But even Eurovision can’t escape the world’s divisions. Thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters are also expected in the city for demonstrations urging a cease-fire in the Gaza war and criticizing Israel’s participation in the contest. Here’s a guide to what Eurovision means, how it works and what to watch for: What is Eurovision? The short answer: Eurovision is a music competition, in which performers from countries across Europe, and a few beyond it, compete under their national flags with the aim of being crowned continental champion. Think of it as the Olympics of pop music.   The longer answer is that Eurovision is an extravaganza that melds pop, partying and politics — a cross between a music festival, an awards show and a meeting of the United Nations Security Council. It’s an event full of silly fun, a celebration of music’s unifying power, but also a place where politics and regional rivalries play out. How does it work? Thirty-seven countries are entered in the contest, which this year is taking place over several days in the Swedish port city of Malmo. The country is hosting after Swedish singer Loreen won last year’s competition in Liverpool, England. Through two semifinals, 37 acts have been narrowed to the 26 who will compete in Saturday’s final in front of thousands of spectators in the Malmo Arena and a global television audience estimated at 180 million. Nations can enter a solo act or a band. They can perform in any genre and language, but the rules state they must sing live and songs must be no more than three minutes long. Staging has grown ever more elaborate, incorporating flashy pyrotechnics and elaborate choreography. This year is particularly strong on topless male dancers.   Once all the acts have performed, the winner is chosen by a famously complex mix of phone and online voters from around the world and rankings by music-industry juries in each of the Eurovision countries. As the results are announced, countries slide up and down the rankings and tensions build. Ending up with “nul points,” or zero, ranks as a national humiliation. The musical style of Eurovision has diversified dramatically since the contest was founded in 1956. The early years of crooners and ballads gave way to perky pop – epitomized by perhaps the greatest Eurovision song of all time, ABBA’s “Waterloo,” which won the contest 50 years ago. Nowadays, Euro-techno and power ballads remain popular, but viewers have also shown a taste for rock, folk-rap and eccentric, unclassifiable songs. Who are the favorites? According to bookmakers, a leading contender is Swiss singer Nemo, who is performing a melodic, operatic song titled “The Code.” Nemo would be the first performer who identifies as nonbinary to win the contest, which has a huge LGBTQ+ following. The contest had its first transgender winner, Dana International, a quarter century ago. Another nonbinary performer generating huge buzz is Ireland’s Bambie Thug, whose song “Doomsday Blue” is Gothic, intense, over the top and a real crowd-pleaser. They’re the only contestant known to have brought a “scream coach” to Malmo. Ireland has won Eurovision seven times – a total equaled only by Sweden – but has fared poorly in recent years. Other acts tipped to do well include operatic Slovenian singer Raiven, Ukrainian rap-pop duo Alyona Alyona and Jerry Heil and Spain’s Nebulosa, whose song “Zorra” caused a stir because its title can be translated as an anti-female slur. So far, the act with the most momentum is Croatian singer Baby Lasagna. His song “Rim Tim Tagi Dim” is quintessential Eurovision: exuberant, silly, a little emotional and incredibly catchy. It’s already a huge fan favorite. Why are some people protesting? Eurovision’s motto is “united by music,” and its organizer, the European Broadcasting Union, strives to keep politics out of the contest. But it often intrudes. Belarus was expelled from Eurovision in 2021 over its government’s clampdown on dissent, and Russia was kicked out in 2022 after its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. This year, there have been calls for Israel to be excluded because of its conduct in its war against Hamas. Israel is competing, but was told to change the title of its song, originally called “October Rain” in apparent reference to Hamas’ October 7 cross-border attack. It’s now called “Hurricane” and is performed by 20-year-old singer Eden Golan. Thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators marched through Malmo on Thursday, hours before Golan performed at Thursday’s semifinal, and was one of 10 acts voted through to the final by Eurovision viewers. Another demonstration is planned for Saturday. Swedish police have mounted a major security operation, with officers from across the country bolstered by reinforcements from Denmark and Norway. Palestinian flags hang from some apartment balconies in Malmo but have been banned from the televised event, along with all flags apart from those of competing nations. At the first semifinal one performer managed to sneak in a political statement, singing with a Palestinian keffiyeh scarf tied around his wrist. The European Broadcasting Union, which organizes Eurovision, said it regretted Swedish singer Eric Saade’s decision to “compromise the non-political nature of the event.”

