The Municipality of Athens aims to welcome 2023 with a special New Year’s Show at Syntagma Square with lots of music, fun, dancing, fireworks, wishes and positive energy.

Starting at 11am on Saturday December 31st, Athens’ municipal radio station, 98.4, will drive its vintage van around the city making stops in different neighborhoods to offer Athenians and visitors the opportunity to share their wishes, dedications and song requests on air.

The Greek capital will welcome the new year at Syntagma Square, with a show presented by Hellenic Broadcaster Corporation’s (ERT) presenters Fotis Sergoulopoulos and Jenny Melita.

The Athens Municipality Philharmonic Orchestra will launch the event at 10:30pm with a concert of classic Christmas tunes followed by the main festive event headlined by internationally-acclaimed Greek singers Mario Frangoulis and George Perris.

Frangoulis and Perris will be accompanied by a ten-member symphonic orchestra and will take the audience on a musical journey with songs and melodies that have stood the test of time.

Just before midnight, Athens Mayor Kostas Bakoyannis will join Athenians and visitors to welcome 2023 and kick off a festive party running into the small hours.

The high energy cover band, Bejeezus, will bring their energy to 2023’s first open air party with pop, swing, latin και rock ‘n’ roll sounds at Syntagma, while a few hundred yards away, the Varvakeios Municipal Market will host some of the most prominent representatives of the Greek electronic dance music scene during a party that will transform Athens’ historic market into a dance club filled with light and joy.

This Christmas season, the Municipality of Athens has organized more than 120 noel family events and more than 30 music shows across 129 neighborhoods.

Furthermore, municipal authorities managed to decorate the city with LED technology lights, lowering energy consumption by 80 percent, when compared to previous years.

Originally published on: news.gtp.gr

The world’s earliest analog computer, the first robot in history, and the gods of Olympus; masterpieces of ancient Greek, Roman, Byzantine and contemporary art; plants and animals that live on the surface of the earth, in the vastness of the sky and in the depths of the ocean; and illusions that fool the mind and the eye: the museums of Athens can conjure up a magical world for young visitors, sparking their imagination. Tailored programs and tours take them on a journey of experiential learning through play.

Happy Trails

At the Acropolis Museum, children can follow different paths of exploration. Specially designed pamphlets for younger visitors highlight subject matter and difficulty levels suitable for different age groups. With these in hand, young explorers can discover the museum’s treasures while exercising their memory, using their imagination, and having fun. One trail, “The Parthenon Sculptures: Six Short Stories of Separation,” takes them to the Parthenon Gallery on the museum’s third floor, where they’ll find out more about what are arguably the most famous sculptures in the world. Through the stories of these masterpieces, they’ll learn how and why some became separated and where they are today.

The Origins Of Technology

Can a robot operate without batteries or electricity? Ancient musical instruments and toys, the ancient Greek “smart” home, an innovative wine jug, and an automaton puppet theater are some of the unique interactive exhibits at the Kotsanas Museum of Ancient Greek Technology. From the robotic “servant” of Philo of Byzantium to the mechanized puppet theater of Hero of Alexandria, and from the mechanical clock of Ctesibius to the world’s first analog computer, the Antikythera Mechanism, the technologies on display cover the period from 2000 BC to the end of the Ancient Greek era. The Kotsanas Museum features fully functional replicas of more than 400 inventions, many of which remain relatively unknown. Young visitors will be struck by the similarities between ancient innovations and the origins of modern technology. Ctesibius, Plato, Aristotle and other great minds are willing to share their secrets. Are you ready to join them?

Just An Illusion 

At the Museum of Illusions, nothing is what it seems. Here, anything can happen, and every visit is an exciting adventure that will leave children and parents alike wide-eyed in disbelief. You’ll watch yourself shrink, see double, experience holograms, and even… disappear! Through a series of illusions, visitors will learn that their senses can be fooled and that the world is full of visual percepts that appear to be at odds with reality. A stop here is sure to entertain museumgoers of all ages.

