GREEK NEWS AGENDA

FinMin: Greece Has Fulfilled All Requirements

noreply@blogger.com (GRECEHEBDO) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 02:24:52 PST

In statements made, following a Eurogroup teleconference between the 17 euro area Finance ministers yesterday, Government Vice-president and Finance Minister Evangelos Venizelos said that Greece presented in detail all measures taken in order to meet the requirements needed. Among these, the cabinet has finalized the decision on the additional €325 million cuts for 2012.

Ηe further noted that the leaders of both coalition government parties, PASOK's George Papandreou and ND's Antonis Samaras, have given written undertakings for the full implementation of the consolidation programme. Venizelos expressed his hope that Euro zone officials will settle all issues before a new Eurogroup meeting on February 20, paving the way for the announcement of the PSI deal with private creditors on the same day.

Meanwhile, in a statement after the teleconference, Eurogroup head Jean-Claude Juncker said he is confident that Euro zone Finance Ministers will take "all necessary decisions" on Greece next Monday.

Ministry of Finance: Finance Minister Statements (in Greek)

Europarliament Debate on Greece

noreply@blogger.com (GRECEHEBDO) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 02:24:52 PST

The upcoming EU summit on March 1-2 must address growth, said MEPs debating with Council and Commission in Strasbourg yesterday. Many MEPs across the political spectrum expressed scepticism and concern regarding the latest wave of austerity measures in Greece, initiated by a European Commission, ECB and IMF troika.

Earlier this week, Greece’s debt crisis and its handling by the EC/ECB/IMF troika was the first issue raised by the President of the Group of Socialists & Democrats in the European Parliament, Hannes Swoboda, during a customary press conference, on the occasion of a plenary session in Strasbourg. The leader of the S&D Group indicated that, on the initiative of the Group, a delegation of experts will be sent to Greece within the next 15 days, to assess the situation and produce alternative proposals for exiting the crisis.

"This will consist of three high-level and experienced members of our Group and will come up with real alternatives for the people," Swoboda said [VIDEO].

While, co-Presidents of the Greens/European Free Alliance Group, Rebecca Harms and Daniel Cohn-Bendit also referred to Greece during a plenary session press briefing.

The two MEPs noted that recession and an unacceptable rate of austerity have been inflicted on Greece and called for an alternative solution.

2012 Literary Translation Awards

noreply@blogger.com (GRECEHEBDO) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 02:24:52 PST

The State Literary Translation Awards for 2011, concerning publications that appeared in 2010, were announced on February 14 by the Directorate of Contemporary Culture of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture.

The award for translating a Greek literary work into a foreign language was shared by Peter Jeffreys, for his translation of Selected Prose Works by Constantine Cafavy in English, and Carmen Vilela, for the Spanish translation of Short Stories of Syros (Relatos de Syros) by Emmanuel Rhoides.

The award for the best translation of a foreign work into Greek was assigned to Aris Berlis for his translation of Jan Morris’ Venice, while Professor Dimitris Maronitis received the award for best translation from Ancient Greek into Modern Greek, for his work on Homer’s Iliad.

Culture & Tourism Ministry: Announcement; Greek News Agenda: More Greek Books Abroad

The Culture Agenda

noreply@blogger.com (GRECEHEBDO) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 02:26:49 PST

E Χ Η Ι Β Ι Τ Ι Ο Ν S

Alexandros Papadiamantis Inspired

The new Archaeological Museum of Patras inaugurates today an art exhibition inspired by the literary works of Alexandros Papadiamantis.

The exhibition is co-organised by the University of Patras and Mikri Arktos cultural organization and will be on display until March 13.

Big City

The Zoumboulakis Callery is hosting an exhibition headed Big city, presenting "aspects of the urban space as imagined or seen" by artists who use a variety of means and materials.

Actual and fictional urban landscapes set to intrigue and motivate the viewers. The organizers claim that this is not a tribute, but rather a way of "creatively reinventing" the city’s scenery and "renegotiating the space" surrounding its dwellers. The exhibition runs until March 10.

From Nubia to Sudan

The Benaki Museum is hosting until February 19, the exhibition From Nubia to Sudan: With the eyes of Greek-Norwegian Archaeological Mission.

