Greek City Times – Greek News from Greece and around the world

Italian and Scottish researchers claim to have uncovered a massive underground complex beneath the Giza Pyramids using radar technology, describing vertical cylinders and cube-shaped chambers extending 2,100 feet deep. While some hail it as evidence of a hidden city, skeptics question the technology’s capabilities, leaving the discovery shrouded in debate.

An ancient bronze griffin head, stolen nearly a century ago, was repatriated to Greece from New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art on March 21, 2025. Now displayed at the Archaeological Museum of Olympia

Monemvasia Castle in Greece has been named one of the 7 most endangered cultural heritage sites in Europe for 2025 by Europa Nostra and the European Investment Bank Institute.

Karen Khachanov overcame a fading Nick Kyrgios in the second round of the 2025 Miami Open, securing a 7-6(3), 6-0 victory after the Australian, hampered by shoulder discomfort, lost momentum following a tight first-set tiebreak.

Greece has fallen 17 places to 81st in the latest World Happiness Report, signaling a decline in life satisfaction, while Finland retains its title as the happiest country for the eighth year running with a score of 7.736 out of 10. The United States also dropped to a historic low of 24th amid broader happiness declines in Europe and North America.

A new study reveals that Egyptian soldiers and Greek mercenaries were present at Megiddo — the biblical “Armageddon” — during the death of King Josiah of Judah in 609 B.C. Archaeologists uncovered seventh-century B.C. pottery fragments, supporting biblical accounts of a confrontation with Pharaoh Necho II, though the nature of Josiah’s demise remains under debate.

On Saturday, Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu will face a prosecutor and judge, igniting outrage and protests across Turkey. The opposition’s “night of democracy” rally drew thousands to denounce his arrest, defying President Erdogan’s warnings against “street terrorism.” A decision on Imamoglu’s detention looms as political tensions escalate

F-47, a 6th-gen fighter by Boeing, aims for air superiority over China, leading drone swarms. Costs soar to billions, as China’s J-36 and Europe’s Tempest join the race.

Following a phone call with Turkish President Erdogan, Trump is reportedly considering lifting sanctions and approving F-35 sales to Turkey, alongside F-16 upgrades, contingent on Turkey relinquishing its Russian S-400 systems. The move could mark a significant thaw in U.S.-Turkey defense ties

The President of the Hellenic Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ioannis Bratakos, met with the Ambassador of India to Greece, Rudrendra Tandon, on Friday. During the conversation between the Ambassador and Bratakos,…

The Municipality of Athens will join the global “Earth Hour” movement on Saturday, March 22, 2025, switching off lights at seven key buildings, including City Hall and the Maria Callas Museum, from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. This symbolic act aims to spotlight global warming, with a special focus this year on Greece’s seas, urging residents to participate and amplify the call for planetary protection.

On March 10, 2025, Nikos Papadopoulos, a doctor and MP with the faith-driven Niki party, damaged artworks at the National Gallery, calling them disrespectful to Orthodoxy. This heartfelt act has rekindled attention on Niki, a grassroots movement tied to church communities, as it seeks its place among Greece’s far-right voices. While some cheer, others wonder if it risks sparking a contest of passion in a crowded political field.

The AthensRocks festival has announced the cancellation of Kings Of Leon’s headline performance, originally set for July 5 at the Athens Olympic Complex. Citing unforeseen circumstances, the organizers promised swift refunds for ticket holders, expressing regret for the inconvenience caused to eager Greek fans awaiting the band’s debut in the country.

Greek music icon Anna Vissi is set to dazzle fans once more with a grand concert at the historic Panathenaic Stadium (Kallimarmaro) on September 13, 2025. Following her record-breaking 2024 performance that drew 65,000 spectators, Vissi’s return promises another unforgettable night of music, with ticket pre-sales launching today, March 21, at 7:00 PM. Part of the proceeds will support the “ELPIDA” children’s cancer charity, blending artistry with philanthropy.

Heathrow, substation fire, power outage, flight cancellations, British Airways, National Grid, London, airport closure, infrastructure failure, travel disruption

As the war in Ukraine enters its third year, Vasilios Bornovas, Greece’s last ambassador to Kyiv, warns that the Greek minority is “at God’s mercy.” In an interview with “Democracy” Newspaper, he criticized Greece’s failure to support its diaspora, noting the absence of Greek schools and cultural investment, while recounting the struggles of communities caught in the conflict’s crossfire.

AEGEAN Airlines cancelled flights A3602 and A3603 between Athens and London Heathrow on Friday, March 21, 2025, due to a power outage caused by a fire in an electrical substation at the UK airport. The airline is notifying affected passengers and offering alternatives, with support available via its call center at +30 210626100.

