By now a tradition, each year, the August full moon is celebrated around Greece with numerous events and free night-time entrances to archaeological sites and museums across the country. This year, the full moon falls on August 10. Moon-gazers won’t just enjoy any full moon but the closest and largest full moon of the year as it will be the nearest supermoon of 2014.
Where will you be when the extra-close supermoon rises?
Acropolis Museum
The Acropolis Museum on Dionysiou Areopagitou street will celebrate the August Full Moon with opera classics, film music and famous Greek melodies performed by the historic Hellenic Air Force Band at the entrance courtyard. The Hellenic Air Force Band consists of senior and junior officers with Lieutenant Alexandros Litsardopoulos at the helm. In the spirit of the supermoon, the museum will remain open from 8am to midnight with free entry for all visitors from 9am onwards.
Garden of the Numismatic Museum
What better place to enjoy the full moon than by watching the statues of the Iliou Melathron being bathed in moonlight to the music accompaniment of songs from around Greece and the Mediterranean. Pianist Mario Strofali will be accompanied by Fenia Christou. Also taking part in the performance is violinist Alfredo Stouni. Starts at 9 p.m. with free admission.
The Museum of Greek Folk Art
On the occasion of the full moon, the Museum of Greek Folk Art will be open to the public from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
The Old Oil Press at Elefsina
The soft voice of Evanthia Reboutsika, known for her soundtracks in films like “Politiki Kouzina”, will carry audiences away at the old factory that is now a cultural center.
Ancient Agora Square, Thessaloniki
On Mondays and Les Au Revoir will bring their atmospheric bossa nova and retro rhythms to Thessaloniki.
Archaeological Sites
Traditionally, dozens of archaeological sites across the country are open to visitors who wish to see the marbles bathed in the light of the night during August full moon.
ATTICA Sounion Archaeological Site – “In the area outside the perifraxis the Sanctuary of Poseidon south of the NTOG tourist booth in collaboration with the Municipality of Lavrion” “THORIKOS”, “musical show titled” “That Music” “two actresses, Marina Kalogirou and Dimitris Papanikolaou, along with the lyrical singer Basilica Karagiannis will perform, accompanied by the orchestra music room, consisting of eight musicians, original compositions Theodore Lempesi inspired by texts of leading writers, Greeks (Sophocles, Euripides) and foreign (Shakespeare, Lorca, Baricco, Williams, Chekhov). Vravrona Archaeological Museum – Organised by the Municipality Markopoulos Mesogaia music event of Dimitri Vassilakis (sax / vocals), Maria Christina (electric harp) and Alexander Dragon Ktistaki (percussion), which will include compositions dedicated to the moon, classics of jazz, ethnic, classical excerpts and new material. Olympia Archaeological Site – Open to the public – Until 24.00 Castle of Chora Kythira Open to the public – Until 24.00 Archaeological Museum of Piraeus Courtyard – Theatrical performance-Lyrical drama “Prometheus Bound
Arcadia Tripolis Archaeological Museum Open to the public
Ahaia Patra Castle Open to the public
Messinia Messinia Archaeological Museum Periodic Exhibition “Legendary dances of Messinia“ 20/6/2014 -30/9/2014 “ (20:00-24.00) Open Sculpture Workshop “on the walkway between the Benaki Building and the Archaeological Museum of Messinia by Artistic Stage Musical Evening Akovitika Archaeological Site Sightseeing the archaeological site Akovitika in collaboration with the group “PAME VOLTA” Saturday (9-8-2014 19:00) Kalamata Castle Open to the public
Ilia Olympia Archaeological Site open to the public from 9.00pm. until 01.00am Pyrgos Archaeological Museum open to the public rom 8.00pm until 11.00pm Olympia Museum (History Museum of the Ancient Olympic Games) Music Event tribute to Dimos Moutsi Ensemble “Colors of Elis” under the direction of G. Gkitziri – 9.00pm Hlemoutsi Castle Music Event by the Philharmonic of Lechainon, municipality Andravidas – Kyllinis
Laconia Mystras Archaeological Site Music event in collaboration with the Legal Entity of Culture, Sport and Environment City of Sparta Diros Archaeological Site and Central Entrance of Diros Caves Open to the public Courtyard of the elementary school in the local community Agorianis of Pellanas the Municipality of Sparta – Archaeological Conference on the work of the archaeological teem in the province Lakedaimonos – Monday 11-8-2014
Ikaria Saint Kyrikos in the courtyard of the Archaeological Museum – Reciting poems of O. Elytis – poems set to music 21:00-24:00.
Samos Ireon Archaeological Site – Music set to poems of Odysseus Elytis by the Youth Choir of the Cultural Association Pythagorean ‘Lycurgus’ under the direction of G. Koumaradiou – 21:00 Vathy Archaeological Museum Reciting O. Elytis poems set to music 21:00-24:00. Pythagorio Archaeological Museum Reciting O. Elytis poems set to music 21:00-24:00.
