LIFE & CULTURE
XpatAthens
Refugee Women In Greece Find Relief In Soccer
The team members come from 14 different countries such as Syria, Afghanistan, Iran, and Ethiopia, which makes communication during soccer practice a challenge. At a recent practice, the team's founder Katerina Salta and her coach went through instructions with the help of a translator who speaks English, Urdu, Pashto, Dari, and Farsi.
"The atmosphere in the team is fantastic," Salta said. "I started this program to empower them but what actually happens is that every single day I get empowered by them — their will, their (determination) to continue trying for their lives even in such difficult conditions."
Hestia FC participated in the Global Goals World Cup in Denmark last month a five-a-side women's tournament that aims to promote gender equality. None of the migrant women were allowed to travel, and consequently, they were substituted by volunteers who agreed to play in their place. Unexpectedly, Hestia FC won the tournament.
To read this inspiring article in full, please visit: The Associated Press
About Hestia FC
Hestia FC is the first refugee and migrant women football team in Greece. It’s a program of the International Olympic Truce Centre in collaboration with the international NGO Eir, which takes action globally for the promotion of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) though sport.
The overall aim of the project which is under the Auspices of the City of Athens and the Council for the Social Inclusion of Refugees is the protection, the psychological well-being, the empowerment and the social integration of refugee and migrant women, as well as the promotion of the Olympic values and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through sport. Human rights based rules of a sport can help to replace culturally discriminative norms that exclude women from sport. By bringing people together, building communities and fighting attitudes of xenophobia, negative gender stereotypes and racism, sport has the potential to make an important contribution to the integration of refugees in the EU.
Since our ultimate aim is to fight against any kind of discrimination and promote equal access to sport for women in general, the team will also welcome Greek women with less opportunities in the near future.
Our vision is that like the ancient Greek goddess, Hestia FC will become a home, a refuge and that our players and supporters will raise their voices to support all vulnerable women.
Source: Hestia FC
Orchestra Nights In Technopolis
The City of Athens Music Ensembles, the Athens Big Band and the City of Athens Symphony Orchestra, will take to the Technopolis’ stage for the first time this year to introduce us to this new event, by taking us on a fascinating journey through musicals and soundtracks of unforgettable films that met with great success.
The playful character of the Pink Panther, the charming and mysterious James Bond, the cool private detective Peter Gunn, and the adrenaline-filled Tom Cruise back in the days when he was pulling off some “Missions Impossible” are being revived via compositions that bring to mind curiously half-open doors, small-time crooks, unsolved cases, and...hilarious blunders. On Thursday, July 18, the Athens Big Band, under the artistic direction of Sami Amiris, will put together a unique concert program taking us from the golden era of big bands through today. Accompanying scores for popular works of the Seventh Art and original compositions by, among others, Duke Ellington, Sammy Nestico, Ηorace Silver, John Clayton, Henri Mancini, and Matt Harris will call to mind all-time great movie scenes and beloved characters.
As it goes without saying that the love stories on the big screen have given us some of the greatest pieces of music of all times, an emotionally charged atmosphere is to be anticipated also on Friday, July 19, when the City of Athens Symphony Orchestra will perform the best movie soundtracks of the world cinema. Where do I begin? From the iconic love song from “Love Story” and “My Heart Will Go On”, the theme song from the Oscar-winning film “Titanic”, which we have all found ourselves quietly singing once or twice, to the dramatic ballet “Les amants de Teruel” by Mikis Theodorakis. Orchestral excerpts transferring us to the setting of Les Misérables and the years of Attik when the film “Hirokrotimata” was made, will be performed in new arrangements for symphony orchestra by Eleftherios Kalkanis, Louiza Antypa, Ilias Aggelou, and Giannis Tavlas with the participation of two up-and-coming soloists, the soprano Vanessa Kalkani and the tenor Stavros Salabasopoulos, under the instructions of musical director Eleftherios Kalkanis.
Two summer nights filled with cinema, atmospheric melodies and sheer emotion! The Orchestra Nights are just around the corner, free to attend! Are you gonna miss out on this one?