The exhibition features photographs shot by archaeologists Alexandros Tsakos and Henriette Hafsaas-Tsakos during the periods they have worked, travelled, and lived in Sudan.

M U S I C

The Merry Widow @ National Opera

The extremely popular operetta Die lustige Witwe (The Merry Widow) by the Austro–Hungarian composer Franz Lehár is staged at the Olympia Theatre by the Greek National Opera, from February 22 to April 4. It relates the romantic and comic story of a beautiful, young and rich widow, Anna Glavary, in search of a new spouse.

Guitar Plus @ Thessaloniki Megaron

Starting today and until February 19, the Thessaloniki Concert Hall hosts the 7th session of Guitar Plus, a festival dedicated to classical string instruments. The programme features the Kontaxakis-Ivanovich Guitar Duo today, and a guitar-piano concert Ianemta -The Sounds of The Park on February 18.

Carmen Souza @ Half Note

World jazz star Carmen Souza comes to Greece for the first time. The Caboverdean diva will be at the Half Note Jazz Club until February 19.

F E S T I V A L

Cult Film Festival

The 10th Greek Cult Film Festival takes place at the Gagarin 205 Venue, on February 16-19. A staple for devotees of Greek sub-culture, this year the festival features cult Greek movies screenings, a special tribute to 70’s and 80’s commercial spots, live performances by music groups and a "Trashathon Party."

Rural Development and Food Minister in Russia

noreply@blogger.com (GRECEHEBDO) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 03:14:05 PST

Rural Development and Food Minister Costas Skandalidis paid a four-day visit to Moscow and Saint Petersburg from February 12 to 14, as part of a wider campaign aimed at promoting Greek farm products abroad. In Moscow, Skandalidis attended the international food, beverages and raw food materials fair PRODEXPO 2012 (February 13-17), in which Hellenic Export Promotion Organisation (HEPO) as well as more than 30 Greek commercial and food production firms are taking part with their own pavilions.

While in Moscow, Skandalidis met with his Russian counterpart Elena Borisovna Skrynnik, with whom he discussed issues of bilateral cooperation in the agricultural sector and ways of further facilitating Greek farm and food product exports to the Russian market. Skandalidis referred to the upward trend of Greek export products to Russia, particularly of fruits, vegetables, olive oil, wine, seafood and dairy products.

To further boost exports, the Greek minister called for a reassessment of the duty regime in Russia for Greek products. Skandalidis also announced the establishment of a Greek-Russian working group on agriculture and the decision to promote the "Mediterranean diet" during the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games, within the "Year of Greece in Russia" and "Year of Russia in Greece" celebrations scheduled for 2014.

Greek News Agenda: Greek Food Exports on the Rise

T-Bill Auction

noreply@blogger.com (GRECEHEBDO) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 03:14:05 PST

Greece raised €1.3 billion during an auction of €1,000 million of 13-week Treasury Bills conducted yesterday.

According to an announcement by the Public Debt Management Agency (PDMA), the issue was 2.7 times oversubscribed, with total bids reaching €2,701 million.

The interest rate was 4.61% compared to 4.64% reached during the previous auction of 13-week bills on January 17, and 4.68% during the auction of December 20, 2011.

Call for Solidarity with the Greek People

noreply@blogger.com (GRECEHEBDO) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 03:14:05 PST

Trade unionists, politicians and intellectuals from Britain have signed a letter of solidarity with the Greek people. "We have decided to support this call [for a European Front to defend the people of Greece and all those facing austerity] and work with trade unions, campaigns and parties across Europe to establish a European Solidarity Campaign to defend the people of Greece. We will organise solidarity and raise practical support for the people of Greece; they cannot be made to pay for a crisis for which they are not responsible," reads the letter which appeared in The Guardian.

EnergyTech Vol. 4

noreply@blogger.com (GRECEHEBDO) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 03:14:05 PST

The 4th EnergyTech exhibition of renewable and conventional energy sources and energy saving technology is taking place in Thessaloniki on February 16-19.

Having received more than 40,000 registered visitors in last year’s edition, EnergyTech is quickly becoming the main energy sector event for introducing new products and services in SE Europe.

