Spring is in the air and Athens is getting ready to celebrate and commemorate. From traditional Easter events to the start of the festival season, spending Spring/Summer in Athens this year will be a special time. Here’s some of what’s on.
A CULTURAL GUIDE TO WHAT’S ON IN ATHENS SPRING/SUMMER 2023
GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE
25 March 2023
The Evzones and their marching band will lead the Greek Independence Day parade through Athens. Photograph: Why Athens
Each year on the 25th March, Athens comes to a standstill for Greek Independence Day, which commemorates the start of the Greek War of Independence in 1821.
Find out more: https://whyathens.com/events/greek-independence-day-athens/
GREEK ORTHODOX EASTER
Good Friday 14 April 2023 – Easter Monday 17 April 2023
The Epitaph being carried through the streets of Athens on Good Friday. Photograph: Dimaberkut
Athens is home to some of the most beautiful and historical churches in Greece and the city has its finest moments under candlelight for the traditional services during holy week.
On Easter Saturday, in a ritual conducted for over 1,200 years, the ‘Holy Fire’ is lit at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, where Jesus was crucified, buried and resurrected. The light is then flown into Athens on a specially chartered flight and received by the Metohi tou Panagiou Tafou church in Plaka where candles are lit and then dispersed to churches throughout the Attica region in time for the start of resurrection services.
Find out more: https://whyathens.com/events/greek-orthodox-easter-athens/
ATHENS & EPIDAURUS FESTIVAL
June to August 2023
A full house for the Greek National Opera at a previous year’s Athens & Epidaurus Festival. Photograph: Dimitris Sakalakis/courtesy of GNO
The Athens and Epidaurus Festival is the city’s annual arts festival and a highlight of the Greek summer calendar. With a legacy that spans more than sixty years, today it incorporates a full programme of music, theatre, dance and visual arts. Performances at the two ancient theatres of the Odeon Herodes Atticus and the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus are highlights of the festival. Both are famous for their exemplary acoustics and many of the great works of classical playwrights, such as Sophocles, premiered at the Epidaurus Theatre in ancient times.
This year’s programme will be announced shortly.
Find out more: https://whyathens.com/events/athens-epidaurus-festival/
SUMMER NOSTOS FESTIVAL
21,22 & 23 JUNE 2023
Barack Obama will key note this year’s Summer Nostos Festival. Photo: Pari Dukovic
SNF Nostos is a multidisciplinary international festival full of art, debate, bold ideas, music, dance, performance, fun, reflection and sport, for visitors of all ages. A 3 day conference will explore the topic of mental health, featuring Goldie Hawn and former US President Barack Obama.
An artistic program from the Greek and international scene is also expected to perform at the festival with the likes of Spanish superstar Rosalia among others.
Find out more: https://www.snfnostos.org/en/
RELEASE ATHENS
Throughout June 2023
Hozier playing at the Release Festival in 2019
Launched in 2016, Release Athens has become one of the most important summer music events in Athens, with performances appearing long the Faliro seafront.
This year’s programme includes: Interpol, Madrugada and Wu Tang Clan among others.
Find out more: https://www.releaseathens.gr/en/lineup/
ROCKWAVE FESTIVAL
1,7 & 8 July 2023
The Rockwave music festival has become one of the most famous rock festivals in Greece, establishing itself as the annual live music event for contemporary pop and rock music. It is held every year at Terra Vibe Park in Malakasa, situated on the northern edge of the Parnitha mountain range, around 30km (19 miles) north of Athens.
This year’s line up includes: Robbie Williams, Deep Purple among others
Find out more: https://www.rockwavefestival.gr/en/
EJEKT FESTIVAL
2 July 2023
Florence and the Machine.
The Ejekt Festival returns to Athens’ Plateia Nerou by the sea, bringing together the world’s best in alternative and electronic based music.
This year’s headline act, Florence and the Machine.
Find out more: https://ejekt.gr/en/line-up/
ANDREA BOCELLI LIVE
18 July 2023
The legendary Andrea Bocelli returns to Athens.
The world’s most beloved tenor Andrea Bocelli will appear in Athens for one night only offering a unique opportunity for the general public to enjoy and be enchanted by his voice.
A unique, magical experience for all music lovers.
Tickets on sale now: https://www.viva.gr/tickets/music/andrea-bocelli-2023/
GUNS N’ ROSES
22 July 2023
Guns N Roses
Guns N’ Roses returns with a massive 2023 World Tour landing in Athens on July 22nd at the Olympic Stadium.
Tickets on sale now: https://www.ticketmaster.gr/showEventInformation.html?idEvent=2005960
Find more events on in Athens this month.
Disclaimer: We make every attempt to ensure information about events are accurate and obtained from reliable sources. Why Athens is neither the producer nor ticketing agent of any performances listed and is therefore not responsible for the outcomes of performances including if they appear contrary to how the production has been originally promoted or represented. See our editorial policy for further information.
