Germany’s caretaker government, led by Olaf Scholz, has reportedly blocked the potential export of Eurofighter jets to Turkey, citing the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu as an attack on Turkish democracy. The move underscores rising tensions and Germany’s key role in defense exports within the Eurofighter consortium.
Greek music star Katerina Lioliou celebrated her 31st birthday on April 17, 2025, with a joyful cake-cutting moment that lit up social media. Born in Thessaloniki, the singer with 426,636 monthly Spotify listeners rose to fame on The Voice of Greece in 2014, wowing coaches with her rendition of Aerosmith’s “Dream On.” From her early days with Chic ‘n’ Blues at the School Wave Festival to hit singles like I Diki Mou I Trela, Lioliou’s journey continues to captivate fans.
Erica Kontos, a Greek-American Senior Director at the NBA, has been named to Forbes 30 Under 30 for her role in securing groundbreaking global media deals. Blending cultural pride with innovative leadership, she’s expanding basketball’s reach while inspiring women in the sports industry.
On Good Friday, the coastal villages of Greece’s Peloponnese transform into scenes of profound faith as the Epitaphios, a symbolic bier of Christ, is carried into the sea. In Loutraki, Tolo, Kitries, Agios Andreas, and Tyros, fishermen guide the sacred procession through the waves under flickering candlelight and bursts of fireworks. From Tolo’s Cretan-inspired rites to Tyros’ sea of lanterns honoring lost sailors, these unique traditions weave spirituality with the region’s deep maritime heritage, captivating locals and visitors alike.
Examination of the letters indicates that the style most closely matches that of the 1st century AD, while the language used and historical context indicates the edict was made about 41-44 AD, when Claudius became Emperor of Rome and his friend Herod Agrippa I was king of Judea.
“On April 18th, 1821, the island of Samos officially declared its participation in the burgeoning Greek Revolution against the Ottoman Empire. This act, fueled by a long-standing desire for liberation and inspired by the uprisings on the mainland, marked a significant moment in the island’s history and contributed decisively to the wider struggle for Greek independence.”
Olympiacos, Greece’s reigning champions, are set to join Europe’s football elite in the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League League Phase. After Bodø/Glimt’s failure to defeat Lazio in their Europa League quarter-final, Olympiacos are virtually assured a spot among the 36 teams, with only improbable scenarios involving Rangers or an unexpected Champions League winner standing in their way.
On Holy Thursday, April 17, 2025, over 92,000 vehicles streamed out of Attica as Greeks began their Easter holiday travels. With minor delays on key routes like Athens and Kifisou Avenues, the exodus surpassed last year’s figures, signaling a bustling start to the festive season. Authorities expect the final wave of travelers to depart Friday morning.
Athens public transportation services will operate on modified schedules from Holy Friday, April 18, through Wednesday, April 23, due to the Easter holiday. Changes include earlier last train and tram departures on Holy Saturday, adjusted bus and trolley timetables, and potential additional routes to major travel hubs. Passengers are advised to plan ahead.
Accor’s Handwritten Collection welcomes its first Greek hotel, Rocca a Mare Heraklion, a 36-room Cretan gem blending modern luxury with local charm. As part of Accor’s expanding European portfolio, this milestone highlights the potential for Greece’s boutique hotels to gain global recognition while preserving their unique identity.
Good Friday, a solemn day for Christians, marks the crucifixion of Jesus Christ with mourning, fasting, and reflection. Across Greece, children sing laments, while churches hold the Service of the Unnailing and the Epitaphios procession, chanting the Encomia hymns. The day culminates in spiritual contemplation of Christ’s sacrifice and the hope of resurrection.
George and Thalia Dardamanis are breathing new life into the classic Elliniko coffee.
Seven beloved Greek celebrities, icons in music, film, and television, met untimely ends in tragic road accidents. From Mad Clip’s fatal crash in 2021 to Nikos Garoufalis’ death in 2009, their stories highlight the fragility of life and the enduring impact of their talents.
Mykonos anticipates a record-breaking 2025 tourism season, with the Mykonos Hoteliers Association forecasting higher arrivals than last year. President Maria Kousathana highlights strong international interest and a vibrant Easter period, with increased Greek and foreign visitors. The island’s hotels are open, recovering from recent weather challenges, and ready to showcase Mykonos’ unique charm and cultural traditions.