Elena - From Canada To Greece Building The Biggest Expat Community In The Country
Elena grew up in Toronto, Canada. She studied Art History & Classics at the University of Toronto and had a career in luxury sales and customer service until she took a leap of faith and moved to Greece to pursue a new life and her entrepreneurial dreams.
5 Things To Know About Elena
• Visionary
• Soulful Businesses
• Honesty and Gratitude
• Serenity Prayer
I grew up in a small family business - metal manufacturing factory - where I had to do just about everything from make morning coffee to answer sales calls to fill boxes and load trucks! Always having some involvement in the family business, in parallel I began working retail and this is where I learned the art of sales and customer service.
To be honest, I didn't really want to go to university, but my (wise) mother made me go and so I chose to study something that I loved. Something that I couldn't stop reading about, something I could spend hours on end learning more and more and more, something I was inspired by.
I knew that I had to be true to me and listen to exactly what I wanted; listen to my intuition and trust myself. I never really made a switch in careers as I loved what I was doing. I did however dream of creating my own company and moving to Greece. It took me about two years to make the country move possible and another few years to get adjusted to my new way of life in Greece and to finally make my entrepreneurial dream a reality.
There were many moments where I envisioned living in Greece and really thought about it as if it was already real, but there was a very distinct moment that I'll always remember when I made the decision. I was on a hill in Siena, Italy and I thought “This is what I want to see and live everyday of my life. I want to be surrounded by natural beauty and surrounded by everything that makes me feel alive every day.”
With a seed that was planted in my brain, that grew into a vision, that got translated into words on paper, that became a plan, that became a reality, that became work in progress, that became a business. It has taken a lot (really a lot) of strength, perseverance and determination and ultimately trusting myself to believe it is possible and that I can do it. It took me a good few years to make my vision a reality. Coming from an entrepreneurial family I have inherited that state of mind and my entrepreneurial endeavors have changed along the way as I evolved.
I currently run 2 businesses (and a busy household!) in the country I dreamed of living in, Greece.
I am working on growing and developing these businesses, which are both part of a bigger dream of mine.
Read Elena's full inspiring story on Guts & Tales.
Ancient Theater Comes Alive In 3 Prominent Athenian Locations
Starting on Friday, July 5, visitors to Athens will have the chance to experience ancient Greek theater at the Acropolis Museum, the Byzantine and Christian Museum, and the Ancient Agora. Named 'The Stones Speak' (Oi Petres Miloun), the program features a series of theater performances that aim to showcase Greek cultural heritage and blend Greek culture into tourism.
From July to October, a group of young actors will present world-class texts by Homer, Plato, Aristotle, Thucydides, Sophocles, and Aristophanes, every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 11:00 to 13:00. The performances will be carried out in French, English, and Greek.
The first performance will take place on July 5 at the Byzantine and Christian Museum. In September the performances will be held at the Ancient Agora and at the Acropolis Museum in October.
Admission to all events is free of charge.
To read this article in full, please visit: Greek Travel Pages
Nike Congratulates Giannis Antetokounmpo With Inspiring Video
However, the top of the NBA isn't the only peak he has conquered; at the top of Mount Olympus, the tallest point in Greece, Nike made an honorary gesture to celebrate the "Greek Freak" and his recent accomplishments.
For the video, Nike "placed" a basketball hoop at the highest peak in Greece. Written on the hoop is an inscription that reads, 'Fate can start you at the bottom. Dreams can take you to the top.'
With a height of approximately 9,577 feet, Olympus is an iconic location of Greek mythology, also known as the home of the ancient Greek gods.
Earlier this week, Nike released another inspiring video dedicated to Antetokounmpo, which has earned thousands of views on social media.
To read this article in full, please visit: The Pappas Post
Photo: Keith Allison | Wikimedia Commons
Athens Railway Museum Relocates To Historical Building In Piraeus
The Athens Railway Museum has recently moved from the city center to a former train depot in Piraeus that dated back to 1912.
The depot, that is locally known as Rotonda, was chosen as the museum’s new home recently in an initiative of the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) and the Railway Friends Association.