The event is held parallel to Infacoma, Greece’s leading international Exhibition on construction materials, and is hosting an array of satellite events, focusing on green development, building energy efficiency and bioclimatic house-building. The exhibition is held under the auspices of the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate Change.

The Art of Photography @ Sismanoglio Megaro

noreply@blogger.com (GRECEHEBDO) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 03:14:05 PST

Greece’s Consulate General in Istanbul has launched its cultural activities for 2012 at the Sismanoglio Megaro with a tribute to the art of photography.

From January 25 to March 5, four photography exhibitions will be held, showcasing the work of 10 artists from Greece and Turkey. The exhibition, Images of Greece, by Greek photographer Kostas Vergas opened on February 14.

Through 60 photos, Vergas conveys poetic images, portraying a vast array of Greek landscapes. The exhibition, which has already been shown in Ankara and Izmir, will be hosted until February 24. The next exhibition, headed Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew: Journeying on Mount Athos 1992-2011, features works by six Greek photographers, who covered the Ecumenical Patriarch on his visits to Mount Athos. The exhibition is organised in collaboration with the Mount Athos Center, and will take place from February 27 to March 4.

A parallel exhibition takes place along with the three main ones, between January 25 and March 4, headed Istanbul-Athens: Parallel Narrations. Anthi Mara and Ece Kavlak, from Athens and Istanbul respectively, are two young women, aiming at capturing the essence of the two cities. The interchange between their pictures thus produces a "photographic dialogue."

The Consulate’s cultural programme opened with the exhibition Adaliler (Islanders) by Turkish photographer Sami Solmaz, and was on display until February 11. Solmaz captures everyday moments on the Prince’s Islands, a set of four islands off Istanbul’s coast, known as Adalar in Turkish. Many inhabitants of these islands are Romioi, that is, Greeks of Asia Minor. Through the artist’s lens viewers could get an insight into the quiet lives, peaceful coexistence and cordial relations of people with different religious, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, living in "a place thriving with history."

Greek News Agenda: "Greek Landscapes" in Ankara

EC Welcomes Hellenic Parliament’s Approval

noreply@blogger.com (GRECEHEBDO) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 03:35:06 PST

European Commission Vice-President and Commissioner for Economic and Monetary Affairs Olli Rehn welcomed on behalf of the European Commission the Hellenic Parliament’s approval of the new economic programme for Greece. "Yesterday's vote is an expression of the determination prevailing in the country to put an end to the spiral of unsustainable public finances and to the loss of competitiveness. […] This programme will be supported by unparalleled financial assistance from Greece's partners, which is a concrete expression of their continued solidarity and genuine concern," Rehn said yesterday in his statement [VIDEO].

He also stressed the Commission’s strong commitment to reinforce assistance to the Greek administration on the ground to achieve a return to sustainable growth and employment.

In addition, Minister of State and Government Spokesperson, Pantelis Kapsis said that Greece faces a tight schedule over the next few weeks in order to secure the new loan agreement and the private sector involvement (PSI) by the end of March, clearing the way for elections in April.

Greece & Serbia: Parliamentary Cooperation

noreply@blogger.com (GRECEHEBDO) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 03:35:06 PST

The Speaker of the Hellenic Parliament Philippos Petsalnikos and his Serbian counterpart Slavica Jukic-Dejanovic signed a Memorandum of Cooperation between the two Parliaments yesterday in Belgrade. The agreement confirms that cooperation between the two Parliaments will continue and that the Hellenic Parliament will provide know-how to the Serbian Parliament in order to strengthen its capacities in the European integration process.

Petsalnikos noted that the Greek proposal was judged the best among eight other proposals put forward by European Parliaments, stressing that Greece firmly supports the European path of Serbia. On her part, Jukic-Dejanovic noted that all kinds of cooperation with Greece -political, economic and cultural- testify to a strong relationship. Petsalnikos also met with Serbian President Boris Tadic, who thanked him for Greece's support to Serbia's territorial integrity and European integration.

