This Thursday (28/11, 18:00), 28 days before the Christmasits center of Athens he will wear his holiday clothes and in Syntagma Square the Christmas tree will be lit and a series of events will begin in the city.
The 20 meter fir treewhich comes from a nursery in Taxiarchis of Halkidiki, arrived in Athens late on Thursday night and its decoration began immediately. It will be lit by the mayor of Athens, Haris Doukas, in an event that will be hosted by Nancy Zampetoglou and Thanasis Anagnostopoulos and Christmas tunes with Nefeli Fasouli and the Athens Big Band. OR festive lighting event will be open to everyone, as it will be performed with a parallel performance in Greek sign language by Polybius Cosmatos.
“This Christmas in Athens will be like a fairy tale. A big celebration will start from the heart of the city. Neighborhoods of Athens, as well as emblematic landmarks, are illuminated for the first time. Colorful LED lanterns, low consumption, ornaments made of recycled materials will bring the magic of the holidays, with respect for the environment”, said Haris Doukas and added: ”We are waiting for you on Thursday, November 28 in Syntagma Square, to unfold the Christmas bundle with music together and songs”.
Focusing on the Christmas tree, which this year has the most decorations, the adornment of the whole city inspired by childhood imagination. Syntagma Square in particular is transformed into a setting taken from classic fairy tales, full of countless stars, elves and heroes such as the Nutcracker. By adopting low-energy LED lighting, the ecological footprint of the holidays is reduced, achieving at least 55% energy savings.
More areas and landmarks of the city will be illuminated, such as Ermou Street, from Fokianou to Aiolou, KAPAPS Park in Ampelokipi, Papandreika Settlement, Drakopoulos Park, Tralleon Street and the two entrances to the National Garden, making use of the decorations of previous years in all the neighborhoods of Athens. for the first time, a Light Gate with Nutcrackers will be placed at the entrance of Ermou from Syntagma.
The 20-meter natural fir tree of the nursery, after the holidays, will be given to the Academy of Fine Arts to be used as a raw material for artistic works of wood carving for its students. Some of its ornaments are made from 100% recycled PET plastic.
In the next few days the detailed program of the festive events of the Municipality of Athens will be announcedwhich includes live music on the Syntagma stage, dance parties, atmospheric screenings, imaginative activities for children, performances and Christmas events for everyone.
With information from APE – MEB
How can communities ensure inclusivity during festive events?
Time.news Interview: A Festive Transformation in Athens
Editor (Time.news): Good evening, everyone! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Sophia Anagnostou, an environmental scientist and expert in sustainable event planning. With Christmas just around the corner, Athens is gearing up for its festive transformation. Dr. Anagnostou, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Sophia Anagnostou: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to talk about how Athens is embracing the holiday spirit in a sustainable way.
Editor: The Christmas tree lighting in Syntagma Square is a highly anticipated event. Can you share your thoughts on the importance of such festivals for the community, especially during challenging times?
Dr. Anagnostou: Absolutely! Events like the lighting of the Christmas tree serve as a beacon of hope and togetherness, fostering community spirit. They bring joy and a sense of normalcy, which is especially crucial during tough times. This year’s theme of childhood imagination and fairy tales makes it even more special.
Editor: I love that theme! This year, the Christmas tree in Syntagma Square is a remarkable 20 meters tall and decorated with eco-friendly materials. How significant is it for cities to adopt sustainable practices in their holiday celebrations?
Dr. Anagnostou: It’s incredibly important! By using recycled materials for decorations and implementing low-energy LED lighting, Athens is setting an example for other cities. Not only does it reduce the ecological footprint, achieving at least a 55% energy saving, but it also raises awareness about sustainability among residents and visitors. When communities embrace eco-friendly practices, they contribute to a larger cultural shift towards environmental responsibility.
Editor: That’s a compelling point. The mayor of Athens, Haris Doukas, has expressed how the festive lighting will enhance the beauty of the city, making it feel like a fairy tale. What elements do you think are vital to creating that enchanting atmosphere without compromising the environment?
Dr. Anagnostou: Creating an enchanting atmosphere involves a blend of creativity and sustainability. Utilizing LED lights can create stunning visuals while minimizing energy use. Integrating elements like stars, elves, and characters from beloved stories, as Athens is doing, helps evoke nostalgia and wonder. It’s about balancing the aesthetic appeal with environmental consciousness, engaging the community in a conversation about how celebrations can be both magical and responsible.
Editor: Speaking of community engagement, the event features a performance in Greek sign language, which enhances inclusivity. How essential do you think inclusivity is in public festivities?
Dr. Anagnostou: Inclusivity is absolutely essential! Celebrations should be enjoyable for everyone, regardless of their background or abilities. By offering performances in sign language and ensuring accessibility, Athens is embracing the diversity of its citizens. Such actions not only promote equality but also enhance the communal experience, making everyone feel valued and connected during the holiday festivities.
Editor: as we approach the grand event on November 28th, what are your personal hopes for this holiday season in Athens?
Dr. Anagnostou: My hope is that this year’s celebrations ignite a sense of wonder and community spirit, encouraging people to gather, spread joy, and celebrate sustainably. I also hope it inspires those in attendance to think about how they can incorporate eco-friendly practices into their own holiday traditions.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Anagnostou, for sharing your insights on this beautiful fusion of celebration and sustainability. We look forward to seeing how Athens transforms and shines this Christmas.
Dr. Anagnostou: It was my pleasure! Let’s all embrace the magic of the season responsibly.
Editor: And to our readers, make sure to experience the festivities in Syntagma Square and enjoy a memorable, eco-friendly holiday season. Happy holidays to everyone!