According to the Hellenic Railways Organization (OSE), the museum’s relocation to the historical building of Rotonda is the first step in an ambitious plan to promote the country’s rich railway heritage.
At the new railway museum, visitors can see old cars and engines dating back to the mid-1800, industrial and technical equipment, as well as a display of part of the company’s rich historical archive. Among the most impressive exhibits are the royal carriage, a carriage used by a sultan, and old tram cars.
To read this article in full, please visit: ekatimerini.com
The Roads of Friendship - Athens & Epidaurus Festival
Under Muti’s baton, Italian and Greek musicians and choristers will collectively present Beethoven’s ever-popular Symphony No. 9, appealing to the sentiment of brotherhood that is the hallmark of Ode to Joy.
For more events of the Athens & Epidaurus Festival click HERE!
XpatAthens is proud to be a Media Sponsor Of the Athens & Epidaurus Festival
Athens & Epidaurus Festival - July Events
Greece’s foremost cultural festival and one of the oldest performing arts festivals in Europe (1955), the Athens & Epidaurus Festival annually presents numerous theatre, dance, and music artists, acclaimed in Greece and worldwide, attracting large audiences from around the world!
Here are some of our favorite events and performances taking place during July!
Stones Speak
The works of ancient Greek philosophers are presented in three languages (Greek, English, French) in the form of theatre events held at major museums and archaeological sites in Athens!
Hours and dates: Friday, Saturday & Sunday 11:00-13:00
Where: Major museums & archaeological sites
Tickets: Free
A tribute to cello
Inspired by the internationally acclaimed cellist Yo-Yo Ma, who will perform at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus on June 30, Young Greek Classics will feature the work of young, already accomplished Greek cellists and other talented musicians, in what will prove to be a fascinating and high-quality program.
Dates & Hours: July 1st, 3rd, 4th at 21:00
Tickets: € 5
Where: Athens Conservatoire
Kypseli – New Kids on the Block
Pantelis Flatsousis undertakes a unique project linked to this year’s Festival’s tribute to children. Based on narratives by children living in Kypseli, this performance will shed light on the everyday life and history of this neighborhood through the eyes of children of various ethnic
Dates & Hours: From July 1st until July 4th at 20:30
Where: 15th High School of Kypseli
Tickets provided on a first-come-first-served basis.
Against Freedom
Vassilis Mavrogeorgiou, a popular actor, writer and director, chose this play for its subversive style, which at times reads as a contemporary version of the Theatre of the Absurd. Mavrogeorgiou focuses on the characters’ sense of loneliness and desolation, the sense that humanity bids farewell to the old world.
Dates & Hours: July 2nd, 3rd, 4th at 21:00 & July 5th at 18:00
Where: Peiraios 260
Tickets: From € 5
Love Story
What kind of stories are we willing to listen to? What kind of stories move us? Why is it that viewers who will weep when watching movies will remain unmoved in the face of real-life human suffering? This seven-channel video-installation by the South African artist Candice Breitz interrogates the mechanisms of identification and empathy.
Dates & Hours: From May 30th until July 7th at 19:00
Where: Peiraios 260
Tickets: Free
Men and women of all age groups, former drug addicts, take us along on a tour through public spaces, employing sound narratives and documents, charting and mapping out the city in their own, unique way.
Where: Odeon of Herodes Atticus
Tickets: From € 15
Sophocles’ masterpiece and arguably the ancient Greek tragedy par excellence begins with a mystery. The city of Thebes is afflicted with the plague. King Oedipus wants to know why this is the case.
Where: Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus
Tickets: From € 5
Where: Peiraios 260
Tickets: Free
The Museum of Greek Children’s Art at the Athens Festival
Dates & Hours: From May 31st until July 17th at 19:00
Where: Peiraios 260
Tickets: Free - Sign up required in advance
Iphigenia in Aulis by Euripides
One of Euripides’ late plays, it was written between 408 and 406 BC and presented posthumously at the Great Dionysia, where it won first prize. The tragedy focuses on the fateful decision of Agamemnon, commander of the Greek forces, to sacrifice his daughter, Iphigenia.
