Athens is starting to show its true colours, and in a most festive way. Christmastime in the Greek capital has taken on a worldly feel, with a dazzling array of attractions and events reflecting the multiculturalism of the city. As the capital prepares to welcome back the modern Olympics after 108 years, the city is reveling in its ever-growing ethnic diversity. Athens’ main squares have been transformed into wonderlands designed to delight both the young and young at heart.
In announcing Christmas 2003 and New Year’s Eve events, Athens Mayor Dora Bakoyanni noted that the city would look a great deal different. “Celebratory events this Christmas and New Year coincide with a special conjuncture for Athens, Greece and for all Hellenism. They signal the welcoming of the Olympic year, the year of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games ,” she said.
“A year during which the world community, millions of people all over the world, will turn their eyes to Athens… Our ambition during this period of intensive preparation for the Olympic Games is to create a festive atmosphere in Athens and, at the same time, to increase awareness of the new image of modern Athens all over the world. “Athens, this Christmas will be the city on top of celebrations sending to the whole world its wishes for creativity, joy, love and peaceful coexistence.”
From square to square
** At Syntagma Square, a little “Town Made of Sugar” has sprung up. Tens of little cottages house handmade sweets and chocolates crafted by some of the city’s best confectioners. Wide-eyed youngsters, teenagers, couples, families and senior citizens duck into the treat-filled cottages, purchasing cellophane-wrapped gift packs or to simply enjoy the aromas wafting in the air. The delectable collection of pint-sized sweet shops doubles as a confectionery art museum, where one can find tempting treats from around the world.
Overlooking this sugar-sweet town is an all-green, natural looking Christmas tree decorated in the traditional fashion. The 13.5m-high tree replaces the 45m-tall structure which former mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos, claimed was the tallest Christmas tree in Europe . The metal tree, strung with lights, was the focal point of much contention as to whether it could really be considered a Christmas tree or not..
** At Kotzia Square, where the Athens City Hall is situated, a multicultural fair offers one the opportunity to choose from a great range of arts and crafts, fashion accessories, decorations, home ware and other interesting Christmas gift ideas. In the heart of the square, below a garlanded Christmas tree, performances of traditional song, music and dance by artists hailing from all corners of the globe have brought an international flavour to celebrations in a nation that tends to focus on local customs. Sights and sounds from countries including Syria, Egypt, India, Cuba and Poland illustrate the rich tapestry of ethnic groups in a country that stands at the crossroads of the East and West.
Kotzia Square itself is impressive, having recently undergone an extensive transformation, which has seen the restoration of the facades of neoclassical buildings. At night, the structures are softly lit and particularly striking. Ancient artifacts uncovered below the imposing National Bank of Greece building make a star appearance as the location forms part of the Archaeological Park - a grand project involving the link-up of all the city’s major archaeological sites via pedestrian walkways.
** Omonia Square, whose latest renewal is under review following howls of protest for its lack of imagination, has been filled with fir trees, which form the shape of one giant tree when viewed from above. Dubbed “the wishing trees”, they constitute a welcome vision of greenery in a city, which has very few parks. Bakoyanni has said that she would dearly love to demolish practically all of the city’s disused buildings and turn the plots into parks.
** Finally, at central Zappeion, amid the National Gardens, “A Magical World” has been created especially for children, where the magic of fairytales meets technology. Youngsters are encouraged to express themselves through art, theatre or alternatively with the use of computers.
The big party – and cause
As to the year’s countdown and final bow-out, world-renowned Greek tenor Mario Frangoulis and mega-popular singer Alkisti Protopsalti are set to bring in 2004 with a bang in what promises to be a stunning show, featuring also music by composer Dimitris Papadimitriou.
Though it may all sound like fun and games, a project of vital importance lies at the heart of these festivities. The City of Athens plans to establish a drug and detoxification centre, known as Epilogi (which translates as choice), aimed at assisting all those who made the wrong choice at some point in their lives. Proceeds from a philanthropic gala and Christmas events will go towards the founding of the centre, to be managed by the Therapy Centre for Dependent Individuals (KETHEA).
