underworld.

The Greek myth that connects Persephone with the pomegranate is wonderful. After her abduction by Hades, she had to return up to earth, close to her mother, Dimitra, to revive the withered and frozen earth. Hades gave her a few pomegranate seeds so she would not forget him! She gladly accepted them, and that way remembered to return close to her husband and her kingdom.

In Greece, it is an old tradition to hang an onion on the door with New Year, to bring luck and health.

From ancient times until now this onion-like, wild-growing plant has been a symbol of fertility and purification. Onions are viewed as highly fertile because the bulbs seem to want to sprout, even if they are being left alone. When it is out of the ground, kept in a shady corner of the house, it still grows leaves. Therefore, the onion is a symbol of fertility and is hung on a door in the household – to help the people grow and experience a rebirth of their own in the coming year.

We hope both the onion and pomegranate will bring you good luck for the new year.

The garden of the Zappeion building in Athens is filled with statues of great Greek benefactors, poets, and philosophers, and figures such as the "Young Fisherman" by Dimitrios Filippotis and "Eros" by Georgios Vroutos.

Until recently, the statues became shrouded in darkness at night, making their beauty disappear in the dark. However, about a year ago, Christina Vagena, the chairwoman of the Olympia and Bequests Committee that manages the historic site, decided to reach out to Eleftheria Deko – who recently designed the new lighting system of the Acropolis – to create the new lighting system for 17 of the Zappeion statues. This is worth noting that the internationally acclaimed lighting designer offered her services pro bono.

“It was an enormous honor for such a charismatic professional to offer her assistance free of charge and to breathe new life into the sculptures. When the pandemic blows over, all Athenians will have the pleasure of rediscovering them and enjoying them.”, stated Christina Vagena.


To read this article in full, please visit: greece-is.com

Photo: "Eros", by Georgios Vroutos. © Pavlos Zafiropoulos

Our kids are tired and bored with online schooling. So are we, of course, as our daily life has become more intense and irritating.

They need a break. So do we. Fortunately, Christmas is approaching. But what does Christmas mean? Love, is everyone's response, regardless of religion, financial status and educational level. If you ask a parent they will tell you that of course they love their child. They may sometimes hit them or give them the evil eye but they do love them. They only reason they may do it is for the child’s benefit, so they learn how to behave better. After all, their parents did the same and nothing happened. But when we spank our children even it’s just a bit or when we shout at them do we really love them at that moment? Do we respect them? Are we treating fairly? Do we get in their shoes?

In her eye-opening book "The Truth Will Set You Free," Alice Miller confirms once again that any form of violence is devoid of love. And since we are talking about Christmas and its message, let us see how Jesus Christ was raised by his parents. They loved him, respected him and protected him. It did not cross their minds to bring him to reason all the time, only to support him. They did not demand submission. As Miller writes "did he become selfish, arrogant, greedy, authoritarian or vain? Quite the opposite. He became a strong, conscious, compassionate and wise man…"

Perhaps now, especially under the special conditions of the COVID-19 quarantine, it’s a good opportunity to rethink how we raise our children. Let's not forget that we have "taken away " their social life. With online schooling they cannot have daily contact with their friends. They cannot play in the playgrounds. They cannot hug their grandparents. They do not enjoy their childhood. How about being more flexible and a little more patient? A little friendlier? And with Christmas just around the corner how about rethinking what love really means?

If there’s a topic you’re interested in and would like to learn more about you may contact me via email. For more information about me and my work check the XpatAthens Directory or visit my website. Because this is your life!

Jupiter and Saturn, the 2 largest planets in our solar system, are coming closer together than they have been since the Middle Ages, and it's happening right before Christmas, hence the nickname of the "Christmas Star."

On the night of December 21, Jupiter and Saturn will appear so close to one another that they will look like a bright splash in the night sky.

"Alignments between these two planets are rather rare, occurring once every 20 years or so, but this conjunction is exceptionally rare because of how close the planets will appear to one another," "You'd have to go all the way back to just before dawn on March 4, 1226, to see a closer alignment between these objects visible in the night sky." said astronomer Patrick Hartigan, a professor of physics and astronomy at Rice University in Houston.

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

What does Christmas in Athens normally feel like? To spark some festive nostalgia this much altered Yuletide, this interview speaks with creative Athenians and shares their most cherished memories of the season.

 

It’s hard to get into the spirit of Christmas this year when everything feels so different and so many of us will be facing the “season to be jolly” separated from our loved ones (not to mention all our usual festive fun). To keep alive the flame of a more normal Athens Christmas – and give us all hope of brighter Yuletides to come - This is Athens spoke with some colourful Athenians to share those seasonal milestones they are missing the most this challenging year – as well as all those beloved hangouts that they can’t wait to get back to in easier Christmases to come.

 

 

It’s not Christmas in Athens until I’ve…


Gone for a cocktail at: Noel Bar. A cosy concept bar on Kolokotroni Street where it's Christmas all year. The music is jazzy and the permanent holiday decor is a tad over-the-top. Just how you want it for Christmas.


Had a festive meal at: GB Roof Garden, with a quick stop by the Christmas tree at the entrance to enjoy the festive piano music. For my family, it's the place to mark the beginning of the holidays. As the season comes to an end, I like to visit a Mikrolimano fish restaurant for a glimpse of the winter sea.


Shopped for gifts at: Living Green in Kifissia. This little gem stocks very original eco gifts. Christmas can be so wasteful and this is the place to go to buy a gift for someone to plant in their garden or a toy that's made from recycled or biodegradable materials.


Enjoyed a performance at: Onassis Stegi. They put on such original and innovative work - you’re guaranteed to leave with lots to think and talk about over the holidays.