On Great and Holy Friday the Orthodox Church commemorates the death of Christ on the Cross. “Today He who hung the earth upon the waters is hung upon the Cross.” (From the Fifteenth Antiphon of the Matins of Holy Friday)
Türkiye’s Defense Ministry mocked Greece’s claim of a “five-minute” reaction to alleged threats, dismissing it as absurd.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis traveled to Tinos by ferry on Maundy Thursday to spend the Easter holidays with his family. Engaging casually with fellow passengers, he continues his tradition of celebrating on the Cycladic island.
Two earthquakes, measuring 2.8 and 3.2 on the Richter scale, struck the Argosaronic Gulf on Holy Thursday evening, with epicenters near Hydra and Poros. Both were felt in Attica.
Coral Marine, under Motor Oil Group, delivered Greece’s first marine biofuel to Celestyal Discovery at Lavrio Port, using a blend of used cooking oil and fossil fuel to reduce CO₂ emissions by about 21%.
US President Donald Trump, after meeting Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, confidently predicted a US-Europe trade deal, dismissing negotiation challenges despite planned 25% tariffs on EU steel, aluminum, and cars. Meloni echoed Trump’s rhetoric, aiming to “make the West great again.”
On Good Friday, the coastal villages of Greece’s Peloponnese transform into scenes of profound faith as the Epitaphios, a symbolic bier of Christ, is carried into the sea. In Loutraki, Tolo, Kitries, Agios Andreas, and Tyros, fishermen guide the sacred procession through the waves under flickering candlelight and bursts of fireworks. From Tolo’s Cretan-inspired rites to Tyros’ sea of lanterns honoring lost sailors, these unique traditions weave spirituality with the region’s deep maritime heritage, captivating locals and visitors alike.
George and Thalia Dardamanis are breathing new life into the classic Elliniko coffee.
As Greece observes Holy Week, store hours adjust for Easter traditions. On Holy Thursday, shops stay open until 9:00 PM, while Good Friday sees a half-day schedule starting at 1:00 PM. Holy Saturday limits retail to 3:00 PM, with supermarkets like Lidl open until 9:00 PM. Plan your shopping to celebrate a joyous Kali Anastasi!
A Mediterranean-style mansion in Calabasas, originally built by Greek-American actor John Stamos, is now on the market for $13 million. Perched on a hill with breathtaking Malibu Canyon views, the 750-square-meter estate was transformed by owners Justin and Candace Aguilera through extensive renovations, featuring Panda marble floors, a grand chandelier, and a revamped pool area. Designed for entertainment and luxury, this Greek-inspired gem awaits its next chapter.
Red eggs are perhaps the brightest symbol of Greek Easter,…
On April 17, 2012, Greek music legend Dimitris Mitropanos passed away at 64, leaving a lasting void. From his 1967 debut with “Thessaloniki” to iconic works like Agios Fevrouarios, his collaborations with Greece’s finest composers defined Laïko and rebetika. His soulful voice and timeless songs, like “Ρόζα” and “Αλίμονο,” ensure his legacy endures.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Maria Menounos reflected on her mother’s 2021 passing from a brain tumor, calling the diagnosis a life-changing moment. “I became obsessed with health and wellness… unknowingly building a foundation to help myself in the future,” she wrote.
Harry’s catchy new track explores themes of life’s progression and discovering love.
Nia Vardalos has arrived in Athens for the Greek premiere of Tiny Beautiful Things at the Pallas Theatre, set to open May 16. Performing in Greek for the first time, the Greek-Canadian star of My Big Fat Greek Wedding aims to share universal stories of resilience, blending her heritage with her art.
Greek music star Katerina Lioliou celebrated her 31st birthday on April 17, 2025, with a joyful cake-cutting moment that lit up social media. Born in Thessaloniki, the singer with 426,636 monthly Spotify listeners rose to fame on The Voice of Greece in 2014, wowing coaches with her rendition of Aerosmith’s “Dream On.” From her early days with Chic ‘n’ Blues at the School Wave Festival to hit singles like I Diki Mou I Trela, Lioliou’s journey continues to captivate fans.
Seven beloved Greek celebrities, icons in music, film, and television, met untimely ends in tragic road accidents. From Mad Clip’s fatal crash in 2021 to Nikos Garoufalis’ death in 2009, their stories highlight the fragility of life and the enduring impact of their talents.