Herons, Butterflies, & Koalas

As they explore the fantastic collection of the Goulandris Natural History Museum, visitors learn about the reptiles of the world, from the Caretta caretta sea turtle to the Nile crocodile (there is even an accurate replica of a Triceratops), as well as 180 species of birds that nest in Greece, along with birds from Africa and Central America. In the museum’s entomological exhibition, they can admire butterflies and other species of insects from various countries, while the mammal collection includes the kangaroo, koala, lions, leopards, baboons, and giraffes. The botanical exhibition provides the perfect introduction to the plant kingdom. The museum also has halls dedicated to marine biology, featuring an impressive collection of shells from the Greek seas; paleontology, with characteristic samples of fossils; and geology, with an extensive collection of rocks and minerals. All exhibit descriptions are in Greek and English.

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

Zagori is a region and a municipality in the Pindus mountains in Epirus, in northwestern Greece just northeast of Ioannina.

It is an awe-inspiring natural landscape with an incredibly well-preserved network of 46 villages and features national parks, a monastery, rivers and waterfalls.

Looking for a splendid all-year-round getaway to a place that is considered to be one of the most beautiful and rich eco-systems in all of Europe? Look no further.

Here are a few of the many places worth visiting to make your experience unique:

Monodéndri

Situated at an altitude of 1,060 meters (3,278 feet) and listed as a national monument, Monodendri is one of Zagori’s most picturesque villages.

It hosts some beautiful two-story mansions and narrow streets that pass the village’s paved stone courtyards. The Monastery of St. Paraskevi can be admired from afar and a rocky trail that starts at the central square will lead you to the stunning Vikos Gorge.

Vikos Gorge

The famous Vikos Gorge, the enormous canyon which is visited by many tourists throughout the year, is actually accessible from many vantage points.

While there, you will have the opportunity to walk the famous Vradeto Stairs at the edge of the gorge. These 1,200 meter stone stairs connect the villages of Vradéto and Kapésovo.

Waterfalls in Illiochori

Unknown to most people is the village of Iliochori, built on the eastern slopes of Tymfi. It is a small, quaint village that is home to three spectacular waterfalls that form two natural emerald-colored pools.

The waterfalls, located at “Balta di Striga;” the highest of them reaches a height of 25 meters (82 feet). The hiking route is very pleasant, with a marked path that begins at the village square — if in doubt, you can always ask one of the villagers, who will surely be able to show you the way.

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

Bring a Mediterranean twist to the classic holiday eggnog with flavors inspired by Greece! This creamy and aromatic drink combines traditional eggnog ingredients with the distinct taste of Greek honey and mastiha.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 large eggs (separated)
• 3/4 cup Greek honey (or to taste)
• 1/4 cup mastiha liqueur (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (plus more for garnish)
• Lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Heat the Base:
   In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, heavy cream, Greek honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon zest. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it is just about to simmer (do not boil). Remove from heat.
2. Whisk the Yolks:
   In a mixing bowl, whisk the egg yolks until they become pale and creamy. Gradually add a ladle of the warm milk mixture to the yolks while whisking continuously to temper them. Slowly add the yolk mixture back into the saucepan, whisking constantly.
3. Cook the Eggnog:
   Return the saucepan to medium-low heat and cook until the mixture thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon (about 5 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in the mastiha liqueur (if using) and vanilla extract.
4. Beat the Whites:
   In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gently fold the egg whites into the cooled eggnog mixture for a frothy texture.

Chill and Serve:
Refrigerate the eggnog for at least 2 hours. Before serving, give it a gentle stir. Pour into glasses and garnish with a sprinkle of nutmeg or a drizzle of Greek honey.

 

Ten Christmas villages with free concerts and activities for children are to open in neighborhoods across Athens on Friday, December 23rd, and remain open until January 6th, when the Greek Christmas period ends with the celebration of the Epiphany.

Santa and his elves will take their stands daily at: Missologhi Square in Pagkrati, Heldreich Square in Neos Kosmos, Jacqueline-de-Romilly Square in Thiseion, Agia Ekaterini Square in Kato Petralona, Athanasiou Diakou Square in Thimarakia, Nathaniel Square in Agios Eleftherios, Agios Andreas Square in Lambrini, Agios Panteleimon Square, Agios Dimitrios Square on Panormou Street in Ampelokipi, and Gika Square in Ellinoroson.

