1974 & 1944: Athens Celebrates Its Freedom

The Municipality of Athens continues its celebratory program "1974 & 1944: Athens Celebrates its Freedom" with a variety of exhibitions, discussions, film screenings, music events, historical and theatrical tours, dance performances, and theatrical shows throughout the city center and its neighborhoods.

Having launched successfully in June and drawing large crowds throughout the summer, the program now extends into November, honoring two major anniversaries for the city: the 80th anniversary of the city's liberation from German occupation in 1944, and the 50th anniversary of the restoration of democracy in 1974. Through cultural and educational activities, the event offers a journey into the city’s rich historical memory, with the support of cultural organizations like the City of Athens Cultural, Sports and Youth Organization (OPANDA) and Technopolis.

At the heart of the celebration is the major historical exhibition "1974 & 1944: Athens Celebrates its Freedom" at the OPANDA Arts Center in Freedom Park, running until October 28. Visitors can explore more than 500 rare artifacts, including photographs, audiovisual materials, documents, artwork, and personal items that reflect the emotions Athenians experienced during the festive days of '44 and '74. There are free guided tours every Thursday evening and daily school tours aimed at cultivating historical awareness in young people. The exhibition, organized by Technopolis in collaboration with the Archives of Contemporary Social History (ASKI), Greece’s General State Archives, and the City of Athens Historical Archive, offers a deep dive into this pivotal period.

In October, the program will also include the dance segment "Athens Dances for its Freedom," featuring performances inspired by the exhibition. These site-specific works include "They Leave" by Prolet OCD (Oct. 13), "The Possibility of Democracy" by Creo Dance Company (Oct. 19), and others.

From September 26 to November 3, the Athens Municipal Gallery will host "The Restoration of Optimism," a visual arts exhibition focused on the themes of democracy and dialogue, featuring works from both established and contemporary artists. In a special event on November 1, students from the Greek State School of Dance will perform a dance interpretation of the exhibition, while the City of Athens Choir will perform on November 2. Another notable exhibit, "Democracy and Conflicts," runs from October 3 to November 17, delving into the meaning of democracy and the struggles that shaped it.

The commemoration also includes significant musical events, such as a free performance of Beethoven's opera "Fidelio" at the Olympia Municipal Music Theatre "Maria Callas" on October 12, mirroring a symbolic performance from 1944. On October 15, the Lycabettus Theater will host the grand concert "Nothing is Lost: 50 Years of Songs for a Better World," featuring beloved artists across generations.

Three major theatrical performances will further enrich the program, such as the immersive "Sketches from Korai 4, 1941-1944" in the underground space of Korai 4 and the moving "When the Statues Left" for young students. Historical and theatrical walking tours will guide participants through key landmarks and lesser-known stories of Athens’ fight for freedom.

The Freedom Park will host a series of public discussions on topics like the role of gender and sexuality during the post-dictatorship era, and the solidarity movements of 1967-1974. A rich lineup of documentaries will also be screened, including Michael Cacoyannis’ "Attila '74" and rare footage from the Greek Resistance.

Join Athens this fall in celebrating its history of struggle, liberation, and democracy through this multifaceted cultural program, where the past is brought to life and reexamined in today's context.