The powerful documentary Anzac The Greek Chapter will premiere in Adelaide on Sunday, 4 May 2025, at the Henley and Grange RSL as part of Festival Hellenika. Screening from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm, the 90-minute film recounts the Anzac role in defending Greece during Hitler’s 1941 invasion.
On April 17, 2012, Greek music legend Dimitris Mitropanos passed away at 64, leaving a lasting void. From his 1967 debut with “Thessaloniki” to iconic works like Agios Fevrouarios, his collaborations with Greece’s finest composers defined Laïko and rebetika. His soulful voice and timeless songs, like “Ρόζα” and “Αλίμονο,” ensure his legacy endures.
Easter is my favourite time of year—a season full of Greek traditions, family, and, of course, Tsoureki! This sweet, spiced bread is a beloved part of our Easter table. I’m sharing tips and my special recipe from Sweet Greek, and you can also order one fresh from our kitchen.
George and Thalia Dardamanis are breathing new life into the classic Elliniko coffee.
Red eggs are perhaps the brightest symbol of Greek Easter,…
The Dutch government has issued an urgent warning to stop consuming eggs from backyard chickens due to contamination with PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” linked to serious health risks like cancer. Research by the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) found high PFAS levels in non-commercial eggs across 60 locations, likely due to earthworms in the chickens’ diet. The European Chemicals Agency is reviewing a proposal to phase out PFAS in various products.
The EU has firmly dismissed U.S. requests to modify its…
Easter is my favourite time of year—a season full of Greek traditions, family, and, of course, Tsoureki! This sweet, spiced bread is a beloved part of our Easter table. I’m sharing tips and my special recipe from Sweet Greek, and you can also order one fresh from our kitchen.
Erica Kontos, a Greek-American Senior Director at the NBA, has been named to Forbes 30 Under 30 for her role in securing groundbreaking global media deals. Blending cultural pride with innovative leadership, she’s expanding basketball’s reach while inspiring women in the sports industry.
Olympiacos, Greece’s reigning champions, are set to join Europe’s football elite in the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League League Phase. After Bodø/Glimt’s failure to defeat Lazio in their Europa League quarter-final, Olympiacos are virtually assured a spot among the 36 teams, with only improbable scenarios involving Rangers or an unexpected Champions League winner standing in their way.
Maria Sakkari has reunited with former coach Tom Hill, 14 months after their split, to revive her career. Hill, who previously guided her to a top-10 ranking and two Grand Slam semifinals, rejoins the world No.82 as she struggles with form and a shoulder injury. The duo will start their second stint at the Madrid Open.
Stefanos Tsitsipas, the No. 3 seed, battled past Sebastian Korda 7-6 (4), 6-4 to reach the Barcelona Open quarter-finals for the fifth consecutive year. In a serve-dominated clay-court clash, Tsitsipas capitalized on a first-set tiebreak and an early second-set break to secure victory, avenging a prior loss to Korda. He now faces No. 7 seed Arthur Fils at Real Club de Tenis Barcelona.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu congratulated Hapoel Tel Aviv’s basketball team on their Eurocup win, praising their success as a symbol of Israel-Greece collaboration and national resilience in challenging times.
A Mediterranean-style mansion in Calabasas, originally built by Greek-American actor John Stamos, is now on the market for $13 million. Perched on a hill with breathtaking Malibu Canyon views, the 750-square-meter estate was transformed by owners Justin and Candace Aguilera through extensive renovations, featuring Panda marble floors, a grand chandelier, and a revamped pool area. Designed for entertainment and luxury, this Greek-inspired gem awaits its next chapter.
On April 17, 2012, Greek music legend Dimitris Mitropanos passed away at 64, leaving a lasting void. From his 1967 debut with “Thessaloniki” to iconic works like Agios Fevrouarios, his collaborations with Greece’s finest composers defined Laïko and rebetika. His soulful voice and timeless songs, like “Ρόζα” and “Αλίμονο,” ensure his legacy endures.
A rare 1964 photograph, shared on *Elena’s Diary* Instagram, captures Maria Callas and Aristotle Onassis at the funeral of Prince Pierre de Polignac in Monaco. The image reveals their close bond with Prince Rainier and Princess Grace, blending Greek heritage, high art, and Monte Carlo’s elite society in a poignant moment of history.
