Athens is annually the scene of a set of festivals and events that attract locals and visitors. The following are 5 annual festivals not to be missed in Athens. Proximity to the center of Athens makes it easy for the visitors to join these events, as many of them are held in that area.
Art-Athina
Art-Athina, an international contemporary art fair, is an event that art lovers, curators, galleries and collectors wait for every year. Launched in 1993 by the Hellenic Art Galleries Association, Art-Athina is one of the oldest contemporary art fairs in Europe, a place where Greek and foreign art galleries and cultural institutions come together to interact, showcase artists and expand their network.
Athens Photo Festival
The Hellenic Centre for Photography established the annual Athens Photo Festival in 1987 as a major international festival of photography. The festival aims to provide a space where artists can exchange their artistic point of view and network. The festival presents promising local talent and establishes contact with artists from around the world.
International Comics Festival
The International Comics Festival of Athens has been around since 1996, sometimes dubbed as the Babel Festival. Consequently, since its beginning, the event has managed to attract international comic artists while promoting emerging local illustrators. Held at Technopolis in Gazi, it includes exhibitions of Greek and foreign artists, concerts and events for all.
Athens Epidaurus Festival
Every summer, from June to August, Athens and the Ancient Theater of Epidaurus are home to the “Athens’ Epidaurus Greek Festival”. An important cultural event, where theater, ballet, jazz, classical music, opera and ancient drama performances are held in several locations in Athens, such as the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, the Lycabettus Theater, as well as in the Ancient Theater of Epidaurus. Visitors can enjoy this unique festival that many consider it as the most important one in the country.
Athens Open-Air Film Festival
Established by the Athens International Film Festival and CINEMA magazine in 2011, the Athens Open Air Film Festival is a magical event where film screenings and parallel cultural events are happening all around Athens, in the most unique urban settings, against some of the city’s most iconic monuments. The festival offers unforgettable memories free of charge to locals and visitors, in parks, pedestrian streets, squares and other open areas. Don’t let this chance of seeing an old-time classic or discovering a movie with the view of the Acropolis pass you by.
