Think you know your Greek? Read it in Greek here: Η Αθήνα Φωτίζεται για τα Χριστούγεννα
City is lighting up – Big Celebration in Syntagma square
Hello my lovely Greek learners and travellers!
If you are in Athens right now, you can already feel the Christmas magic spreading through the streets, from Ermou to Panepistimiou and Stadiou, just like Greeks do every year.
But, the big event is still ahead of us. The lighting of the big Christmas tree in Syntagma square!
And it’s happening tomorrow, Thursday 27 November, with the Municipality of Athens preparing a full celebration!
So, let’s see what will happen:
Christmas Celebration in Syntagma square
17:00
The evening will start with Christmas melodies from the Big Band of Municipality of Athens, keeping alive the festive sounds that come from Greek Christmas carols and Kalanta traditions.
18:00
The Philarmonic Orchestra of the Municipality of Athens will parade from the fountain on Ermou street up to Syntagma square.
19:30
Haris Doukas, the Mayor of Athens will give the signal for the Christmas tree to be lit and for this year’s festive decorations to be revealed.
18:30 – 20:30
Panos Mouzourakis (greek singer) will present a spectacular live show mixing his greatest hits with covers.
Participating musicians:
Παύλος Καλτουρουμίδης – Keys
Δημήτρης Καλονάρος – Drums
Δημήτρης Φροσύνης – Bass
Αλέξανδρος Πουλιάσης – Guitar
Δημήτρης Καραγιάννης – Saxophone
Διονύσης Κοκόλης – Trumpet
and the Children’s Choir of the 2nd and 3d Primary Schools of Papagou και η Παιδική Χορωδία των 2ου και 3ου (Teaching and direction: Θωμάς Κοντογεώργης)
Hosts of the evening: Κρατερός Κατσούλης and Ντόρα Μακρυγιάννη.
The event will also be interpreted in Greek Sign language by interpreter Πολύβιος Κοσμάτος ensuring it is accessible and inclusive for everyone.
The Christmas Tree
The Christmas Tree is already in Athens!
It is a 19 -meter deep green fir tree that travelled from Chrisovitsi, Arkadia, with permission from the Vytina Forest Authority.
Red and gold ornaments, illuminated plexiglass decorations in different shapes and 3.000 meters of lights create a warm and festive atmosphere. In total, 21.000 meters of garland -that’s 168.000 lights – will decorate both the tree and the Square.
After the Holidays, the tree will be donated to the Athens School of Fine Arts, where it will be repurposed as material for wood-curving projects by the students.
Let’s end on a sparkly note
If you’re in Athens, don’t miss it!
The city comes alive the moment tree lights up and Syntagma square turns into the heart of the whole celebration. Go for the show, stay for the atmosphere!
Source: Municipality of Athens
Want to challenge your Greek? Check out the Greek version: Η Αθήνα Φωτίζεται για τα Χριστούγεννα
