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.

Events will include dance performances, concert, performances, screenings, discussions, educational programs, publications, parties, free events, retrospectives, new collaborations, and special platforms for professionals in the performing arts. "Our performances this year are politically orientated, in the sense that they place in front and center the challenges of living together in modern societies: the demand for democracy, justice, and inclusion, as well as the urgent need for public participation. This theme underscores our programming, from 260 Piraeus Street to the Odeon of Herodes Atticus (Herodion) and the ancient theaters at Epidaurus," the Festival's artistic director Katerina Evangelatou said. Dance will be performed at the Herodion again this year after an interim of a few years, with a performance by Anne Teresa de Keersmaeker's group Rosas. Performances at the theater in Athens will open and end with two opera productions by the Greek National Opera: Puccini's 'Tosca' and Verdi's 'Traviata', directed by Hugo de Ana and Constantine Rigos, respectively. Greek musicians' performances include ones by Dionyssis Savopoulous, Tania Tsanaklidou, and Mimis Plessas.

The CEO of the Athens Municipality's Development and Tourist Promotion Company (EATA), Ioannis Georgizas, said the programme was the result of close collaboration with a number of cultural and creative groups, as well as official bodies, with a series of events taking place in parks, squares, streets, museums and cultural spaces, with a focus on sustainability. The events kick off with the Athens Urban Picnic at Akadimia Platonos on May 1, featuring live music, dj sets and a kite show, among others. They include a festival dedicated to Mother's Day on May 12, a Street Outdoors Party at Koumoundourou Square on the same day, a story telling event on May 16, a skateboarding contest on May 18, a fashion show featuring traditional costumes at the Dora Stratou Theatre on May 19, a latin music festival (La Saramuya Fiesta) on May 26 and many other activities. The events end with the Athens All Star Party in the Lycabettus parking lot on June 2.

The 7-story building on the corner of Eleftheriou Venizelou and Kolokotrini streets has been given an upgrade to improve energy efficiency and undergone much-needed maintenance and repairs, though the new digital catalog is, perhaps, the latest addition that will improve the visitor experience most. According to an announcement from the Municipality of Piraeus, the library’s collection has also been enriched with new titles in all of its sections. The Piraeus Public Library is open on Mondays, Tuesday, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8.30 a.m. to 2.30 p.m. and on Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.  

In the period from 1st April to 31th October the iconic archaeological sites like the Acropolis, the Ancient and Roman Agora also stay open longer, allowing tourists to explore in cooler evening temperatures. From ancient artifacts to architectural wonders, Athens offers an unforgettable cultural experience for summer travelers. On summer nights with a full moon, various archaeological sites will be open well into the night to allow visitors to enjoy this unique experience.

The 4th Century B.C. artifact is a fragment of a funerary monument found in a streambed in the Attica suburb of Menidi and was delivered to the museum in November 2008 by a scrap collector.  The fragment depicts 2 bundled twin babies in the arms of a female figure and was probably part of a tombstone that would have been erected on the grave of a woman who died in childbirth.  It is the only surviving funerary relief of the ancient Greek world depicting twin babies in the same arms, which indicates their common fate. The “stele of the twin babies” will be on display at the NAM’s Altar Hall through Monday, May 13. More specifically, the Unseen Museum is the well-known exhibition project of the National Archaeological Museum of Athens that brings to the fore antiquities stored in its vaults away from the visitor’s eyes. The Unseen Museum presents for the first time the “ stele of the twin babies”. It is a fragment of a funerary monument found in a torrent at Menidi, Attica and delivered to the Museum in November 2008 by a destitute. The fragment preserves in relief two bundled twin babies in the arms of a female figure and is probably part of a tombstone that would have been erected on the grave of a woman who died in childbirth. This is the only surviving funerary relief of the ancient Greek world depicting twin babies in the same arms, which indicates their common fate as orphans. The “ stele of the twin babies” is presented in the “ Altar Hall” (no. 34) from Thursday, March 21 to Monday, May 13, 2024. Ticket reservations are necessary in order to attend the presentations that will be held on Sundays March 31, 14 and 28 April at 13:00 and on Wednesdays 10 and 24 April and 8 May at 13:00.