Soaked up the atmosphere of: Stunning Stavros Niarchos Park, where there's always something wondrous happening. 


Gone for a walk around: The centre of Athens -starting from Syntagma Square to Monastiraki - to admire the lights and music. There's nothing more “Christmas” than a late afternoon walk in the cold December air, with a Christmas Stars tea from Tea Route in my hands.


Listened to: Athens Big Band (a popular swing band) in an open-air Christmas event in downtown Athens. You can't beat the joy of stumbling across fantastic live music as you're walking down the street.

It's not Christmas in Athens until I've ...


Gone for a cocktail at: One of the groovy bars in the neighbourhood of Psirri. It gets very Christmassy there and always has a fantastic vibe, especially in December.


Had a festive meal at: Every year, I bake melomakarona (traditional Greek Christmas biscuits) at my house made with pure ingredients and spices that I buy from the wonderful food shops of Evripidou Street.


Soaked up the atmosphere of: The decorated city centre of Athens, especially the classic Christmas feel of Voukourestiou Street in Kolonaki.


Gone for a walk around: My favourite festive walk has to be down Dionysiou Areopagitou to see the seasonal lights and along the ancient alleys of Plaka with the lit-up Parthenon glowing above, adding to the magic of it all.


Listened to: The Christmas carols that resound from the children of Athens in every neighbourhood of the city as they do the rounds singing the kalanta (Greek Christmas jingles)


What I love most about Christmas: Baking Christmas cakes to give as presents and share with my friends in Athens.

It’s not Christmas in Athens until I’ve…


Gone for a cocktail at: Athénée Athens (formerly Zonars). Since it opened right in the centre of town in the 1930s, this elegant icon has hosted everyone from Melina Mercouri and Sophia Loren to Anthony Quinn and can always be counted on when you’re in the mood for some serious retro glamour.


Had a festive meal at: Brunch or lunch at Brunello restaurant in Kolonaki is another Christmas classic. It has a cool crowd, an amazing food and wine list and such a great atmosphere & music, especially over the party season.


Shopped for gifts at: Cartier and Hermès on Voukourestiou Street in Kolonaki. I love going to this stylish street and visiting all the high-end fashion boutiques and going a little “extra” on Christmas gifts! Only the best for my loved ones.


Enjoyed a performance or concert at: Pallas Theatre, just around the corner from Athénée. It’s such a grand Athenian landmark and always has uplifting productions in the lead up to Christmas.


Soaked up the atmosphere of: Hotel Grande Bretagne at one of their famous high tea sittings in the Winter Garden City Lounge. You can’t beat it for luxury festive ambiance and their tree is always the best dressed in town!


Listened to: Classical music on Christmas morning is the best way to start this special day.


What I love most about Christmas: Being with family and loved ones, opening our gifts and spending quality time together! Those moments are so precious and irreplaceable.

For more great experiences from Athenians about Christmas in Athens visit: thisisathens.org
Photo by: Nikos Karanikolas

Faithful, despite the unprecedented circumstances, to its annual, long-standing date with the public, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center welcomes the Christmas season with a variety of shows that will be transmitted online through live streaming! 

Christmas Tales at the Lighthouse: Sherlock Holmes and the thief of Christmas
When: December 23rd - January 5th

Arthur Conan Doyle’s famous hero invites us to follow him into the magical world of Christmas-time London. Amidst the joyful buzz of the city, where children sing carols and everyone exchanges gifts, Sherlock Holmes has only one thing on his mind: the case of the thief of Christmas. He looks for the blue sapphire, chases after the mysterious turkey and, under every snow-capped roof, finds clues that will bring him even closer… not just to the answer to the mystery, but to the meaning of Christmas.

New Year's Eve at SNFCC
When: December 30th at 22:30 

The evening's festivities will begin at 22:30 with a special artistic program in association with the Greek National Opera. Let's all welcome 2021 together, even if we're apart, with wonderful images and sounds that will reach into every home, in every corner of Greece. 

Listen to the sound of our times and immerse yourself inside a unique outlook by tuning in to an international radio station that smashes through borders to bring you incredible names from the greek and international DJs, hip hop, electronic, and world music scenes 24/7.

MOVEMENT RADIO is a cultural platform that focuses on new music production, but also on its historic past, jointly sharing stories that have not yet been told, speaking through sounds and ideas, tracing current political and critical thought, and crossing an imaginary archipelago for the bolstering of dialog that goes beyond borders and dates. It is a culturally bonding substance set between peoples, communities, and artistic creation. This new radio station will act as a transmitter, set to record, broadcast and unite past, present and future from its base in Athens!.

 

Balthasar Neumann Choir & Ensemble, Bach Mass in B Minor
When: December 20th at 12:00

Johann Sebastian Bach’s B minor Mass revolves around subjects that penetrate to the innermost depths of the soul: solitude and despair, joy and rapture. Music that gets under one’s skin. With Bach’s last great vocal work, which goes well beyond the scope of church liturgy, Thomas Hengelbrock and his Balthasar Neumann ensembles embark on a journey to the existential questions of life.

Traveling around the World at Christmas
When: December 26th at 18.00

Escort the entire family on a jolly musical jaunt, listening to Christmas melodies from all over the world and introducing the musical traditions and rhythms of these different lands.

New Year’s Opera Gala
When: December 30th at 20.30

Music-lovers’ enthusiastic response to the opera galas we have staged in recent years to celebrate the upcoming New Year has made them an integral part of Athens’ festive season. Under the baton of the talented Kornilios Michailidis, distinguished opera singers Christina Poulitsi, Tasis Hristogiannopoulos and Hristoforos Staboglis demonstrate their exceptional vocal talents in popular arias and duets from the magic world of Italian opera


Photo credit: Alexandra Trianti.