Dates & Hours: July 19 & 20 at 21:00
Where: Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus
Tickets: From €5
Electra / Orestes
This performance marks the first time ever that the oldest active theatre company in the world will perform at the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus.
Dates & Hours: July 26 & 27 at 21:30
Where: Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus
Tickets: From € 10
Picasso and Antiquity. Line and Clay
In the exhibition Picasso and Antiquity. Line and Clay, rare Picasso works, depicting sea creatures, animals, human figures, mythological episodes, scenes inspired from ancient tragedies and comedies, find themselves juxtaposed with ancient artifacts, thus creating a true “Divine Dialogue.”
Dates: From May 20th until October 20th at 10:00
Where: Museum of Cycladic Art
Tickets: Visit cycladic.gr
Opening Hours: Monday - Wednesday - Friday - Saturday: 10:00 - 17:00
Thursday: 10:00 - 20:00
Sunday: 11:00 - 17:00
Tuesday: closed
Navarino Challenge 2019 Goes Green
“Navarino Challenge” allows participants to be informed and involved in its activities to support the sacred goal of combating childhood obesity through exercise and awareness of the benefits of a Mediterranean diet.
With a view to adopting a more eco-friendly strategy, the organizers: a) have declared the start and end points of the Navarino Dunes runways as strictly smoke-free areas, b) have declared the beautiful Voidokilia beach, through which the runners cross, as strictly plastic-free, c) will offer participants an eco-friendly bag by Luanvi, event’s official sports supplier.
This year, the event will further promote charity by supporting: a) the Institute of Preventive Medicine, Environmental and Occupational Health, Prolepsis with a program on Food Aid and Promotion of Healthy Nutrition, DIATROFI.
Additionally, Captain Vasilis and Carmen Konstantakopoulos Foundation will support b) WWF Hellas and c) Karkinaki.
All participants can contribute any sum they wish through the GivenGain online platform. As part of this year’s “Navarino Challenge”, Barney Spender and Roddy Gibson’s award-winning documentary “The Road to Sparta” that recounts the effort of four runners, including that of Greek-American ultramarathon Dean Karnazes (who participated with the Navarino Challenge Support Team) to run the “Sparthathlon” race, will be screened at the Agora, Costa Navarino, on Friday, October 11.
Register for Navarino Challenge 2019 today!
Running routes
Participants can choose between the top-of-the-range Ford Go Further Greek Half- Marathon (21.1km), 10km by PlantBox, and 5km (running & dynamic walking). Starting from the Navarino Dunes of Costa Navarino, professional and amateur athletes will run along the coast to Pylos, crossing the beautiful Voidokilia beach, following the Homeric trail that Telemachos traced for Odysseus in King Nestor’s land. It is the only trail run that combines soil, sand and asphalt.
On the same day, the children’s 1km course will take place. The routes have been planned by the former marathon runner, current classic marathon course national record holder, running coach and director of All About Running, Nikos Polias. The event includes race timing for all runners.
The olive tree, a key symbol of Ancient Greece, the Olympic Games, of the Mediterranean diet, and of Messinia in particular, is given its due place of honour at Navarino Challenge. Peloponnese-based PlantBox, the award-winning team at the Athens Startup Awards, will offer an original olive tree package to each participant. Participants will also receive 2 high quality cosmetics by Messinian Spa, a range of cosmetics based on Kalamata olive oil and other natural Greek products.
Enjoy the uniqueness of the running routes in the following video!
Learn more details about the route of the Ford Go Further Greek Half-Marathon in the following video!
Accommodation Packages at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino Navarino Challenge participants who have booked their package at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino, taking part in the main events (running, swimming) can also enjoy the full program that includes more than 20 sporting activities. The first 50 to book their package at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino stand a chance to win free participation at the Authentic Athens Marathon 5km race on Sunday, November 10, 2019.
More information on accommodation packages can be found here!
Pre-sale is also available online via www.viva.gr or by phone at 11876 as well as at all Viva pre-sale points. For more information on accommodation packages in the region visit VitaNTravel: http://vitantravel.gr/
Samsung is the official technology partner for another year. Official sponsors of the event are Ford Motor Hellas and the Natural Mineral Water “Vikos”.