Previous director Hartwig Fischer resigned in August after the museum disclosed that more than 1,800 items were missing in an apparent case of insider theft. Many of the items had been offered for sale online. Mark Jones, former head of the Victoria and Albert Museum, has served as interim director since then. Cullinan will replace him in the summer. Cullinan has been director of the National Portrait Gallery since 2015, overseeing a major refurbishment of the building beside London’s Trafalgar Square. He has previously worked at Tate Modern in London and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. His appointment was approved by the British Museum’s trustees and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Cullinan said it was an honor to become director of “one of the greatest museums in the world.” He said he looked forward to leading the institution through “the most significant transformations, both architectural and intellectual, happening in any museum globally, to continue making the British Museum the most engaged and collaborative it can be.” The museum fired a longstanding curator, Paul Higgs, over the missing items, and is suing him in the High Court. Lawyers for the museum say Higgs “abused his position of trust” to steal ancient gems, gold jewelry and other pieces from storerooms over the course of a decade. Higgs, who worked in the museum’s Greece and Rome department for more than 2 decades, denies the allegations and intends to dispute the museum’s legal claim. The British Museum went to court Tuesday against a former curator alleged to have stolen hundreds of artifacts from its collections and offered them for sale online . The museum is suing Peter Higgs, who was fired in July 2023 after more than 1,800 items were discovered to be missing. Lawyers for the museum say Higgs “abused his position of trust” to steal ancient gems, gold jewelry and other pieces from storerooms over the course of a decade. High Court judge Heather Williams ordered Higgs to list or return any items in his possession within four weeks. She also ordered the disclosure of his eBay and PayPal records. The museum says it has recovered 356 of the missing items so far, and hopes to get more back. “The items that have been stolen from the museum are of cultural and historical significance,” museum lawyer Daniel Burgess said in written legal arguments. Burgess said the defendant tried to “cover his tracks” by using fake names, creating false documents, manipulating the museum’s records and selling artifacts at less than their value. He did not attend Tuesday’s hearing due to poor health, lawyers said. A separate police investigation into the case is ongoing, and Higgs has not been charged with a crime. Museum director Hartwig Fischer resigned after the loss of the items was revealed in August, apologizing for failing to take seriously enough a warning from an art historian that artifacts from its collection were being sold on eBay. Chairman of trustees George Osborne has acknowledged that the reputation of the 265-year-old institution has been damaged by the episode. The 18th-century museum in central London’s Bloomsbury district is one of Britain’s biggest tourist attractions, visited by 6 million people a year. They come to see a collection that ranges from Egyptian mummies and ancient Greek statues to Viking hoards, scrolls bearing 12th-century Chinese poetry and masks created by the Indigenous peoples of Canada. The 18th-century museum in central London’s Bloomsbury district is one of Britain’s biggest tourist attractions, visited by 6 million people a year. They come to see a collection that ranges from Egyptian mummies and ancient Greek statues to Viking hoards, scrolls bearing 12th-century Chinese poetry and masks created by the Indigenous peoples of Canada. The museum faces growing pressure over items taken from other countries during the period of the British Empire – especially the Parthenon Marbles, 2,500-year-old sculptures that were taken from Athens in the early 19th century by British diplomat Lord Elgin. Greece has campaigned for decades for the marbles to be returned. The British Museum is banned by law from giving the sculptures back to Greece, but its leaders have held talks with Greek officials about a compromise, such as a long-term loan. Those efforts suffered a setback in November, when a diplomatic spat erupted over the marbles, and Prime Minister Sunak abruptly canceled a planned meeting with his Greek counterpart, Kyriakos Mitsotakis. British Museum Chairman George Osborne said that with Cullinan’s appointment, the institution was entering “a new chapter in the long story of the British Museum with confidence, and back on the front foot.”