In particular, Croatia is considered the favorite with "Ram tim tagi dim", in second place is Switzerland with "The Code", in third place is Ukraine with "Teresa & Maria". Greece appears in ninth place. And while the "bets" for the big winner of the competition continue, the time is counting down for tonight's Second Semi-Final, which will be broadcast at 22.00. Greece will compete in 3rd place, while only 10 entries will qualify. In the Second Semi-Final, from the "Big Five" France, Italy and Spain appear and vote, which qualify directly. It is reminded that the grand final will take place on Saturday, May 11.

Greek Easter, known as "Pascha," is one of the most important religious holidays in Greece, celebrated with great enthusiasm and deep-rooted traditions. With its blend of religious rituals, cultural customs, and festive gatherings, Greek Easter offers a unique and memorable experience for both locals and visitors alike. Holy Week Observances The week leading up to Easter Sunday, known as Holy Week or "Megali Evdomada," is marked by various religious observances and customs. From Palm Sunday to Holy Saturday, churches across Greece hold special services and processions commemorating the events of Christ's Passion and Resurrection. Epitaphios Processions One of the most solemn and poignant traditions of Greek Easter is the Epitaphios procession held on Good Friday evening. An elaborately decorated bier, representing the tomb of Christ, is carried through the streets of towns and villages, accompanied by candlelit processions, hymns, and prayers. Midnight Resurrection Service Easter Saturday culminates in the Resurrection service, known as the "Anastasi." Just before midnight, churches are filled with worshippers holding unlit candles. As the clock strikes midnight, the priest announces, "Christos Anesti" (Christ is Risen), and the congregation responds with "Alithos Anesti" (Truly He is Risen). The church bells ring, fireworks light up the sky, and the faithful exchange the Easter greeting of "Christos Anesti" throughout the night. Easter Sunday Feast Following the Resurrection service, families gather for the traditional Easter feast. The centerpiece of the meal is "Magiritsa," a soup made from lamb offal, lettuce, and herbs, symbolizing the end of Lent. Roast lamb, red-dyed eggs, "Tsoureki" (Easter bread), and a variety of traditional dishes grace the festive table as loved ones come together to celebrate the joyous occasion. Red Egg Tradition A beloved Easter custom in Greece is the cracking of red-dyed eggs, symbolizing the blood of Christ and the renewal of life. Family and friends engage in friendly egg-cracking contests, with the last uncracked egg believed to bring good luck for the year ahead. Traditional Dances and Celebrations Greek Easter is also a time for music, dance, and merriment. In many villages and towns, traditional folk dances, such as the "Syrtos" and "Kalamatianos," are performed, accompanied by live music and singing. Street festivals, feasts, and outdoor celebrations further enliven the festive atmosphere, drawing locals and visitors alike to join in the revelry. ___ Greek Easter is a vibrant and deeply spiritual celebration that unites communities and generations in joyous observance of faith and tradition. From solemn religious rituals to lively cultural festivities, the richness of Greek Easter traditions reflects the enduring spirit of the Greek people and their enduring faith.

The event at the Panathenaic Stadium (Kallimarmaro) was presented by Nikos Aliagas. Globally recognized singer Nana Mouskouri performed the National Anthems of Greece and France. The Olympic Flame arrived at the Panathenaic Stadium carried by champion racewalker, Antigoni Drisbioti. The last torchbearer was the captain of the Men's National Water Polo Team, Giannis Fountoulis, along with his teammates, who won the silver medal at the Olympic Games in Tokyo. The Olympic Flame will stay overnight at the French embassy and will be carried on Saturday aboard the French trireme 'Belem', bound for the port of Marseille, where it is expected to arrive on May 8, received by the French swimmer and first torchbearer on French soil, Florent Manaudou. It is worth noting that the Olympic Flame was lit in Ancient Olympia on April 16.  