There will be no entrance fee for the Christmas villages, which will be free and open daily from 11:30 am to 2 pm and from 3 pm to 8 pm. On New Year’s Eve, they will be open from 11 pm to 5 pm.

A Christmas band will perform at the official launch event in Gika Square starting at 5:30 pm on Friday.

Following the path through the Athens Christmas villages, visitors will end up at Santa’s house.

Children will be able to enjoy crafts-making, treats, face and body painting, puppet shows, and have fun with stilt walkers, jugglers, Christmas mascots, animators, and magicians. Storytelling and bubble shows will be among the interactive experiences for kids.

New Year’s Eve celebrations in Athens

For New Year’s Eve, the city of Athens will celebrate with a spectacular free concert at Syntagma Square starting at 10:30 pm.

Mario Frangoulis and Giorgos Perris will perform, joined by a ten-member symphonic orchestra and soloists. The concert will open with a performance by the Athens Philharmonic Orchestra.

After midnight, the band Bejeezus will be passed the baton to continue the entertainment performing pop, swing, Latin, and rock and roll hits.

Athenians will later be able to carry on their celebrations at the Central Athens “Varvakios” Markets on Athinas Street, located between Monastiraki and Omonoia Squares, where famous local deejays will keep the New Year party going.

Originally published on: greekreporter.com

The great event of Santorini Experience celebrates the cultural, sports and sea tourism in one of the world’s top destinations, returned after two years of pandemic. The new impressive running routes and the established one-of-a-kind open water swimming route, having the unique Aegean images of Fira, Oia, Imerovigli, Akrotiri and the Volcano as a magnificent background scenery, gathered, amateur and professional swimmers and runners in Santorini from 22 countries such as U.S.A., Brazil, Uruguay, South Africa, Nigeria, Jamaica, India, Great Britain, Germany and France on September 23-25.  

 

During Santorini Experience, the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Ms. Sofia Zacharaki, the Mayor of Thira, Mr. Antonios Sigalas and the Deputy Mayor of Thira and Head of Culture, Ms. Sofia Kitsou visited the Daedalic Kore of Thira. The rare masterpiece of Greek sculpture from the 7th century BC, which came to light in 2000 by the Thiraean archaeologist Charalambos Sigalas, during a rescue excavation in the cemetery of the ancient city of Thira, in southeastern Sellada, is now the central exhibit of the under renovation Archaeological Museum of Thira. The world now, has the opportunity to admire the archaic Kore made of white Naxian marble of supernatural size, with height 2.30m and weight 750 kg, 22 years after its discovery. 

In the context of her visit in Santorini, the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Ms. Sofia Zacharaki said: “I had the pleasure of being in Santorini on September 23-25, at an iconic sports tourism event, the Santorini Experience, which has been revived after a two-year absence and is now establishing itself as a major sporting event, uniting culture and sports, with many participant athletes from all over the world. The participants even had the opportunity to take a guided tour of the under-renovation museum of Santorini and admire the Kore of Thira, a unique point of cultural reference not only for the island but also for Greece and the world. With the special forms of tourism, such as sports and cultural tourism, a fact emerges that all destinations of our country, even the most popular ones like Santorini, have the possibility to further diversify their tourist product, offering even more qualitative options to the visitor. It is a central priority of the Ministry of Tourism to support events such as Santorini Experience, to which we gave our auspices with great pleasure, reflecting our will for practical support for similar initiatives throughout the country. Greece and Greeks, with this year's success of tourism, have shown that we are able not only to overcome global crises, but also exceed all expectations. The bet for the future is for tourism development to be sustainable, balanced and qualitative. And in this, the role of institutions like Santorini Experience is pivotal”.

At the same time, the Mayor of Thira, Mr. Antonios Sigalas said, among other things: “We had a very successful event that made a new start and created a dynamic presence in culture as well. I am very satisfied that the Half Marathon was named after the Daedalic Kore of Thira and today we are at the Archaeological Museum of Santorini where we had the honor and pleasure of accompanying the Deputy Minister of Tourism Ms. Zacharaki to enjoy this amazing work. The Municipality of Thira, which places a great deal of emphasis on tourism, but even more on culture and sports, proved the success of its investment program with the Ministry of Culture once again, which supports all these actions and the completion of this space so that Kore can continue to be visited for years to come. Many thanks to everyone who contributed to this great success”.

