Author: Kowalenko Charlie
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The Meaning Behind the Vasilopita and the coin
The vasilopita, or New Year’s cake, is a beloved Greek tradition. This special bread, often flavored with mastic or orange, contains a hidden coin. Finding the coin in your slice is believed to bring good luck in the coming year, making the cutting of the vasilopita a joyful and anticipated moment for families and friends.
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Greece’s Ejekt Festival Pioneers Anti-Fraud Ticketing for 2026
Ejekt Festival 2026, in partnership with More.com, will send tickets digitally just days before the event, curbing scalping, blocking bots, and ensuring verified entry—setting a new global benchmark for festival security and fan confidence.
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Greece’s Tourism Revenues Soar to €16.7 Billion in First Eight Months of 2025
Greece’s tourism sector posted strong results in the first eight months of 2025, with revenues reaching €16.7 billion — nearly €2 billion more than last year. Higher visitor numbers and increased spending per trip drove the 12% boost, confirming the industry’s central role in the Greek economy.
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Greece Braces for Rainy Monday with Isolated Storms and Morning Fog
Greece faces a rainy Monday, November 3, with local showers and isolated thunderstorms in the Ionian, Epirus, western Sterea, and western Peloponnese, per the Hellenic National Meteorological Service (EMY). Scattered clouds may bring light rains elsewhere, with morning and evening fog reducing visibility. Temperatures hold steady at 22–24°C, up to 25°C in Crete and the…
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Hellenic Music Ensemble to Launch Global Tour Celebrating 100th Birthdays of Mikis Theodorakis and Manos Hatzidakis
In a global tribute to Greece’s musical giants, the Hellenic Music Ensemble will launch its 2026 world tour honoring the 100th birthdays of Mikis Theodorakis and Manos Hatzidakis. Led by conductor Panos Liaropoulos and featuring vocalists Natassa Bofiliou and Yiannis Haroulis, the 21-member orchestra will perform in 21 cities across nine countries, starting January 11…
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Dionysis Savvopoulos, Legendary Greek Singer-Songwriter, Dies at 81
Dionysis Savvopoulos, one of Greece’s most influential singer-songwriters and cultural icons, has passed away at the age of 81. Known for blending folk traditions with rock influences and for his politically charged lyrics, Savvopoulos helped define the sound and spirit of post-dictatorship Greece.
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On this day: Vasso Papandreou, Influential Greek Politician, Passes Away at 80
Vasso Papandreou, a prominent figure in Greek politics and a key member of the PASOK party, has passed away at the age of 80 after a prolonged illness. Born on December 9, 1944, in Valimitika, Aigio, she was the first Greek European Commissioner and served in various ministerial roles under the governments of Andreas Papandreou…
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Athens Traffic Ring Returns: What You Need to Know
As of October 13, 2025, Athens revives the “Daktylios” Traffic Ring to ease downtown congestion and reduce air pollution. The measure, effective Monday through Thursday from 07:00 to 20:00 and Friday from 07:00 to 15:00, restricts vehicle access based on license plate numbers. Exemptions apply to electric, hybrid, and low-emission EURO 6 vehicles, with special…
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Greece Celebrates 11 New Additions to National Intangible Cultural Heritage List
Greece has enriched its National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage with 11 new elements, as announced by the Ministry of Culture, aligning with UNESCO’s 2003 Convention. From the festive bonfires of Kedara in Imathia to the intricate Tsakonika kilim weaving in Arcadia and the vibrant Mpampindent festival in Drama, these traditions highlight the diverse cultural…
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Lina Mendoni at UNESCO: Culture is a Human Right, Not a Luxury
At UNESCO’s MONDIACULT 2025 in Barcelona, Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni championed culture as a human right and global public good. Highlighting Greece’s efforts to protect heritage amid crises like wildfires and climate change, she stressed, “Culture is not a luxury—it’s a necessity for resilience and peace.” Leading the fight against illicit trafficking, Greece reaffirmed…
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Greece Urges Peace at UN as West Bank Violence and Gaza Famine Escalate
At a UN Security Council session addressing the Middle East crisis, Greece’s Permanent Representative, A. Balta, voiced deep concern over escalating violence and settlement expansion in the West Bank, including attacks on Christian communities. Highlighting the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, where famine has been officially declared, she urged an immediate ceasefire and unhindered aid…
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Severe Storms Disrupt Air and Road Travel in Zakynthos and Kefalonia
Severe storms struck Zakynthos and Kefalonia on Sunday, September 28, disrupting air and road travel across the Ionian Islands. With Zakynthos recording 113.8 mm of rainfall, flights were canceled, stranding hundreds of tourists at airports. The provincial road to Alykes was closed due to flooding risks, and debris-covered roads in Lithakia created hazardous conditions. Authorities…
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Rain and Thunderstorms Across Greece Today, Temperatures Up to 26°C
Cloudy skies, rain, and sporadic thunderstorms are forecast across Greece today, with southern regions like Crete and the Dodecanese seeing temperatures up to 26°C, according to the National Meteorological Service. Conditions in Athens and Thessaloniki will reach 24°C and 23°C, respectively, with northerly winds at 3 to 5 Beaufort. Expect improvement by afternoon.
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AEGEAN Warns of Delays at Athens Airport as Air Traffic Control Limits Arrivals
AEGEAN Airlines has warned passengers of delays at Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos” after Air Traffic Control reduced arrival capacity by 25%, causing disruptions of 30–40 minutes that are expected to escalate throughout the day.
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On This Day in 1687: Venetians’ Artillery Devastates the Parthenon
On September 26, 1687, during the siege of the Acropolis, Venetian General Francesco Morosini accidentally detonated a gunpowder cache inside the Parthenon. The resulting explosion caused severe damage to the ancient structure and marked a pivotal moment in the conflict over Ottoman control in Greece, allowing the Venetians to temporarily recapture Athens.