Greece is set to shine in 2025, ranking among the world’s top five travel destinations. With an 8% surge in summer bookings led by the UK and Germany, islands like Crete, Rhodes, and Zakynthos are seeing double-digit gains, while Santorini fights to rebound from early setbacks. Unveiled at ITB Berlin 2025, the data confirms Greece’s enduring appeal, securing its spot behind only Spain in TUI’s global rankings.

In Thessaloniki, 37 elderly repatriates from Georgia were convicted of welfare fraud after using fake documents to claim uninsured elderly benefits from OPEKA. The court handed down suspended sentences of 14 to 28 months, uncovering a 2018-19 scam that netted some over €13,000, though others were stopped by vigilant regional officials.

In a stunning development, Kocani’s mayor, Ljupcho Papazov, and two former mayors were arrested for allegedly concealing the illegal operation of a nightclub where a fire killed 59 people last Sunday. As North Macedonia mourns, the student group “Student Plenum” has called for a nationwide lights-out tonight from 20:00 to 21:00, urging citizens to honor the victims in silence and darkness, a call widely embraced across the grieving nation.

Greece has fallen 17 places to 81st in the latest World Happiness Report, signaling a decline in life satisfaction, while Finland retains its title as the happiest country for the eighth year running with a score of 7.736 out of 10. The United States also dropped to a historic low of 24th amid broader happiness declines in Europe and North America.

Chef Stergios Zdralis shares a cherished family recipe –
his grandmother Maria’s taramosalata, a classic Greek dip made from fish roe.

Celia Kritharioti’s SS25 Couture Collection debuted at Paris’s Petit Palais, channeling flamingo grace with pink, black, and white hues. Featuring Irina Shayk and oversized bows, the Greek house’s whimsical gowns and mini dresses fuse bold artistry and feminine flair for Spring/Summer 2025.

In 2025, Greek Australians stake their claim among the nation’s richest, with 20 billionaires and 30 under-45 stars driving a collective fortune past $700 billion. From a veteran philanthropist debuting at 84 to property magnates and tech pioneers, their success reflects a powerful fusion of tradition and innovation.

As the war in Ukraine enters its third year, Vasilios Bornovas, Greece’s last ambassador to Kyiv, warns that the Greek minority is “at God’s mercy.” In an interview with “Democracy” Newspaper, he criticized Greece’s failure to support its diaspora, noting the absence of Greek schools and cultural investment, while recounting the struggles of communities caught in the conflict’s crossfire.

Unknown individuals have been impersonating the Mayor of Ioannina, Thomas Begkas, to fraudulently place large food orders at local catering establishments.

Sydney-based entrepreneur Maria Dalamaras has been recognised for her outstanding contributions to the business community, receiving the St George Business Achievement Award for Outstanding Professional Services for the third consecutive year, a recognition formally acknowledged by NSW Premier Chris Minns in the NSW Legislative Assembly Hansard.

Jessica Mauboy, 35, quietly welcomed her daughter Mia on January 13 with husband Themeli Magripilis, whose Greek heritage from Kalymnos adds a cultural layer to their family story. The Australian Idol alum kept the birth under wraps for two months, savoring private moments before sharing her “magical” motherhood journey with Stellar.

Popular Greek singer Michalis Hatzigiannis canceled a scheduled performance in Athens on March 15, 2025, due to a sudden bout of Influenza B. In a heartfelt Instagram post the following day, he thanked fans for their support, promising to transform the postponed Gazarte Roof Stage closing party into “the party of our lives” once he recovers.

Greek singer Antonis Remos, in an interview on Alpha TV’s “Autopsy,” expressed that Kyriakos Mitsotakis deserves to govern, while reflecting on Alexis Tsipras’s tenure and criticizing the Prespa Agreement as “criminal.” He emphasized artists should avoid political agendas and highlighted the tax burden on the middle class.

Chef Stergios Zdralis shares a cherished family recipe –
his grandmother Maria’s taramosalata, a classic Greek dip made from fish roe.

Over 15 years, food prices in Greece have risen 38.97%, trailing the EU’s 56.17% surge, yet sluggish income growth—14.79% versus the EU’s 46.29%—means Greek households feel the pinch more acutely, despite recent signs of recovery.

Sydney’s Greek food scene is booming with new openings like Olympus Dining, Ammos, and Olympic Meats, alongside a two-week takeover by Athenian chef Ntinos Fotinakis at Manta starting March 21, 2025. The city’s evolving palate, outpacing Melbourne’s, is driven by adventurous diners and chefs like David Tsirekas, with more venues like Kazzi in Bondi on the horizon.