Significant athletes conveyed the message of culture, emitted by the Daedalic Kore of Thira, through their presence at this year’s Santorini Experience.

The athletes who were present in Santorini and were honored by the event were:

• The two-time European gold medalist and Olympian in race walking Antigoni Drisbioti, who honored Greece and made everyone proud with her successes at the European Athletics Championships in Munich
• The Dutch gold and silver Olympic medalist, world champion and 8-time European champion in open water swimming Sharon van Rouwendaal
• The British two-time silver Olympic medalist in open water swimming Jazz Carlin 
• One of the top names in Greek athletics, the Olympian and European champion in the 400m. with hurdles Periklis Iakovakis 
• and the Greek-American ultramarathon Konstantine Dean Karnazes who promoted and spread the message of Santorini’s sports and cultural tradition with his participation, in the United States of America and around the world.

The 2022 program included a new route for the 5km as well as a Half Marathon for the first time.

In addition, the participants in the 5km “Aristides Alafouzos” saw for the first time on Friday, September 23, Santorini from a different ankle, specifically from Akrotiri, one of the most important prehistoric settlements in Europe and admired a new, but equally magical view than the one we are all used to seeing. 

Starting from the church of Saint Raphael, runners headed towards the Akrotiri Lighthouse, one of the oldest lighthouses in Greece built in 1892 and reached the westernmost point of the island, returning to Saint Raphael for their finish. At the starting line of the race the two-time European gold medalist and Olympian in race walking Antigoni Drisbioti, the Olympian and European champion in the 400m. with hurdles Periklis Iakovakis, the former international goalkeeper and European champion with the Greek national football team Antonis Nikopolidis and EuroLeague Legend Joe Arlauckas were present.

On Saturday September 24, the “Daedalic Kore of Thira” Half Marathon was held starting from the Holy Church of Saint George in Oia, passing through the enchanting areas of Imerovigli and Fira and finish back to Oia. This route received the name “Daedalic Kore of Thira”, after the unique archaeological finding dating back to 640 BC. 

Both running races were co-organized with AS Ifestos Thira and EAS SEGAS Cyclades.

On Sunday September 25, participants swam in the unique 1.5 miles (2.4 km) “L & E Nomikos” open water swimming route of Santorini Experience that was held from the volcano to the old port of Fira, having the imposing view of the island in front of them, with the approval of the Hellenic Swimming Federation. 

World class names took part in the swim, including the Dutch gold and silver Olympic medalist, world champion and 8-time European champion in open water swimming Sharon van Rouwendaal that finished first, the British two-time silver Olympic medalist in open water swimming Jazz Carlin, as well as athletes of the Greek national swimming team such as Dimitris Negris, Stellina Aplanti, Panagiotis Chiotis, Marina Triantafyllidi and Marina Pakou.

The route was named in honor of the benefactor Evangelos Nomikos and his wife, in whose memory the “Loula & Evangelos Nomikos” Foundation was created, which built the visionary Cable Car 40 years ago. The route has been designed by the race’s technical director with Olympic and world championship distinctions in swimming, Nikos Gemelos. The event was honored with the presence of the Greek world champion in open water swimming and athletes’ representative in the Hellenic Swimming Federation’s Board of Directors, Kelly Araouzou.

See here the races’ results: https://bit.ly/3xVGziQ 

Santorini Boatmen’s Association contributed to the absolute safety of the race, which transported the athletes to the volcano and contributed to the smooth implementation of the open water swimming. Moreover, the race was assisted by the 100 specialized escorts in the water, mainly with the support of Lifeguard Patrol which, in addition to its staff, had several lifeboats, the Voluntary Lifeguards of Santorini, the Atlantis Dive Center, the Santorini Nautical Club, and Caldera Yachting, all together having more than 30 boats alongside the athletes! Santorini Experience looked after the swimmers by providing the safety buoy which all swimmers were required to wear for safety. In fact, athletes like Rouwendaal and Carlin set an example by swimming with a safety buoy too.