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Legendary Tennis Coach Nikola Pilic, Mentor to Novak Djokovic, Dies at 86
Nikola Pilic, the legendary Croatian tennis coach who mentored Novak Djokovic and won the Davis Cup with three nations, has passed away at 86. Known as Djokovic’s “tennis father,” Pilic shaped the Serbian star’s early career at his Munich academy and left an indelible mark on the sport through his coaching and ATP reforms.
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EU Report: Greeks Among the Oldest to Leave the Family Nest
Young Greeks are among the last in Europe to leave their parents’ homes, according to Eurostat data. With the average age of independence at 30.7 years, Greece stands out as both a “negative champion” and an outlier, combining late home-leaving with some of the EU’s highest housing cost burdens.
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Athens Metro’s 24-Hour Weekend Service Skips Historic Line 1
Athens’ new 24-hour metro service, launched every Saturday from September 13, promises seamless travel for the city’s students and tourists. However, Line 1, the historic green line connecting Piraeus to Kifissia, is excluded due to its aging trains and delayed refurbishment. While Lines 2 and 3 run all night, commuters on the oldest metro line…
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Erdogan to Discuss F-35 Fighter Jets with Trump at White House Meeting
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he will press U.S. President Donald Trump on the stalled F-35 fighter jet deal during their White House meeting on September 25, with defense industry ties, trade, and regional issues also set to dominate the agenda.
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Greece Set for Sunny Weather and 31°C Highs This Tuesday
Greece will bask in mostly sunny skies this Tuesday, with temperatures climbing to 31°C in some areas, according to EMY. While Crete sees occasional clouds, coastal regions may face reduced morning visibility due to fog. Winds will range from 2 to 5 Beaufort, strongest in the Aegean.
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Greece Advocates for Palestinian State Recognition at UN
During the 80th UN General Assembly, Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis advocated for the recognition of a Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders, to be achieved through a UN-led political process. Highlighting Greece’s role in the UN Security Council and its humanitarian efforts in Gaza, he emphasized the nation’s commitment to diplomacy and a two-state…
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Jason Statham and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley Enjoy Idyllic Family Vacation in Antiparos
Hollywood star Jason Statham and supermodel Rosie Huntington-Whiteley enjoy a serene family vacation on the Greek island of Antiparos, embracing its tranquil charm and understated luxury.
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86 Ancient Greek Artifacts Return Home from Abroad in Voluntary Handover
In a poignant act of cultural restitution, 86 ancient Greek artifacts—ranging from Neolithic female figurines to Hellenistic gold wreaths—have been voluntarily repatriated to the Ministry of Culture by a foreign private collector. Spanning millennia, the collection includes bronze helmets, Attic ceramics, and marble idols, all hailing from diverse regions of Greece. Culture Minister Lina Mendoni…
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Greece Joins UN Security Council Emergency Meeting on Russian Airspace Violation in Estonia
Greece will join an emergency UN Security Council meeting on September 22 to address Russia’s recent violation of Estonian airspace. Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis will represent Greece as the Council reviews the incident, described by Estonia as a “dangerous escalation,” with NATO forces escorting the Russian jets out of the Baltic airspace.
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Shocking Discovery in Boeotia: 62-Year-Old Woman Buries Mother in Stable to Claim Pension and Disability Benefits
In the sleepy village of Kleidi, Boeotia, a veil of secrecy has been torn away, revealing a mother’s grave hidden in a stable and a daughter’s web of lies to siphon her pension. The 62-year-old KEP director confessed to burying her mother—dead since 2023 from natural causes—after enlisting a stranger to pose as the elderly…
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Mount Athos Earthquake: “We Are Not Worried, But We Are Concerned,” Says Seismologist Lekkas
A 4.8-magnitude earthquake struck Mount Athos early Monday, marking the tenth tremor above magnitude 4 in the past 18 months. Seismologist Efthymis Lekkas described the ongoing seismic activity as “a strange phenomenon,” noting that while scientists are concerned, there is no immediate cause for alarm.
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Athens Taxis Strike 18 Hours Over Deregulation Threat
Taxi drivers in Attica are set to grind the city’s wheels to a halt with an 18-hour strike starting midnight Sunday, protesting what they decry as a government-orchestrated handover of public transport to multinational giants. The Attica Taxi Drivers’ Union (SATA) announced the walkout to rally members for a pivotal general assembly on September 22…
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Cooler Breeze Hits Greece: Mild Temperature Dip Expected on Friday
Brace for a breezy, sun-drenched Friday in Greece, with temperatures dipping mildly amid mostly clear skies. Attica will see 18-27°C, while northerly gales whip up to 9 Beaufort in the Aegean, stirring adventure for sailors. From Macedonia’s 13-28°C highs to Crete’s balmy 30°C pockets, the forecast promises a refreshing shift—perfect for late-summer escapes.
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Greece Under Moody’s Scrutiny: What Today’s Rating Decision Means for the Economy
Moody’s delivers its long-awaited verdict on Greece’s credit rating today, with analysts bracing for no upgrade amid cooling growth and stubborn inflation. Fresh off DBRS’s decision to hold steady, the US agency’s review spotlights a new €1.6bn tax package hailed as “credit positive” for tackling demographic woes – from a fertility rate of just 1.3…
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Patriarch Bartholomew Visits New York, Meets UN Secretary-General António Guterres
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew visited New York as part of his US trip, leading a service at St. Nicholas Church at Ground Zero before meeting UN Secretary-General António Guterres to discuss interfaith dialogue and global cooperation.