Day of Culture - May 5th
This Friday, May Fifth Greece celebrates an official "Day of Culture" honoring the cultural preservation effort spearheaded by the late Minister of Culture and renowned actress, Melina Mercouri. Athens and Thessaloniki are offering dozens of cultural events in honor of the day declared by the European Cities of Culture and Cultural Months, an organization originally proposed by Melina Mercouri in 1983.
Melina Mercouri, already beloved by her Greek compatriots for her film work, took to her position as Minister of Culture with great vigor and class. Hers was the loudest voice calling for the restoration of the Parthenon Marbles to Greece, and if they are ever returned from captivity in Britain, it will be largely due to her charisma in drawing attention to the problem. Her untimely death was mourned throughout Greece, but her spirit lives on in this special day.
| Athens and Thessaloniki Museums will be open free of charge to the public on May 5th. |
Casual travelers through Athens via the Metro on May 5th will be delighted with video walls featuring works by members of the Greek Choreographers Union displayed at the Omonia and Syntagma metro stations.
Athens Museums will all be open and free of charge on May 5th. Want a quiet wander through the antiquities - don't go on May 5th! Through the weekend crowds will be heavier than usual for early May, as Greeks enjoy the chance to see their own museums for free.
Thessaloniki is also granting free admission to its museums on May 5th, and presenting a Jazz and Ethnic music festival on May 5th and 6th. More information available at the Athens News.