Lemnos Polihni Prehistoric Settlement Lemnos Music Event entitled: “With Full Moon in Poliochni”
Lesvos Mytilini New Archaeological Museum Open to the publicMesso Sanctuary Archaeological Site Lesvos Open to the public Thermi Prehistoric Settlement Lesvos – Music Event Plomari – “With helmsman Odysseus Elytis‘. Ride to the sea with karavoskaro “Aspasia”. Agiasos – “The moon rides” in the Reading Hall Theatre Agiasou. Young and older children will dance, sing and filled this this magical night with notes and joy.
Chios Emporio Chiou Archaeological Site – Visitors will be guided with music event in collaboration with the Association Kalamotousion Attica “Axanemos” and the assistance of DIPETHE Northern Aegean.
Psara Psara Mansion Archaeological Site – Visitors will be guided music event dedicated to Odysseus Elytis and Manos Hadjidakis in cooperation with the municipality of Psaron.
Kalymnos Early Christian Basilica of Jerusalem’s Christ Archaeological Site – The Municipality of Kalymnos in cooperation with the Association chanters Kalymnos and Charity Association “Saint Nicholas” will organize a music event
Patmos Nikolaides Mansion, Patmos Music Event
Rhodes Rhodes Archaeological Museum Concert of the student orchestra “Xeni Emner”
Amorgos Archaeological Collection Co-Organised by the Amorgos Cultural Association «Simonides».
Antiparos Antiparos Castle “Vega, the patron saint of love”. Expressions of the theater workshop of SHK and theater group Antiparos. Co-organized by the Municipality of Antiparos. 21:00.
Ios Ios Archaeological Museum Reciting of O. Elytis poems set to music Open 21:00-24:00.
Kea Kea Archaeological Museum – A Tribute to Odysseus Elytis. Music event with students from the Music Workshop Kea. Co-organized by the Municipality of Kea and the Association “Friends of the Greek islands and the Sea.” Treats by: John Vrettaros – “The Haunt” D. Demenagas 21:00.
Kimolos Kimolos Archaeological Museum Reciting of O. Elytis poems set to music Open 21:00-24:00.
Kithnos Kithnos Archaeological collection Photographic exhibition on “Kythnos. Traces ancestors“. Local treats. Organized by the City of Kithnos. Open 21:00-24:00.
Milos Milos Archaeological Museum “Amongst all the Aegean islands Odysseus Elytis“: The students of the music school of the Cultural Association “Melian Arts” will present songs from Greek and International music and the band Fuga Pertpetua set to music poems of Odysseus Elytis 21:00.
Mykonos Mykonos Archaeological Museum The Choir School of Music Dimitris Finnis will present Axion Esti. Organised and small treat: Friends of Delos-Rheneia and Folk-Cultural Association of Women of Mykonos 21:00.
Naxos Iria Archaeological Site Tribute to Odysseus Elytis. Poetry and prose of Odysseus Elytis by kinesiological recitation of the actress Anastasia Marmataki set to music and lyrics Elytis music coverage. Organised by NO.P.P.A.P.P.P.A. Naxos and Small Cyclades 21:00.
Paros Paros Archaeological Museum Music event dedicated to O. Elytis, with Michael Suyama (baritone) and Maroulis Condou (piano). Co-organized by the Welfare Municipal Cultural Development Paros 21:00
Santorini Akrotiri Archaeological Site Reciting of O. Elytis poems set to music Open 21:00-24:00.
Sifnos Sifnos Archaeological Museum Reciting of O. Elytis poems set to music Open 21:00-24:00.
Syros Syros Archaeological Museum Recitation of O. Elytis poems set to music Open 21:00-24:00.
Tinos Tinos Kionion Archaeological Site O. Elytis poems set to music Open 21:00-24:00.