The Hellenic Film Society presents The Last Taxi Driver, a gripping psychological thriller starring Klelia Andriolatou (Maestro in Blue) and award-winning actor Kostas Koronaios. Catch the screening on Sunday, April 27 at the Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria. Presented in Greek with English subtitles.
On Holy Thursday, April 17, 2025, over 92,000 vehicles streamed out of Attica as Greeks began their Easter holiday travels. With minor delays on key routes like Athens and Kifisou Avenues, the exodus surpassed last year’s figures, signaling a bustling start to the festive season. Authorities expect the final wave of travelers to depart Friday morning.
Athens public transportation services will operate on modified schedules from Holy Friday, April 18, through Wednesday, April 23, due to the Easter holiday. Changes include earlier last train and tram departures on Holy Saturday, adjusted bus and trolley timetables, and potential additional routes to major travel hubs. Passengers are advised to plan ahead.
Accor’s Handwritten Collection welcomes its first Greek hotel, Rocca a Mare Heraklion, a 36-room Cretan gem blending modern luxury with local charm. As part of Accor’s expanding European portfolio, this milestone highlights the potential for Greece’s boutique hotels to gain global recognition while preserving their unique identity.
Mykonos anticipates a record-breaking 2025 tourism season, with the Mykonos Hoteliers Association forecasting higher arrivals than last year. President Maria Kousathana highlights strong international interest and a vibrant Easter period, with increased Greek and foreign visitors. The island’s hotels are open, recovering from recent weather challenges, and ready to showcase Mykonos’ unique charm and cultural traditions.
Greece’s tourism sector is seeing a strong start to 2025 as Orthodox and Catholic Easter coincide. Major cities like Athens and Thessaloniki are welcoming more visitors than ever, while islands like Corfu and Crete experience early-season surges. With record hotel occupancies and high flight demand, Greece’s Easter celebrations are expected to set the stage for a booming summer tourism season.
Read our exclusive interview with Mary Ajaka, celebrity makeup artist behind some of TV’s most iconic faces. From the dazzling sets of The Voice, Love Island Australia and Married at First Sight, over the past 17 years Mary has made a name for herself as one of Australia’s most sought-after beauty experts.
After more than a decade of dominating the online fashion world with its breezy, sun-kissed aesthetic, Australian label Sabo is finally putting down roots in Sydney. Watch their exclusive message to Greek City Times readers here.
She’s walked for Paris Couture Week, graced the pages of Harper’s Bazaar, and mentored on Greece’s Next Top Model. But behind the glamour, Mary Vitinaros is every bit as grounded as the place she calls home.
Step into a realm where history, nature, and luxury seamlessly…
A31 Architecture, an Athens-based architectural firm known for integrating contemporary design with natural landscapes, has completed Aimasia Residence in Mykonos.
After more than a decade of dominating the online fashion world with its breezy, sun-kissed aesthetic, Australian label Sabo is finally putting down roots in Sydney. Watch their exclusive message to Greek City Times readers here.
: A UK-Greek consortium, led by Grimshaw and Haptic with K-Studio, has won a £540 million project to expand Athens International Airport, aiming to increase its capacity from 26 million to 40 million passengers by 2032. The first phase, set for completion by 2028, will boost capacity to 33 million, featuring a revamped main terminal with iconic north and south oculi, a reconfigured Extra Schengen satellite terminal, and sustainable design targeting LEED Gold certification.
Miss Polyplexi has redefined the art of handcrafted fashion once again with the launch of its latest resortwear crochet collection, “I Am A Luxurious Nomad”, drawing inspiration from the vibrant culture and timeless beauty of Morocco.
Mary and Michael Jaharis are celebrated figures within the Greek-American community, known for their profound contributions to both the pharmaceutical industry and philanthropic endeavors. Their legacy includes a significant $50 million donation to The Met and support for the reconstruction of St. Nicholas Church at Ground Zero, epitomizing their dedication to cultural heritage and humanitarian efforts. Mary Jaharis continues to uphold this legacy, reflecting her passion for art, education, and her Greek roots.
Alexis Tinker-Tsavalas, a young photographer of Greek descent, has been awarded the Young Grand Title 2024 in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition. His captivating image of a springtail, captured with the intricate focus stacking technique, will be exhibited at the Natural History Museum in London.