Lectures, Workshops & Conferences

noreply@blogger.com (GRECEHEBDO) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 03:35:06 PST

"Greece in NATO" 60th Anniversary

On the occasion of the 60th anniversary since Greece’s accession to NATO, the Hellenic Foundation for European & Foreign Policy (ELIAMEP) is organizing a conference headed Greece and NATO: Present and Future Prospects.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Stavros Dimas and NATO Secretary General, Anders Fogh Rasmussen, will be the keynote speakers at the event, which will be held at the Athens Concert Hall, on February 16.

Workshop on Maritime Affairs

A workshop on Maritime Affairs, the first in a series of events organized in the framework of the preparation for a EU Strategy for the Adriatic-Ionian Macro-Region is taking place today (14.2) in Athens, organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the European Commission.

The aim of the event is to offer a discussion platform for all interested stakeholders who are willing to be involved in the formulation of the Strategy. The aim of the workshop is to enable in-depth discussions between stakeholders and authorities on the priority actions to be included in such a Strategy. Workshop Programme & Speakers

Integration in Greece and The Netherlands

The Hellenic Foundation for European & Foreign Policy (ELIAMEP) and the Embassy of the Kingdom of The Netherlands in Athens are holding today an open discussion on Success stories of integration in Greek and Dutch Society. H.E. the Ambassador of the Kingdom of The Netherlands in Athens, Kees van Rij, will open the event, in which writers Kader Abdolah, and Dr Gazmend Kapllani, will speak, with Panteion University Professor Antigoni Lymperaki as moderator.

Byzantine Women & Mt Athos

Searching for Women on Mt. Athos: Insights from the Archives of the Holy Mountain is the title of a lecture that will be given today (14.2) by Alice-Mary Talbot, Director of Byzantine Studies Emerita, Dumbarton Oaks, at the Gennadius Library. Although with few exceptions women never set foot on the Athonite peninsula, the archives preserved on the Holy Mountain reveal that women had many kinds of contact with its monasteries, offering important insights about their legal and economic status, especially the rights to their dowry.

Tourism & Gastronomy

noreply@blogger.com (GRECEHEBDO) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 03:35:06 PST

The 2012 IMIC, the annual conference on tourism and gastronomy, will take place in Athens on February 15-16. This year’s session is headed Tourism And Gastronomy in The Spotlight and focuses on the tourism industry's shift towards authentic experiences in both travel and gastronomy.

The 2012 Athens Tourism Symposium, organized by the Laboratory of Research and Tourism Satellite Accounts of the University of Patras, will run parallel to IMIC. In its third edition, the Symposium focuses on Managing Tourism in Times of Crisis, with Nottingham University Proffesor Scott McCabe as keynote speaker.

Santorini: A Lovebird's Heaven

noreply@blogger.com (GRECEHEBDO) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 03:35:06 PST

TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel site, announced the winners of the 2012 Travellers’ Choice Romance Awards, with Santorini securing Europe's top spots. The gorgeous Cycladic Island is home to Europe’s two most romantic hotels.

The dreamy Andronis Suites in Oia was the winner, with elegant Art Maisons Oia Castle as runner-up. Anastasis Apartments, which was voted the world’s second best hotel in January, ranked 7th. "Santorini was revealed as a lovebird's heaven," commented TripAdvisor spokesperson Emma Shaw.

Visit Greece: Say 'I Do' in Santorini & Romantic destinations for all seasons

Hellenic Parliament Approves New Loan Agreement

noreply@blogger.com (GRECEHEBDO) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 02:52:37 PST

The Hellenic Parliament approved, in the early hours of Monday, Greece’s new loan agreement with the European Union and the International Monetary Fund, amid peaceful protests which later turned violent. Following several hours of intensive debate, the bill was approved with 199 votes for and 74 against, out of a total of 278 MPs present. Those deputies - belonging to PASOK, New Democracy and LAOS parties - who defied their party whip, were expelled from their parliamentary group.

Addressing the plenary session of the Parliament, Prime Minister Papademos noted that "voting for the economic programme and paving the way for a loan accord sets the basis for the modernization and recovery of the economy."