Heraklion Heraklio Archaeological Museum Theater performance “The Stratis seafood and a small shipwreck” in poetry George Seferis Knossos Palace Full moon night in Knossos. The visiting areas of the palace will remain open to the public Until 01.00Gortyna Archaeological Site Open to the public Until 01.00Tylissos Archaeological Site Music Jazz Night in collaboration with the Cultural Association TylisouFestos Palace full moon night in Festos Until 01.00
Agios Nikolaos Lato’s ancient city Agora Archaeological Site In a collaboration with the Cultural Organization of the Municipality of Agios Nikolaos Music event titled “Traveling with the August moon in the Mediterranean Greco“
Chania Aptera Archaeological Site– In collaboration with the Regional Unit of Chania Music event titled “Notes Muses and Sirens“.Rokka Archaeological Site – In collaboration with the Regional Unit of Chania – Music event titled: “The moon, the gorge of August.” Concert orchestra string ASONIETA along with Angeliki purely as mezzo-soprano and Chris Zerbinos in Accordion, under the directon of Paul Sergius Apodoulos Archaeological Site In collaboration with the Regional Unit of Rethymnon and the Cultural Association Apodoulou. Music Night
Evros Zoni Archaeological Site Music concert titled “Concert for piano. A love for summer” with the composer Yannis Spanos and soloists Chryssoula Stefanaki and Costas Tziagkoula
Samothraki Sanctuary of the Great Gods of Samothrace Open to the public
RodopiMaronia Ancient Theatre Open to the publicTavanioti Mansion Open to the public
KomotiniKomotini Archaeological Museum Open to the public
Kavala Roman Agora (FORUM) Filippon Archaeological Site Music Event Municipal Conservatory of Kavala
ThassosArchaeological Museum of Thassos, Courtyard Poetry Night from “Filopnefmatiki Thassos“
DramaKali Vrysi Archaeological Site – Music Event of the band “Odoiporoi” Kali Vrysi DramaAcropolis Platania Archaeological Site Astrophysics Observation
ThessalonikiByzantine Culture Museum- The Museum will be open to the public – Free admission to the permanent and temporary exhibitions 18.30 – 21.30Thessaloniki Archaeological Museum Concert Greek art music in the gardenEptapyrgio – Screening of Gregg Tallas’ film «The Barefoot Battalion ». The event will be held with the support of the Thessaloniki International Film Festival and the Film Club of the Fourth Municipal Community of Thessaloniki. The screening of the film are courtesy of Alex Tully and family in memory of Greg Tallis and all people teamed up to create “The barefoot Battalion“.Roman Agora Conservatory – Shadow Theatre At Agora Square and concert at the Roman Odeon
Halkidiki Sacred Ammon Zeus Archaeological Site, Kallithea, Halkidiki Open to the public Cemetery of Ancient Acanthus Halkidiki, Indoor Exhibit Space section – Open to the public Ancient Stagira Archaeological Site In collaboration with the Association of Environment, Culture and Quality of Life-to celebrate the Full Moon will celebrate the Aristotelian 2014 – in the footsteps of Aristotle.Petralona Cave at Halkidiki – “Eagerly wait for the full moon,” Night artistic Greek music by Michaela Kyrgiafini, in collaboration with the Municipality of Nea Marmara – Free entrance to the cave for the public. Photo exhibition on Petralona cave, in cooperation with the Cultural Youth Association Moudanion “The Lighthouse”
KilkisKilkis Archaeological Museum Music event with artistic ensemble “The City” in cooperation with the municipality of Kilkis
SerresAngitsas Rural Mansion – Tour and Music Event in collaboration with the non-profit organization “The country Angitsas“
PieriaPydna – Byzantine Kitrous, Makrigialos Pieria Concert “Seascapes – A sea songs“. Under the auspices of the International Institute of Alexander the Great.
KozaniEani Archaeological Museum Music event titled: “The moon color“, with local band and presentation of works of visual arts summer workshop Aianis Archaeological Museum
Florina Florina Archaeological Museum Opera Performance “Drama Queens“ 21:00
KastoriaKastoria Archaeological Museum In light of the August Full Moon 2014 “Routes with stops, and musical surprises … from Paravela the Commonwealth of Orestes Roman times … in the Archaeological Museum in Argos Orestikon ‘ 20.00 – 01.00
Ioannina Ioannina Castle, Acropolis Its Kale Concert “White boats our dreams” with Dimitri Yfanti and his band – Saturday 9 August 2014 Concert entitled “Moon My tall, bright ‘with soprano Betty Harlaftis – Sunday 10 August 2014 Archaeological Site of Ancient Acropolis Grand Gardikiou Passarona Music event in cooperation with the municipality Zitsas entitled: “In the moonlight” with Orpheas Peridis
Arta Arta Archaeological Museum Music performance. Percussion group “KrotalArta” by George Georgiou and Greek artistic songs of the full moon and the moon from the band “Diapason”.