The concert had been organized in May last year under the previous municipal administration, headed at the time by ruling New Democracy’s Kostas Bakoyannis. It had been scheduled to take place on April 29 at the Olympia Theater in downtown Athens. Doukas’ decision was a response to a written appeal from the association representing the Athens Municipality’s musicians, who expressed concern that going ahead with the concert “may not be safe for the performers or the audience,” given the latest developments in Israel’s war against Hamas and other recent  conflicts. In a tweet on Tuesday, Health Minister and ND heavyweight Adonis Georgiadis lashed out at the mayor, saying that the decision to cancel the concert was “proof of how completely unsuitable” Doukas is for the post. Georgiadis also scoffed at the election of Doukas – a professor at the National Technical University of Athens who ran with the support of Socialist PASOK –  in October, saying that he was chosen “by a disparate coalition of voters of the Far Left, PASOK, and voters of [far-right Ilias] Kasidiaris chiefly on the basis of ensuring that Kostas Bakoyannis would not be re-elected.”

In his greeting, Dendias referred to George Gordon Byron’s special relationship with Greece and his contribution to the struggle for Greek independence. Dendias concluded his address by reading verses from Byron’s poem “The Isles of Greece.” Byron, who is revered in Greece as one of the great philhellenes, died in Mesolongi on April 19, 1824. [Defense Ministry/AMNA]

Activities for the whole family, fine gastronomy and customs that are revived in the truest Greek celebration, accompany the charofolio of services that visitors will encounter. Those who choose Corfu Imperial and Eva Palace in Corfu, in addition to the custom of Botis, will have the exclusive opportunity to experience a magical Resurrection and an unforgettable feast for Easter Sunday at Danilia, as it only happens in Corfu. In Kyllini and Mandola Rosa Easter is combined with sports activities, while for those who want an authentic Cretan feast, in Rethymno the Creta Palace, the boutique Plaza Beach House, the Club Marine Palace & Aqua Park in Panormo and Amirandes in Heraklion have started to accept bookings for the Easter period. Finally, the custom of "Kiss of Love" will be revived at Cape Sounio, with chugging and filets. For this Easter, Grecotel, as highlighted in the announcement, is offering free accommodation for children up to 12 years old.

The oenochoe has a trefoil-shaped mouth and a cover, and is dated to 620-600 BC. Traces of the decoration around its neck are still visible. The vessel had been given to the August Kestner Museum by geology professor Hannfrit Putzer in 1986. It was accompanied by a letter of provenance, which said it had been handed over to him after being discovered by Germans in 1943 during excavations at the southernmost end of the Corinth Canal. The vessel was also accompanied by a description of the trench and its position in it. Commenting on the return of the antiquity, Culture Minister Lina Mendoni said, "The August Kestner Museum joins the group of international museums that have in recent years made great efforts to investigate provenance issues of artifacts in their collections. These (are) museums whose officials have the courage to publicize the results of their research and return to Greece the objects they have determined are linked to illegal acts. The Municipality of Hanover, in its commitment to return cultural artifacts that were stolen during the Nazi occupation to their legal owners, is returning this object of antiquity to Greece. The decision of the Municipality of Hanover and the August Kestner Museum is actual proof of their wish to contribute to the restoration of the damage Greece's cultural heritage suffered, but also to defend the reputation of the August Kestner Museum.  "The Greek state, in the first years after the end of the war, expended systematic effort to locate and repatriate the antiquities that were looted by occupying forces. This indefatigable effort continues to the present by the relevant Directorate for Documentation and Protection of Cultural Property at the Ministry of Culture, bearing fruit consistently. Museums such as the August Kestner one that assume such initiatives are our valuable allies in this effort. I express my sincere thanks to Mayor Belit Onay, Museum Director Anne Gemeinhardt, Greek Consul General in Hamburg Ioannis Vikelidis, and the Ministry staff members who worked for the repatriation of the oenochoe." The oenochoe's provenance was researched by Dr Johannes Schwarz, who was assigned by the Museum the research into the provenance of its objects. The Museum also reached out to the ministry's Directorate of Documentation for the archaeological excavation background. The entire process took two years, until the vessel was handed over by the mayor to the Greek consul general in a ceremony at the Museum in Hanover on Monday that included ministry and Museum officials and members of the local Greek community as well.  

