Tag: Greek culture

37th Antipodes Festival Lights Up Melbourne with Greek Culture and a Call for the Parthenon Marbles’ Return

37th Antipodes Festival: Melbourne Celebrates Greek Culture and Calls for Parthenon Marbles’ Return

The 37th Antipodes Festival transformed Melbourne’s Lonsdale Street into a vibrant celebration of Greek culture, drawing over 100,000 attendees. Featuring music, dance, and authentic cuisine, the event also amplified a call for the Parthenon Marbles’ return, led by Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan.

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Greek Singer Manolis Lidakis Passes Away at 64

Renowned Greek singer Manolis Lidakis has passed away at the age of 64. Found in an Airbnb in Annissaras, Hersonissos, his passing marks the end of a remarkable musical journey. Born in Heraklion, Crete, Lidakis rose to fame through his heartfelt performances in modern Greek and Cretan music. Over the decades, he collaborated with esteemed artists and left behind a lasting legacy in Greek music. His distinctive voice and passion for traditional and contemporary sounds will be deeply missed.

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Kathara Deftera: The Rising Cost of the Lenten Table in Greece

As Greece prepares for Kathara Deftera, the traditional Lenten table faces rising costs, with seafood and halva seeing price increases. Consumers are carefully researching market prices, with many proceeding cautiously due to financial strain. Despite economic challenges, Greek households remain committed to celebrating this cherished tradition.

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New York DA’s Office to Repatriate $1 Million Worth of Ancient Greek Artifacts

The New York District Attorney’s Office is set to return 11 ancient Greek artifacts valued at $1 million to Greece. This significant repatriation effort, marked by a ceremony in Manhattan, highlights ongoing international collaboration to restore cultural heritage. Greek Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni will be in New York for the event, honoring Matthew Bogdanos’s role in recovering the artifacts.

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Celebrating the Legacy of Nikos Kazantzakis

Today marks the 142nd anniversary of the birth of Nikos Kazantzakis, a prominent figure in Greek literature known for his profound and diverse works that continue to resonate worldwide. His novel “Zorba the Greek” remains a hallmark of his literary influence, capturing the vibrancy of Greek culture, while “The Last Temptation of Christ” showcases his courage in exploring complex spiritual themes, cementing his legacy as both a daring thinker and a master storyteller.

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Tsiknopempti Celebration: What to Expect and When in 2025

This year, Tsiknopempti, a cherished Greek tradition filled with meat feasts and festivities, will be celebrated on February 20, 2025. Serving as part of the Carnival season, it precedes the fasting period of Great Lent. The day is characterized by gatherings of family and friends to enjoy grilled meats, followed by a series of celebratory events leading to Easter on April 20, 2025.

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Professor Maria Efthymiou Lectures in Istanbul to Mark International Greek Language Day

The Consulate General of Greece in Istanbul marked International Greek Language Day with two special events featuring Professor Maria Efthymiou. A key lecture, attended by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, highlighted the 3,500-year legacy of the Greek language and its deep ties to maritime culture. Professor Efthymiou also led a history lesson for Greek students, reinforcing the language’s enduring influence. The events celebrated Hellenism’s rich linguistic and cultural heritage, connecting Greek communities in Istanbul and Imvros.

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World Greek Language Day: Over 37,000 Foreign Students Have Learned Greek

World Greek Language Day, celebrated on February 9, marks the death of national poet Dionysios Solomos. The School of Modern Greek Language at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTh) has taught over 37,000 students from around the globe since 1999, offering both in-person and online Greek language courses. With innovative teaching methods, the school continues to promote Greek culture and language worldwide, with over 1,200 students participating in programs like Erasmus+ and Epicur.

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Estia Greek Festival 2025: A Weekend of Culture, Food, and Community

The Estia Greek Festival 2025 in Hobart was a weekend filled with vibrant Greek culture, food, and performances, highlighted by a visit from Archbishop Makarios. The festival brought the community together, showcasing traditional Greek cuisine, live music, and inspiring messages about the importance of community, heritage, and staying connected to one’s roots. With a strong emphasis on youth involvement and the growing enthusiasm of attendees, the Greek Community of Tasmania is already excited for next year’s event.

THI Australia’s 10th Anniversary Gala Dinner

Celebrate a Decade of Impact: THI Australia’s 10th Anniversary Gala Dinner in Sydney

Join The Hellenic Initiative (THI) Australia for a night to remember as they celebrate their 10th Anniversary Gala Dinner at the Fullerton Hotel in Sydney on 22 March 2025. This black-tie event will bring together distinguished guests, inspirational speakers, and a special performance by Greek artist Kostas Karafotis. Proceeds will support THI Australia’s life-changing programs in Greece.

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Stephen Fry Calls for the Return of the Parthenon Sculptures to Greece

Renowned British actor Stephen Fry has reiterated his support for the return of the Parthenon Sculptures to Greece, speaking at an event at the Acropolis Museum in Athens. Fry, a longtime advocate for the restitution of the marbles, emphasised the sculptures’ rightful place in their homeland and called for cooperation between the British Museum and Greece’s Acropolis Museum. Highlighting recent successes in Greece’s efforts to reclaim the artifacts, Fry expressed optimism that a solution could be found through dialogue and mutual respect for cultural heritage.

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Nikos Kourkoulos: The Aristocrat of Greek Cinema and Theatre

Nikos Kourkoulos, a legendary Greek actor, left an indelible mark on both cinema and theatre. From his iconic roles in 1960s films to his transformative work as artistic director of the National Theatre, Kourkoulos’ career was defined by dedication, passion, and artistic integrity. His commanding presence and deep emotional performances continue to inspire, solidifying his place as one of Greece’s greatest actors.

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Paros’ Ancient Marble Quarries Digitally Unveiled

The ancient underground marble quarries of Marathi on Paros, dating back to the 5th century BC, are being digitally mapped and brought to life through cutting-edge 3D technology. Funded by the South Aegean Region and European resources, the project aims to preserve, study, and promote these cultural treasures, offering interactive virtual tours and educational tools to connect global audiences with Paros’ rich history.

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Mythos: Sydney’s Ultimate Greek Nightlife Experience to Take Over Canterbury This February

“Mythos” is set to bring an electrifying blend of Greek culture and modern music to Sydney on February 7, 2025. Hosted at Mytilenian House in Canterbury, this unique event will feature live performances with traditional Greek instruments, including bouzouki and klarino, alongside DJ sets by Alav and Tsambas. With a fusion of Euro-House beats and vibrant live entertainment, including belly dancing by Isiodora, “Mythos” promises to be an unforgettable night for anyone looking to celebrate Greek music and nightlife. Don’t miss the Greek party of the year!

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THI Australia Celebrates 10 Years of Impact with Gala in Sydney

THI Australia will celebrate its 10th Anniversary with a Gala Dinner on March 22, 2025, at the Fullerton Hotel in Sydney. The event will highlight a decade of support for Greece, featuring performances by Greek artist Kostas Karafotis and special tributes to key contributors. Proceeds will aid initiatives in healthcare, food security, and economic development, underscoring the Hellenic diaspora’s ongoing impact during Greece’s most challenging times.