PrevezaNekromanteion Archaeological Site Musical evening with violin and piano by Constantine Leontari and Demetrius Leontari, with music from Manos Hadjidakis
Trikala Theopetra cave Free entrance to cave for the public Open 21.00 24.00 =Trikala Koursoum Mosque In a collaboration with the Municipality of Trikala music event “Fengarovradia in Koursoum Mosque” with songs by a group of artists from the cityArch Bridge at Portaikos river Trikala In a collaboration with the City of Pilis and the Pilis Cultural Association, music event titled “Songs under the moon” with the choir of the Cultural Association of Pilis FiFnari Byzantine Castle In a collaboration with the municipality Mouzakiou, the Fanar Cultural Association “The Castle” and the Cultural Association Fanarioton “The Ithomi” music event titled “The castle-Fanar under the moonlight“
Volos “Athanasakio” Volos Archaeological Museum In a collaboration with the” “Network Perevia (Network of Associations and District Elassonas Overseas Province Elassonas) and the Association Elassoniton Magnesia. Subject: “NICK KAVVADIAS – POET OF THE SEA” “music event titled:” “beyond the blurred line of horizon” Vassiliki Ag. Demetrios Archaeological Site Thivas Ftiotidas (Nea Anhialos) – Music event in cooperation with the D.O.E.P.A.P – Regional Theatre of the Directorate of Culture of the Municipality of Volos with the title: “Tonight moon“ by Erica Patrick. With pianist Elijah Chatzoglou. Songs by Hadjidakis, Theodorakis and other famous Greek composers. Saturday 9 August 2014 – 9pm Music event with Greek repertoire in co-ordination with the Association of Anhialiton Athens “The ANHIALOS” and music club of New Aghialou “Romanos the Melodist.” Sunday 10 August 2014 – 9pm.
Larissa Archaeological site of the Melivias Castle (Velika) In collaboration with the Municipality of Agia music event with the Blues Trackers From 9.00 pm. Larissa Ancient Theatre Open to the public
Corfu Kerkyra Old Castle In collaboration with the Regional Theater of Corfu. “Under the full moon of August” music and poetry
Etolokarnania Nafpaktos Castle Open to the public Until 10.00p Antirion Castle Open to the public Until 10.00pm Thermo Archaeological Site Musical evening with the band “Atropos “ Stratos Archaeological Site Music event Philharmonic Orchestra D. Agrinio
- Plevrona Archaeological Site Open to the public
Thesprotia Elea Archaeological Site Souli Municipality Organised by the Municipality Souli concert Classical Music and Film Music Gitanon Archaeological Site Filiatra Municipality Observing the starry sky in cooperation with the amateur astronomy group Filiatron Igoumenitsa Archaeological Museum Open to the public Ypati Byzantine Museum (Fthiotis) 1. Inauguration of exhibition “Plants and civilization in the history of Europe “ starts 8pm 2. Musical Evening with the Choir of Davlia, with music from Hadjidakis, Theodorakis, Kouyioumtzis, 9pm
Lamia Kastro Archaeological Site and Lamia Archaeological Museum Musical event with the group opera “Seam” Visual paramvaseis Cherry Touliatou painter and sculptor John Koutrozi / Tours
Delfi Delfi Archaeological Museum Open to the public 8.00am – 10.00pm
Odysseas Elytis Poetry
A dedication to nobel laureate and his poems will be featured at various archaeological sites from 9p.m. to midnight at Amorgos, Antiparos, Delphi, Ikaria, Ios, Kea, Kimolos, Kythnos, Lesvos, Limnos, Milos, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Samos, Santorini, Sifnos, Syros, Tinos, Chios and Psara.
Averof Battleship
The G. Averof Floating Maritime Museum Battleship will celebrate the August full moon with a unique concert. Composer Michael Koumbios instrumental compositions are inspired by narrations of the Sea and the Moon. Singer Vasilis Lekkas, Savveria Margiola, Harry Makris and a group of other musicians will perform at the Greek warship that served as the flagship of the Royal Hellenic Navy during most of the first half of the 20th century. The ship is permanently docked at Palaio Faliro and everyone is welcome aboard during the full moon.
Screenings
Why not celebrate the occasion of the full moon with the Eugenides Foundation Planetarium’s (379 Syngrou Avenue, Palaio Faliro) screening of “Back to the Moon for Good”? The show opens on the first era of space exploration in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Then the Google Lunar XPrize is introduced as the largest incentivized competition to date, designed to democratize space and create new opportunities for eventual human and robotic presence on the Moon. Immerse yourself in a race to return to the Moon 40 years after the historic Apollo landings. See how a competition among privately funded international teams is ushering in a new era of lunar exploration. Learn about the Moon’s resources and discover what humanity’s future on the Moon might hold. At Hellenic Cosmos (254 Pireos St, Tavros), “Conquering the Skies: A Dream for Mankind” also focuses on the history of space travel from antiquity to today.
Gazi
A romantic night of full moon poetry is in store by people who wish to celebrate the occasion with lyricism. Poet Alkiviadis Alexandris will read from his own poems and encourages other budding poets to join in and share their works of literature. The event, titled “Strange Days in a Strange City”, takes place at Polyhoros Hytirio (44 Iera Odos, Gazi)
Bolivar Beach Bar, Alimos Beach
A full moon party takes place at the Bolivar Beach Bar. DJ Kiko Navarro performs a fusion of deep house, garage underground, latin, afro, disco, and other old school and dance floor classics for plenty of dancing under the light of the moon. Admission is at 5 euros at the Bolivar Beach Bar that is at Poseidonos Avenue, Alimos.
