FESTIVALS

In Greece, particularly in summer, a lot of festivals take place in many cities and tourist resorts. Visitors have the opportunity to attend dance, theatre and music performances organized by Greek and foreign artists.

In Thessaloniki, the most popular festival is the Dimitria Festival (www.thessalonikicity.gr). It takes place every autumn and lasts for about 3 months. It includes various scientific and cultural activities, symposiums, art exhibitions, concerts and plays.

Another very important festival in Thessaloniki is the International Film Festival (www.filmfestival.gr). It lasts 10 days and every year it gathers movie actors, actresses and directors from many parts of the world. Since 1992 the festival has become the Balkans primary cinematographic event.         

The most important festival in Greece is the Athens Festival which was established on 24^th of August, 1955. It lasts about 4 months from June to September every year. The performances take place in the Herodou Atticou theatre, the large amphitheatre at the foot of the Acropolis of Athens, which was built by Herodis Atticus in 161 AD. It's a marvelous amphitheatre with extraordinary acoustics and it is the dream of all artists to have the unique experience and chance to perform there at least once in their lifetime. This year's program of events includes ancient Greek tragedies and comedies, a concert by the famous Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, the Philarmonic Orchestras of Israel, Duisbourg and Flandres, the Famous British orchestra of St Martin's of the Fields. The Greek Opera will perform Samson and Delilah and there will also be a new production of the famous Fiddler on the Roof. The Greek Ballet, the National British Ballet and the Monte Carlo Ballet will also perform this year. There will also be a lot of Greek music and Dalaras will perform under the auspices of the Ecumenical Patriarch and UNESCO.

Another very popular summer festival is the one in the ancient theatre of Epidauros in Peloponnisos. This ancient theatre, the best of ancient Greek theatres, although built at the end of the 4^th century BC has been preserved very well and is now in very good condition. It's located in a very beautiful setting and has excellent acoustics. Ancient Greek tragedies are performed during this very important festival.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

http://www.in.gr/ath/theater