This contrasts with a similar incident at last year’s Anna Vissi concert at the packed Kallimarmaro, which drew little controversy.

Legal Procedures and Differences

In the Adidas drone show, the company obtained all necessary permits: one from the Zea Pavilion administration via the Olympic and Bequest Committee under the Ministry of Finance, and another from the Civil Aviation Authority. The permissions covered a specific flight plan over a 200 sqm area next to Zappeion, costing only €380.

While the drones operated within the approved zone, the images appeared from different angles, creating the illusion of the giant shoe over the Acropolis—an image deemed offensive by Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni. Adidas clarified that no images of the Acropolis were used for advertising.

Legal Violations

The Zea Pavilion failed to request permission from the Ministry of Culture’s Archaeological Council for commercial use of the area, which is a designated monument. According to Greek law, such approval is mandatory for both the monument and its surroundings. The Culture Ministry filed a lawsuit for violation of archaeological laws, prompting a prosecutor’s investigation. The Minister of Finance also requested explanations from the Zea Pavilion’s board.

Anna Vissi Concert Drone Show

At the October concert, a drone show featured images of Vissi, her name, and song titles with the Acropolis in the background. The production company had secured aerial photography and filming permits from the Central Council of Modern Monuments, and the images were taken from a safe distance, avoiding controversy.

As drone shows become more common, clear regulations are needed to protect Greece’s cultural heritage from both direct and indirect harm, ensuring responsible use of drone technology near archaeological sites.