The Batsheva Ensemble is the younger wing of the larger Batsheva Dance Company, Israel’s premier contemporary dance company. They were originally scheduled to perform in Athens from April 12-14th, 2024. “We regret to inform you that we will not be able to travel to Athens for our production scheduled last year for safety reasons. We hope to reschedule our performances soon. With hope for better days and peace,” the dance company said in a statement posted on the Athens Concert Hall website. Ticket holders can contact the Megaron box office at 210 7282333 or tickets@megaron.gr for a refund.

This article shines a light on ten contemporary Greek literary voices, each weaving stories that connect the ancient with the modern, the global with the deeply personal. Their works invite readers into a world where myth meets reality, challenging and enriching our understanding of life itself. Explore with us the vibrant spectrum of modern Greek literature: Nikos Kazantzakis Perhaps the most famous Greek writer of the 20th century, Kazantzakis is known for novels like "Zorba the Greek" and "The Last Temptation of Christ". His works often explore existential themes and the human condition.   Constantine P. Cavafy A major figure in 20th-century poetry, Cavafy's work is characterized by its historical imagery and deep philosophical insights. His poems, such as "Ithaca", are celebrated worldwide for their eloquence and depth.   George Seferis A Nobel laureate in Literature, Seferis is known for his poetry that merges classical Greek tradition with modernist trends. His work reflects on themes of identity, exile, and the passage of time. Odysseas Elytis Another Nobel Prize-winning poet, Elytis is celebrated for his lyrically rich and optimistic poetry, which often explores themes of beauty, love, and the Greek landscape. Elias Venezis Known for his novels and memoirs, Venezis' works often reflect his experiences during the Asia Minor Catastrophe. His book "Number 31328", a memoir of his time in a labor battalion, is particularly poignant. Yannis Ritsos One of the most prolific Greek poets, Ritsos' work is characterized by its accessibility and engagement with political and social themes, often reflecting his own experiences with political oppression. Vassilis Vassilikos Best known for his novel "Z", which was later adapted into an Academy Award-winning film, Vassilikos is a prominent figure in contemporary Greek literature, often exploring themes of political corruption and injustice. Alki Zei A prominent children's author, Zei's works often tackle complex issues like war, dictatorship, and social injustice, making them accessible and relatable to younger audiences. Petros Markaris A leading figure in Greek crime fiction, Markaris is known for his detective series featuring the character Costas Haritos. His novels often explore contemporary social and political issues in Greece. _____ These modern Greek authors, with their diverse styles and thematic explorations, offer a rich and varied perspective of Greek life, culture, and philosophy, contributing significantly to the global literary canon.

The spray paint has now been removed from the statue, however the image of the iconic Athenian Trilogy of neoclassical 19th century buildings on Panepistimiou is a disheartening one. The adjacent University of Athens building remains scarred with damages to most of the monuments that surround it, while the Academy of Athens maintains a protection shield of sheet metal. The three buildings are the most valuable architectural symbol for the formation of national identity during the 19th century. The graffiti, tagging, paint tossing and looting of recent days of the showcase of Athenian neoclassicism is indicative of weakness, reluctance and audacity. It is a political issue as the administrations, the rectory, and the municipality do not seem to have a consistent and unyielding policy against vandalism. The protection of these monuments is an extremely complicated issue that touches on issues of public order, delinquency and the protection of civil rights.

Their tour commenced in the themed rooms, offering visitors the opportunity to experience interpretations by the globally acclaimed soprano. Subsequently, they explored the exhibition area, which showcases texts, objects, and rare archival documents that illuminate the trajectory of her life and career. Concluding their visit both penned their impressions of the tour in the museum's visitor book.