Page 70 - ATHENS RIVIERA JOURNAL 2023

ATHENS RIVIERA JOURNAL
culture
Cultural

Capital

Hosting 300 artists

and 465 productions,

Elefsina takes central

stage this year.

Text by VIVIAN VOURTSA
S ituated just 21 km from the centre of

Greece’s capital Athens, this year Elefsina
- one of the most important sacred cities of
Greek antiquity, and the site of the Eleusin-
ian Mysteries and birthplace of Aeschylus
– is now the fourth European Capital of Culture to be
hosted in Greece. Returning in 2023 to its native coun-
try, the institution of the European Capital of Culture’s
aim is to boost the entire city in terms of culture, tour-
ism and overall development. This has required Elefsi-
na to undergo many changes, be that new construction
or restoration-based projects in order to enable Elefsi-
na to host a rich program of events and performances
showcasing the talents of both Greek and international
artists, conceived by the organisation’s General Artistic
Director, the renowned Michail Marmarinos and direct-
ed by the distinguished British director, Chris Baldwin.
Beginning back in 1985, the European Capital of Culture
was the initiative of Greek actress Melina Merkouri and
Jack Lang who shared a common European vision: to
create a highly prestigious institution, to promote the
cultural diversity of Europe and to develop a dialogue and
mutual understanding between European citizens. With
its elevation to European Capital of Culture, Elefsina
now joins the family of more than 70 European cities
that have received the title to date, and will share the
honour with the cities of Timisoara in Romania and
Veszprem in Hungary for 2023.
Coastal Front, Elefsina. Opposite page: The Old Railway Station Showcasing an innovative artistic, research and
and part of the archaeological site of the ancient city. educational program entitled ‘MYSTERIES OF @JOHN STATHIS, PINELIPI GERASIMOU
TRANSITION’ which is based on the three themes
of People | Society, Environment and Labour, the
2023 Elefsina European Capital of Culture began
with a spectacular Opening Ceremony on Saturday the >

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