The “Greek Breakfast” event at the Museum of Cycladic Art on March 8, 2025, celebrated women’s vital role in gastronomy, with Minister Olga Kefalogianni announcing a new National Network for Agritourism and Gastronomy. Organized by the Greek Tourism Ministry and the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels, the gathering highlighted local products and included a tasting curated by Chef Argyros Koutsou.
[

Karen Khachanov overcame a fading Nick Kyrgios in the second round of the 2025 Miami Open, securing a 7-6(3), 6-0 victory after the Australian, hampered by shoulder discomfort, lost momentum following a tight first-set tiebreak.

Scotland took a huge step towards staying in the Nations League top tier with a 1-0 win over Greece in
the first leg. A controversial penalty, converted by McTominay, gave them the lead, and V AR decisions
helped them defend it. Greece had multiple chances to equalize, but V AR and a key save from Ralston
kept them at bay. Despite some pressure in the second half, Scotland held on to take a vital one-goal lead
into the second leg at Hampden Park.

Scotland football supporters in Piraeus, Greece, received urgent phone alerts to stay indoors as a fire broke out in nearby Tavros, just hours before their team’s Nations League clash with Greece. Despite thick smoke rising over Athens, the Tartan Army’s spirits remain high as they enjoy the local hospitality ahead of the 7:45 pm match.

The Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA), backed by Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios, has filed a historic lawsuit against the ATP and WTA Tours, alleging collusion, financial exploitation, and neglect of player rights. Launched as players prepared for the 2025 Miami Open, the legal action—supported by most top 250 players—targets seven key issues, including fixed prize money and an unsustainable schedule. The PTPA, founded in 2019, aims to establish transparency and self-governance in tennis, spotlighting systemic flaws in the sport’s leadership.

The AthensRocks festival has announced the cancellation of Kings Of Leon’s headline performance, originally set for July 5 at the Athens Olympic Complex. Citing unforeseen circumstances, the organizers promised swift refunds for ticket holders, expressing regret for the inconvenience caused to eager Greek fans awaiting the band’s debut in the country.

Greek music icon Anna Vissi is set to dazzle fans once more with a grand concert at the historic Panathenaic Stadium (Kallimarmaro) on September 13, 2025. Following her record-breaking 2024 performance that drew 65,000 spectators, Vissi’s return promises another unforgettable night of music, with ticket pre-sales launching today, March 21, at 7:00 PM. Part of the proceeds will support the “ELPIDA” children’s cancer charity, blending artistry with philanthropy.

The Greece International Film Festival (GIFF) returns to Athens for its fifth year on March 29-30, 2025, at the historic “Irida” venue. Featuring 29 films from 20 countries—including Oscar and BAFTA nominees, and Cannes and Venice winners—the festival celebrates both Greek and global cinema. Highlights include premieres, an awards ceremony, and Q&A sessions with directors like Eva Nathena and Tommy King, all free to attend.

British singer Paul Young endured a terrifying ordeal while vacationing in Santorini, suffering a severe leg fracture that left him waiting nine hours in a local hospital with only paracetamol for pain relief. The 69-year-old musician required three blood transfusions and emergency surgery in Athens after the accident. Now, nearly six months later, Young is recovering through physiotherapy and preparing for his upcoming tour, determined to return to the stage stronger than ever.

Monemvasia Castle in Greece has been named one of the 7 most endangered cultural heritage sites in Europe for 2025 by Europa Nostra and the European Investment Bank Institute.

AEGEAN Airlines cancelled flights A3602 and A3603 between Athens and London Heathrow on Friday, March 21, 2025, due to a power outage caused by a fire in an electrical substation at the UK airport. The airline is notifying affected passengers and offering alternatives, with support available via its call center at +30 210626100.

Greece is set to shine in 2025, ranking among the world’s top five travel destinations. With an 8% surge in summer bookings led by the UK and Germany, islands like Crete, Rhodes, and Zakynthos are seeing double-digit gains, while Santorini fights to rebound from early setbacks. Unveiled at ITB Berlin 2025, the data confirms Greece’s enduring appeal, securing its spot behind only Spain in TUI’s global rankings.

A31 Architecture, an Athens-based architectural firm known for integrating contemporary design with natural landscapes, has completed Aimasia Residence in Mykonos.

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.

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.

Models at London Fashion Week turned heads with their bold and provocative looks on the event’s opening day, showcasing Greek designer Di Petsa’s latest collection. Embracing a daring theme, many models walked the runway topless or in garments with striking cut-outs, reflecting Di Petsa’s reputation for pushing fashion boundaries. The Spring/Summer 2024 collection, already popular with celebrities like Gigi Hadid and Doja Cat, continued to captivate with its audacious designs and minimal coverage.