With the end of theswimming race, the technical director, Mr. Nikos Gemelos, said: “Every year at Santorini Experience is unique. This year, however, is the year that the event was re-introduced so that it will keep taking place again every year. This repetition helps us not to miss this beautiful event and ensures that the experience can be lived by everyone. Events like Santorini Experience bring people closer to swimming”.  

All participants received a technical t-shirt with the new, exquisite design of the event from Luanvi, while swimmers also received a swimming cap. Santo Maris Oia and Blue Star Ferries each offered a sustainable backpack, while at the end of each route Erotokritos Cretan Bakery took care of the guests with traditional flavors and of course Vikos, provided the necessary hydration before, during and after the races.

During Santorini Experience, in addition to the races and the visit to the Archaeological Museum of Thira, the following side actions were held: an impressive Sunset Pilates Session with physical education instructor Mandy Persaki at Santo Maris Oia, Cocktails at Esperisma bar restaurant and Volcano View, a unique Boat Tour at the enchanting Santorini from Travel to Greece by Med Shore Tours & Travel, as well as rich meals at Seaside Santorini, Trinacria, The Dolphins and Skala restaurants.

The event could not have happened without the implicit support of top Greek companies as well as hotel units that are among the best hotels in the world.

The event’s Official Sponsors included Metaxa Hospitality Group - Santo Maris that created the completely relaxing and rejuvenating Relax Day Spa package for the optimal performance of the athletes and Blue Star Ferries which traveled all participants with safety offering them significant discounts.

Seaside Santorini was the Signature Sponsor.

Vikos Natural Mineral Water was the event’s Official Water which offered the necessary hydration and rejuvenation to all athletes.

Alafouzos Sport was the Official Sports Store, while also acting as the registration center for the races. 

Luanvi was the Official Sports Supplier taking care of the athletes’ clothing.

Englobia was the Official Travel Partner which offered special hospitality packages and discounts for the best service of all participants.

Esperisma bar restaurant and Caldera Yachting were the Official Supporters.

Blue Island Rental, Trinacria, Travel to Greece by Med Shore Tours & Travel, Holiday Tours Santorini, Lux Bar Santorini, The Dolphins restaurant, Skala Restaurant and Volcano View were the event’s Partners.

The event was assisted by: Santorini Boatmen’s Association, Lifeguard Patrol, Voluntary Lifeguards of Santorini and Erotokritos Cretan Bakery.  

In such a difficult period for hoteliers in Santorini, their response and participation as Hospitality Sponsors in the Santorini Experience was truly honorable and at the same time impressive. In fact, more than 30 hotel units offered an unforgettable three-day stay to all their guests, which was highlighted by everyone: Santo Maris Oia Luxury Suites & Spa, Canaves Oia, Nous Santorini, Kivotos Santorini, Fanouris Condo by Meraki Collection, Apeiron Blue Santorini Luxury Suites, West East Suites, Sienna Eco Resort, White Pearl Villas, De Sol Hotel & Spa, The Tsitouras Collection, 270 Oia’s View Lydia’s House Santorini, El Greco Resort & Spa, Santorini Palace, Vedema - A Luxury Collection Resort Santorini, K & K Unique Holiday Homes, Andronis Colombo’s Beachfront Hotel, Loizos Stylish Residences, Santo Houses, Holiday Beach Resort, Marvarit Suites, Glaros Hotel Santorini, Athina Luxury Suites.

Throughout Santorini Experience, the Dive In Action team made sure to achieve a zero footprint at all locations where this year’s races took place.

 

The support offered in all actions by the volunteers of the Sports Management Society of Deree - American College of Greece was very important for the successful implementation of the event. 

Santorini Experience took place for the 6th year and was organized by the Municipality of Thira, the Region of South Aegean and the Sports Tourism department of ActiveMedia Group.

The event was held under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, the General Secretariat of Sports of the Ministry of Culture and Sports and the Greek National Tourism Organization with the approval of the Hellenic Swimming Federation.

