Tag: UNESCO

Melbourne to Host World's First Official Celebration of World Greek Language Day (International Greek Language Day)

Melbourne is set to host the world’s first official UNESCO-recognized celebration of World Greek Language Day (International Greek Language Day) on February 9, 2026, at the historic Capitol Theatre. This landmark event honors the Greek language’s enduring legacy, dedicated to pioneering educators like Panagiotis Liveriadis and generations of Greek teachers in Australia. Featuring music, lectures, and awards for philhellenes, the free community-funded gathering highlights Melbourne’s central role in global Hellenism following UNESCO’s historic proclamation.

UNESCO has officially declared 9 February as World Greek Language Day, with Australia among the key co-sponsors. The decision highlights the global influence of the Greek language and celebrates the deep cultural ties shared between Greece and Australia’s vibrant Greek diaspora.

UNESCO Declares 9 February as World Greek Language Day – Australia Among Key Co-Sponsors

UNESCO has officially declared 9 February as World Greek Language Day, with Australia among the key co-sponsors. The decision highlights the global influence of the Greek language and celebrates the deep cultural ties shared between Greece and Australia’s vibrant Greek diaspora.

Bridges of Zagori

Zagori, Greece, Introduces €0.75 Culture Fee for UNESCO Heritage Protection

Visitors to Zagori, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Epirus, Greece, will soon pay a €0.75 culture fee per stay to fund the preservation of its unique cultural and natural landscape. The fee, applied to all tourist accommodations, aims to support the region’s heritage while addressing tourism impacts.

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 fabric of Greek communities. Culture Minister Lina Mendoni emphasized their role in preserving collective memory and fostering intergenerational exchange, ensuring Greece’s living heritage thrives.

The Church of the Knights Hospitallers with its arch entrance and the Hospital Knights emblem. The Order of Knights of the Hospital were protectors of the sick and old; the founder was St. John, the Almoner son of Epiphanios Byzantine, Governor of Cyprus. Although the Hospital Knights were given the Templar church in 1308, they didn't use it but built their own next to it on the southern end.

Turkish Occupation Authorities Turn Historic Church in Famagusta into Café-Bar, Sparking Outrage

A video showing the historic Church of St. John the Knight in occupied Famagusta being converted into a café-bar has sparked outrage in Greece and Cyprus. Citizens and cultural groups have condemned the act as a blatant insult to religious and cultural heritage, calling for international intervention to protect Orthodox monuments in the occupied territories.

Early Frost on the Gods' Throne: Mount Olympus Awakens in White

In a dramatic herald of the approaching winter, the first snowfall of the season has dusted the lofty summits of Mount Olympus, Greece’s mythical home of the gods, catching hikers and meteorologists alike by surprise. The wintry spectacle unfolded above 2,500 meters early Thursday morning, where temperatures plummeted to a brisk -1°C, shrouding the ancient peaks in a veil of limited visibility.

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 its commitment to safeguarding cultural heritage for sustainable development.

Acropolis Museum Breaks Visitor Records, Pushes for Parthenon Marbles Return

The Acropolis Museum continues to captivate nearly 2 million visitors annually, ranking among the world’s top museums with 3,904,768 attendees from 2023 to 2024. Director Nikolaos Stambolidis highlighted its controlled crowds and global appeal, while passionately advocating for the return of the Parthenon Marbles. “This museum is the home of the Acropolis’ treasures,” he said, emphasizing ongoing negotiations and cultural exhibitions like *Parthenon and Byron* that keep Greece’s heritage in the global spotlight.

Turkey's Controversial Maritime Map Sparks Aegean Dispute with Greece

Turkey’s controversial maritime spatial planning map, submitted to UNESCO, divides the Aegean Sea in half, challenging Greece’s island rights and escalating tensions. Greece calls the map legally baseless, while Turkey claims “international recognition,” fueling a diplomatic row rooted in the “Blue Homeland” doctrine.

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