Luanvi is the official sports supplier of the event for one more year.
Official supporters are Poseidonia, Municipality of Pylos-Nestor and PlantBox. Messinian Spa is the Official Beauty Partner for the first time.
Partners of the event are Pylos Poems, Fysiotek Sports Lab, Athens Easy Transfers. Avance Rent A Car is the official rental partner.
National Geographic is the strategic partner of the event and 24 Media its premium media partner. “Navarino Challenge” has joined the Greek actions of the #BeactiveHellas 2019 program of the European Commission and is under the auspices of the General Secretariat of Sports.
The event is held under the auspices of the Greek National Tourism Organization with the approval of the Hellenic Swimming Federation. Navarino Challenge is co-organized by Costa Navarino, The Westin Resort Costa Navarino and Active Media Group with the support of the Municipalities of Pylos- Nestor and Trifilia. Athletic Partners: Explore Messinia, FitnessArt, Navarino Golf Academy, Navarino Outdoors, Navarino Racquet Academy, Pilates by Mandy, Red Swim Academy, Swim Academy, Triantafyllidis Beach Arena, Vizantinos target sport club Assisted by: Karalis City Hotel & Spa, Karalis Beach Hotel, Lifeguard Patrol, Pylos Association of Enterprises for Tourism Development, Maritime Athletic Pylos Association “Nestor”, Target Security, METAXA, The Blue Beetle, Fever-Tree, NoS, Southern Comfort 3
Hashtags: #navarinochallenge #costanavarino #sportsunitepeople #eatwell #runwell #livewell
Photo credit: Elias Lefas
Full Moon Fiesta In Technopolis: A Summer Date With Katerine Duska & Minor Project
Are you looking for a place to view the full moon from? Look no further! Full Moon Fiesta, the summer festival that has become something of an institution, is coming for the 4th consecutive year at Technopolis City of Athens. Prepare yourselves for a date under the full moonlight! Right before our summer vacation, on a working day, we set off on a fantastic journey and plunge into the most entertaining party of the city. On Wednesday, 17 July 2019, Katerine Duska, Minor Project, and Matina Sous Peau are coming with a batch of fresh sounds and dance songs to keep us cool in the heat of the summer and travel us to exotic destinations for a while...And guess what! We won’t be even needing a ticket!
20:00 | Matina Sous Peau Dj set
21:15 | Minor Project
22:30 | Katerine Duska
Earlier the same night, the band Minor Project with its indie-oriented crossover repertoire consisting of songs with both English and Greek lyrics will add to the amazing musical combo of the Full Moon Fiesta. Minor Project’s songs give off a nostalgic cinematic vibe that brings summer images and carefree days to mind. All of us got the tune of the dreamy “In Colors” stuck in our heads at some point, thus explaining why it remained in the top 3 on the Shazam and itunesGR charts for so long! The band has teamed up with many distinguished artists and takes us on a trip out on the sea with songs such as “Ekdromi”, the result of a special collaboration with Dimitra Galani, and “From Folegandros to Kos”. Minor Project have become a firm favourite with radio listeners and audiences who have seen them perform live and they will be joining us this summer night at Technopolis to talk to us about our very favourite colors and unexpected journeys.
The fiesta will open with a super groovy dj set by Matina Sous Peau who returns to Technopolis after the unforgettable Let’s be late! dance event that took place in March at the Industrial Gas Museum. She promises once again to get us singing and moving along her creative mashups and our beloved dance hits. The DJ/music producer, who has managed to win over the Greek audience at jam-packed parties taking place across Athens, could not be absent from the ultimate summer event! Sweet summer vibes, full moon, music, your friends, and... a super festive mood are waiting for you at the Full Moon Fiesta! Unless you are already on an island, you can’t miss it!
Access: Metro: “Kerameikos” station, Trolley-Bus: No. 21 (from Omonia square),
“Fotaerio” stop, Bus: 049, 815, 838, 914, Β18, Γ18, “Fotaerio” stop