Earlier on Saturday (February 11), in a televised message to the Greek people, Papademos noted: "we are a proud and earnest people, we know about struggles, and today this is a struggle for our homeland; for our children to be able to enjoy a European Greece, one of stability, prosperity and democracy, that we have achieved over the last 30 years." As the PM continued, "it is not patriotic to throw down our shields, but united to take the necessary and difficult decisions for the salvation of the country. We will defend our place in the eurozone and Europe."

PrimeMinister.Gr: Papademos' televised message to the Greek people & PM's speech in Parliament (in Greek)

UN Consultative Status to Constantinopolitans Federation

noreply@blogger.com (GRECEHEBDO) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 02:52:37 PST

The Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations of UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) granted the Athens-based NGO Ecumenical Federation of Constantinopolitans consultative status with the committee, during its scheduled meeting of February 7.

The Federation aims at strengthening the relations between Constantinopolitan Greeks of the Diaspora and the Greek community of Istanbul.

Its mission further includes addressing issues related to the Greek minority residing in Turkey and the protection of its rights, as well as providing support for the Ecumenical Patriarchate. In an announcement following the decision, the federation reiterated its commitment to education, culture and philanthropy, with devotion to peace and respect to human dignity, as well as to helping develop the right conditions to allow the Greeks of Istanbul to remain in their homeland.

Meanwhile, the Foreign Ministry issued, on February 8, an announcement on the state of Greek and Christian monuments in Turkey.

"We believe that the cultural monuments bequeathed by history and geography, regardless of their ethnic or religious identity, must receive protection and appropriate respect. Above all, this is a duty towards future generations. We hope that the Turkish authorities will take up these issues, proceeding with the necessary actions for the protection and preservation of the many Greek and Christian monuments within Turkish territory," reads the announcement.

Greek-Belgian Cooperation on Education

noreply@blogger.com (GRECEHEBDO) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 02:52:37 PST

A cooperation agreement between Greece and Belgium to include the Greek language in the Belgian school curriculum was signed by Deputy Minister of Education, Evi Christofilopoulou and Belgian Minister of Education of the French-speaking community, Marie-Dominique Simonet.

The agreement provides for students (of Greek or other origin) to be able to take Modern Greek language courses for up to three hours per week. The program has a 5-year span (2012-2017), leading to a Certificate of Attainment in Greek.

A "Cultural Elements" course, featuring language, history and culture will be available to high school students. The initiative is part of the "Language and Cultures of Origin" programme.

Three Candles: Stories of Women in Exile

noreply@blogger.com (GRECEHEBDO) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 02:52:37 PST

A documentary film is to shed light on one of the darkest pages in Modern Greek history: Three Candles tells the story of thousands of women exiled to the small island of Trikeri, at Pagasitikos Gulf.

During the 1946-1949 Greek Civil War, thousands of citizens involved with the left-wing Democratic Army, even by mere association, were sent to concentration camps on isolated islands.

Trikeri received thousands of exiled women, many of whom were with their children. The documentary is an account of their struggle to survive, and their desperate efforts to turn an almost deserted island into a place of life and culture.

Years after the camp had been phased out, seven surviving notebooks, written by exiled women of Trikeri and buried under a tree, have surfaced. Filmmakers Stavroula Toska from Greece and Sophia Antonini from the United States and of Argentinean descent used this unique material and recorded further testimonies and memories for the documentary being produced by the independent film production company Orama Pictures.

The film will be narrated by acclaimed Academy award winning actress Olympia Dukakis, who said that the film tells the story of women "who demonstrated the meaning of self-respect, displaying courage and the will to create, with ethos and knowledge."

Three Candles is expected to be screened at international festivals in 2012.

Russian Poetry Competition Dedicated to Greece

noreply@blogger.com (GRECEHEBDO) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 02:52:37 PST

A poetry competition dedicated to Greece is being organized by the World Council of Hellenes Abroad (SAE) Region of former USSR countries. The competition calls for participants to submit their entries in Greek or Russian by March 20 at the Greek Diaspora in Russia website.

The competition is part of this year’s March 25th anniversary celebrations. Winners will be awarded prizes as well as the opportunity to participate in pilgrimages to historic Pontus sites, while the winning entries will be published by SAE.

