As spring breathes new life into the city, Athens plays host to a series of events. Organized by the Municipality of Athens, the This is Athens City Festival wil run through June 2.
Some key events include:
De Profundis at the Ancient Agora (May 2nd): The De Profundis string ensemble presents the medieval hymn Stabat Mater (Dolorosa) – a poignant reflection on the Virgin Mary’s sorrow during the Passion Week, as she mourns Jesus at the foot of the Cross.
In the Embrace of the Castle: Reconstructing Byzantine Athens’ Fragmented “Mosaic” (May 2nd): Starting at the statue of General Makrygiannis, archaeologist Lila Patsiadou will guide participants through a stunning Byzantine “mosaic” on Holy Thursday, weaving through the natural environment, the semi-ruined ancient Walls, Monuments, and ruins of antiquity, the Sacred Rock of the Acropolis with the Panagia Atheniotissa, and the neighborhoods with Byzantine churches.
Cine-city-graphy at the National Gallery - Alexandros Soutsos Museum (May 2nd): A cinematic glimpse into the city’s life during the '50s, '60s, and '70s. The educational program aims to encourage children (aged 6-12) to engage with visual arts and cinema as distinct yet conversing fields of modern visual culture.
The Journey of the Serenade from the Ionian Islands to Athens, a musical stroll with serenades in the alleys of Plaka (May 6th): The Karaviotis brothers, modern-day troubadours, will navigate the charming streets of Plaka, presenting a unique musical event with emblematic serenades.
Menta Live with Nina Mazani at Thiseio (May 7th): The talented artist Nina Mazani sings and dances on the pedestrian street (opposite the exit of the Thiseio electric station), participating in a special, energetic concert organized in collaboration with Menta 88 FM radio station.
Seeds Live (jazz concert) at the Kanellopoulos Museum terrace (May 8th): Brothers Michalis and Christos Kalkanis join forces in a dynamic live performance where the acoustic hues of the double bass, clarinet, and piano blend with electronic sounds.
Chórεs Live at the Stoa of Attalos (May 8th): The female vocal ensemble Chórεs, under the artistic direction of Marina Satti, presents a dynamic polyphonic program where renowned choral adaptations of traditional melodies from all corners of Hellenism intertwine with new transcriptions of folk songs, specially arranged for the ensemble by distinguished contemporary composers.