The funeral service has concluded.

31/03/2026 15:05
Marinella’s coffin leaves the Athens Metropolitan Cathedral to applause – the crowd chants “Immortal.”

31/03/2026 15:00
The eulogies have concluded

31/03/2026 14:58
Giorgos Dalaras delivers the second eulogy

“My Marinella, what I am doing is very heavy and difficult—you asked this of me, and I cannot refuse. Is there anyone who doesn’t know you? Who doesn’t know your songs, your journey? You opened doors, you brought down walls; you were bold and relentless until the end. You were a role model for younger generations. I also want to remind you of something incredible you achieved: even your backing vocals sounded like lead ones.”

“You didn’t die the other day—you departed, you soared above the Herodeion like an ancient tragedienne.”

“For me, my second mother has died—the one who took me by the hand as a child. Safe journey, mother, and good luck wherever you go.”

31/03/2026 14:54
“Today I am doing something I have never done before. At my first audition, I got through with one of your songs. And now your child has asked me to speak about your gifts, here in front of you—and in front of thousands.”

“I remember you at the Olympic Games ceremony, opening your arms as if you wanted to fly. Supreme, yet humble.”

31/03/2026 14:52
Emotion during Haris Alexiou’s eulogy

“On the most beautiful stage in the country, the Herodeion—where every Greek and international artist dreams of performing—you chose, our noble lady, to sing your great farewell a cappella.

You gave the last drop of your voice on the altar of the Herodeion. You closed your eyes and never sang to us again, even though your heart was still beating. The people who adored you would not let you go. All of Greece is speaking of you, and the country’s singers are here.

My Marinella, my captain— from what crystal spring was that voice ever born?”

“Today I am doing something I have never done before. At my first audition, I got through with one of your songs. And now I have been called by your child to speak about your gifts, here in front of you. And in front of thousands.”

31/03/2026 14:52
Emotion during Xaris Alexiou’s eulogy

“On the most beautiful stage in the country, at the Herodeion—where every Greek and international artist longs to perform—you chose, our noble lady, to sing your great farewell a cappella.

You left the last drop of your voice on the altar of the Herodeion. You closed your eyes and never sang to us again, even though your heart was still beating. The people who adored you would not let you go. All of Greece is speaking about you, and the country’s singers are here.

My Marinella, my captain, from what crystal spring was that voice ever uttered?”

Xaris Alexiou with Marinella’s daughter

PM Konstandinos Mitsotakis

Marianna Latsi

Panagiotis Giannakis

Ilias Psinakis

Marios Fragoulis

Olga Gerovasili

Minister Lina Mendoni

Vaggelis Meimarakis

Spyros Bibilas

Marina Vernikou

Konstandina

Katerina Kouka

Applause erupted from the gathered crowd as the body was transferred to the Metropolitan Cathedral from the chapel of Saint Eleftherios.

Zoi Rapti

Loula, Marinella’s sister has arrived

Angela Dimitriou

Antonis Remos

Christos Mastoras

Crowds have been gathering since 8:00 a.m. at the chapel of Saint Eleftherios to leave a flower for the great performer.

• The public viewing will last until 13:00; the funeral service will take place at 14:00, followed by burial in a close family circle
• Giorgos Dalaras and Haris Alexiou will deliver the eulogies
• Margaritis, Zouganeli, Zacharatos, Tsanaklidou, and Kefala were present at the public viewing

Vaso Katsavou: Unique of her kind, an amazing person

“Marinella was an incredible singer. I wish someone could be found to replace her, but I don’t think so. She was unique in her kind, an amazing person. She was like a mother to everyone. She was a wonderful human being—she protected me, took me under her wing when Stelios died. May she rest in heaven,” said Vaso Katsavou, the wife of Stelios Kazantzidis.

31/03/2026 11:23
Tania Tsanaklidou: “There will never be another Marinella—wherever she went, she left behind culture.”

31/03/2026 11:18
Eleonora Zouganeli: “She was a great personality. I’m sure her journey into the light will be very beautiful and peaceful.”

Polykandriotis: “I’m not well, today folk music dies”
The great composer speaks about the singer.

31/03/2026 10:27
Giorgos Margaritis also at the public viewing

31/03/2026 10:24
When Vougiouklaki rejected “Stalia Stalia” by Zampetas and Marinella performed it
The story behind the song “Stalia Stalia,” written by Giorgos Zampetas and performed by Marinella, was described by his daughter Katerina, recalling that it was originally intended for Aliki Vougiouklaki.

31/03/2026 10:09
Takis Zacharatos broke down in front of Marinella’s coffin
Visibly emotional, Takis Zacharatos paid tribute to the great performer, bowing respectfully before her coffin.

In a particularly charged moment, he discreetly wiped the coffin with his sleeve, removing fingerprints.

31/03/2026 09:56
People outside the Metropolitan Cathedral:
“This is the first time I’ve come to a public viewing — I lost my husband and I connected with these songs.”

31/03/2026 09:48
Wreaths from Nana Mouskouri, the family of Vicky Moscholiou, Katiana Balanika, Olympiacos, and TV channels

31/03/2026 09:32
Giorgos Dalaras and Haris Alexiou will deliver the eulogies
According to reports, they will honor the life and career of the great performer.

31/03/2026 09:28
Marinella’s daughter Tzortzina and her grandchildren Melina and Dimitris

31/03/2026 08:33
The moment Marinella’s body arrives at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens

31/03/2026 08:28
Images from the chapel of Saint Eleftherios at the Metropolitan Cathedral

31/03/2026 08:26
The first queues for the public viewing begin

31/03/2026 08:23
The funeral will take place at 2:00 PM, followed by a private burial

31/03/2026 08:22
Her body arrived to applause; relatives deeply moved
Just before 8:00 AM, Marinella’s body arrived to lie in state until 13:00. At 14:00, Greece will bid farewell to the great singer.

Her family accompanied her, visibly emotional.

31/03/2026 08:22
“You are everywhere and nowhere”
“An empty road begins / at the edge of separation / I know you won’t return, yet the tear won’t fall… / I know you won’t return / I won’t see you again, yet for me you are here / you are everywhere and nowhere…”

These lyrics, which she performed so uniquely, reflect the emotions felt across Greece over Marinella’s loss.

For many generations of Greeks who grew up with her songs, Marinella was life, joy, celebration, passion, and deep emotion. She was a woman who never broke under hardship, never compromised, never depended on anyone, never feared public opinion, and carved her own path—both personally and professionally—guided by her dreams and desires.

31/03/2026 08:21
A lifetime present: From stages with Stelios Kazantzidis to her final performance at the Herodeion
For more than six decades she was everywhere: from the folk music stages of 1955–1965 performing alongside Stelios Kazantzidis, to Greek cinema, Eurovision, collaborations with major Greek composers, iconic popular and art songs, performances with Kostas Hatzis, appearances with Tolis Voskopoulos and Giannis Parios, television, radio, the Closing Ceremony of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games, theater, the Athens Festival, the Megaron Concert Hall, the National Opera, and tours across Greece—continuing until just days before that fateful night in September 2024, when she collapsed on stage after suffering a severe stroke, yet still wanted to rise and return to sing a few more songs.