Santorini Experience joined the Greek actions of the #BeactiveHellas 2022 program of the European Commission and was held under the auspices of the General Secretariat of Sports. 

ActiveMedia Group undertook the event’s Sports Production.

The hashtag #SantoriniExperience was the number one trend of the weekend with people uploading unique moments from Santorini and the event on social media.

Photo Credit: Elias Lefas

A photography exhibition of 70 historical costumes from the 19th century, from daily life and life in battle, worn by contemporary Greeks will be shown at the Acropolis Museum as of December 20, ANA reports.

'Raiment of the Soul' is an initiative by the Marianna V. Vardinoyannis Foundation. The Acropolis Museum presents the exhibition in collaboration with the National Historical Museum of Athens and is under the auspices of Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou. It will run until March 26, 2023.

Most of the costumes used belong to the National Historical Museum of Athens and were loaned by the late Ioannis Mazarakis-Ainian, general secretary of the museum, to photographer Vangelis Kyris and embroidery specialist Anatoli Georgiev.

Originally published on: tornosnews.gr

Υet another year, Christmas begins at the corner of the most attractive and fascinating square in Athens. Hotels Grande Bretagne & King George invite their guests to live, spread the Christmas spirit and enjoy countless experiences with their loved ones! 

 

Proud nutcrackers stand at attention and welcome each guest as they arrive and the tall, impressive Christmas tree stands lit in our magnificent lobby, glittering, elegant and decorated with great care and enthusiasm. Timeless crystal ornaments in various shapes adorn the space giving a magical ambiance. 

 

Winter Garden City Lounge
It’s the most wonderful time of the year and the iconic Winter Garden is graciously welcoming the festive season with the Christmas Flavors buffet stylishly prepared by the talented pastry team of the historic hotel. Visit the festively decorated Grand Dame of Athens and enjoy your favorite beverage with the most delightful Christmas desserts!

Explore menu: Christmas Flavors

 

Daily | 16:00 – 22:00

 

The renowned Afternoon Tea, an exclusive experience that holds its own part of history in the hotel’s journey through time, dresses up its festive attire and welcomes you to a journey of flavors and aromas in the glittering atmosphere of the Winter Garden City Lounge. The traditionally served Christmas Afternoon Tea of the Hotel Grande Bretagne, inspired and curated by Executive Chef Asterios Koustoudis and Pastry Chef Alexandros Koufas is enhanced with a rich variety of festive tea flavors. The all-time classic, freshly baked scones with Corinthian raisins, clotted cream and handmade seasonal jams are not missing from the menu. 

 

Order the Tea Me Away daily between 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on +30 210 3330750 and it will be ready for you to pick up in 15 minutes! Enjoy your exclusive Afternoon Tea and allow us to bring some of the hotel's essence at home!

Served Daily | 12:00 – 20:00

 

Winter Garden City Lounge of Hotel Grande Bretagne brings its grandiose brunch experience to the heart of the city. Weekends at Winter Garden, curated by Executive Chef Asterios Koustoudis, returns featuring a renewed menu with fresh baked goods created daily basis in the new in-house bakery of the historic hotel. 

The journey begins with a lavish breadbasket including handmade sourdough creations inspired by talented Pastry Chef Alexandros Koufas. Freshly baked butter and chocolate croissants, brioche with oriental spices and fermented baguettini make a perfect match with the local fresh butter, homemade jams, vanilla and choco-hazelnut praline flavored creams as well as the Greek strained yogurt. These elegant delicacies excellently accompany a cup of coffee or tea or a glass of fresh juice. 

The experience is followed by an exquisite selection of special and signature dishes uniquely prepared by the hotel’s culinary team; starring smoked and marinated salmon with caviar and quail egg, spinach tart with gorgonzola and forest mushrooms, omelette with aged kasseri cheese, Florina pepper and prosciutto, homemade fresh pasta filled with veal, truffle sauce and bechamel with goat cheese as well as the all time favourite organic farm-fresh eggs ‘benedict’ with lobster, asparagus and ‘hollandaise’ sauce. 

A glass of French champagne under the soft sounds of Winter Garden’s warm embrace crafts the finest harmony while the masterpiece dessert creations of the menu seal the experience in the most delightful way. 

Sharing moments of relaxation and warm gatherings with friends and family has found refuge in Weekends at Winter Garden.   

 

SATURDAY & SUNDAY | 11.00-14.00

 

Every Wednesday and Thursday, visit the iconic Winter Garden and allow us to welcome you in the finest Jazz and Opera atmosphere.

-Jazzy Wednesdays every Wednesday | 19.30-22.30 

Every Wednesday a talented trio of Piano, Double bass and Saxophone and introduces you to the fine tones of the most renowned music genre.

-Opera Nights every Thursday | 19:30-22:30

The elegant ambiance of the Winter Garden City Lounge embraces the fine sounds of Opera and welcomes some of its most renowned repertoires. 

 

During festive days, our Executive Chef Asterios Koustoudis and Chefs de Cuisine Nikos Liokas and Nikos Leivadias, will once more enchant you with special menus created for you to experience unique culinary tastes with friends and family under the glittering view of Athens. Festive music will add a final touch to the celebratory atmosphere of every event. For more information on our festive celebrations at the GB Roof Garden  and Tudor Hall, please see here our Christmas Brochure 2022

For table reservations please contact our Xmas Desk on 2103330880 

or email at Grandebretagne.xmas@luxurycollection.com

FOUGARO ARTCENTER, rounding the circle of 10 years of creative life, is the place to be this year for the festive season in Nafplion!

With the first decorations already up, the ARTCENTER is poised to welcome young and old with a program, not only full of art and Christmas activities, but games and workshops, fairy tales and DAY CAMP, our festive menu, and lots of music.

We are marking our 10th anniversary by celebrating the art and magic of light.



From Sunday December 11, FOUGARO ARTCENTER will be hosting the spectacular light installation, Light CAN, across its outdoor spaces.

The installation is the work of the Beforelight group, the creators of numerous art shows in Greece now working in Nafplion, at our commission, for the first time. Inspired by the ARTCENTER’s former life as a canning factory, the installation visually experiments around the idea of the can.

CAFÈBISTROT will, as always, be putting on its best, lifting spirits with a special menu for the entire festive season, one in which local ingredients and festive character dominate.

As is the case every year, music will play a key role. On Saturday, December 17, the outstanding Blues performers, Jolly Jumper & Big Moe, will stage what promises to be an unmissable LIVE concert! And after that local bands with a festive program will be giving live performances at the FOUGARO ARTCENTER too.

Like the Anglo-Saxons consider Friday the 13th a bad luck day, Greeks have branded Tuesday the 13th as a day you’d rather stay home and avoid everything that might cause an accident.

The main reason Tuesday the 13th is not a very popular day has to do with Christian Orthodoxy and is linked to the fall of Constantinople on that fateful date.



Byzantine empire falls on Tuesday the 13th

The fall of the capital of the Byzantine Empire on Tuesday, April 13, 1204, to the Fourth Crusade was a bleak day for Hellenism.

However, Tuesday, May 29, 1453, was even worse, as Constantinople fell again, this time to the Ottoman Empire, followed by almost four hundred years of Ottoman rule across Greece and the subsequent loss of all Greek territories in Asia Minor.

Where does the thirteen come from on Tuesday, May 29? Just add the numbers of the year 1+4+5+3 for the full sum of 13.

However, there are other reasons Greeks disliked the number thirteen long before Constantinople and Byzantium.

Thirteen is a number that follows the perfection of the number twelve. In addition, the gods of Olympus were twelve, there are twelve months in a year, twelve hours in a day, twelve hours of the night, twelve labors of Hercules, and twelve signs of the zodiac.

Philip II of Macedonia offended the twelve gods and died right after he erected his statue next to the twelve gods.

As for Christian Greeks, the number twelve represents the number of apostles who spread the word of Christ. Also, the 13th chapter of Revelation speaks of the coming of the Antichrist.

Finally, superstitious Greeks dislike Tuesday because, in Greek, Tuesday is Triti, meaning Third, the third day of the week. Since bad luck comes in threes, there’s not much to like about Triti, or Tuesday.

Originally published on: greekreporter.com