PM, Political Leaders: Final Touches on Agreement

noreply@blogger.com (GRECEHEBDO) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 02:05:45 PST

Prime Minister Lucas Papademos met yesterday with the political leaders backing the government "to examine in depth the content of the new economic programme accompanying the country’s economic support for the following years."

According to a statement issued by the PM’s press office, "there was broad agreement on all the programme issues with the exception of one, which requires further elaboration and discussion with the troika. […] The president of LAOS, George Karatzaferis expressed serious reservations."

Following the meeting with the party leaders, Finance Minister Evangelos Venizelos joined the talks between the Prime Minister and troika officials to conclude the agreement in view of the Eurogroup meeting. After all-night talks, Venizelos –who is travelling to Brussels today to attend the Eurogroup meeting- said: "I leave for Brussels with the hope that the Eurogroup will take a positive decision on the new programme, on which the survival of the country for the next few years depends."

Greek-Cypriot Memorandum

noreply@blogger.com (GRECEHEBDO) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 02:05:45 PST

A Memorandum of Co-operation between Greece and Cyprus providing for the contribution of Greek expertise to the Cypriot EU Council Presidency in the 2nd half of 2012 was signed on February 7 in Nicosia. Greek Foreign Ministry General Secretary Ioannis Zepos, and his Cypriot counterpart, Nikolaos Emiliou, signed the Memorandum.

Speaking to reporters, Zeppos said that the Memorandum is flexible and experts will be sent to help out as needed and requested by the Cypriot Presidency. On his part, Emiliou thanked his Greek counterpart, noting that Greece will provide expertise not only in Foreign Affairs issues, but also in various fields.

Click…on History

noreply@blogger.com (GRECEHEBDO) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 02:05:45 PST

The Foundation of the Hellenic World unveiled recently a pioneer educational programme headed Click…on History, aspiring to bring high school students closer to Greek history through the use of modern technology.

Taking full advantage of digital technology, students have the opportunity to become "history reporters" by using their mobile phones as photographic cameras, video cameras and voice recorders to collect documents for their own audiovisual presentations.

This audiovisual material shall be uploaded on a webpage platform specially designed for the programme, serving as a database for students’ projects, the school community and the broader public. The programme runs under the auspices of the Ministry of Education, Lifelong Learning and Religious Affairs in collaboration with Vodafone Greece.

Journey to Future City with WWF

noreply@blogger.com (GRECEHEBDO) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 02:05:45 PST

Throughout this school year, WWF Greece is hosting an environmental education workshop on climate change for school children of all ages.

The programme, called Journey To Future City, aims at informing about the impact of climate change and the ways in which households and individuals can reduce energy consumption. Students are acquainted with modern energy efficient technology and encouraged to revisit their everyday habits with view to an environmentally friendly lifestyle.

The Workshops are adapted to student-age groups, following consultation with their teachers, and held in their classrooms. More than 1,500 children have already participated in the programme that began last September and will continue through June.

The Culture Agenda

noreply@blogger.com (GRECEHEBDO) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 02:05:45 PST

M U S I C

Theodorakis - Shostakovich @ Megaron

Mikis Theodorakis’ symphonic music is being honoured with a series of concerts performed by the Athens State Orchestra at the Megaron Concert Hall. The first tribute concert -two more are to follow later this year- takes place on February 10. Homage is also paid to the eminent Russian composer Dmitry Shostakovich, with a performance of his Symphony no 6, opus 54. Lukas Karytinos will conduct the orchestra, with Soloist Cyprien Katsaris on the piano.

Imany in Greece

Imany, the African-French singer who recently thrust in the limelight on account of her breakthrough hit "You will never know," is coming to Greece for three performances. She will appear on February 10 at the Principal Club Theater in Thessaloniki and on February 11-12, at the gazARTE Live Stage.

D A N C E

Marie Pietragalla @ Megaron

A dance performance, created by Paris Opera Ballet étoile Marie-Claude Pietragalla, will be hosted at Megaron Concert Hall, on February 9.

The Temptation of Eve is set to music by Mozart, Bach, Haendel and Saint-Saëns, and features costumes and masks designed by Stephane Rolland.

National Opera’s Don Quixote

The National Opera presents Minkus’ classical ballet Don Quixote, choreographed by Vladimir Vasiliev and conducted by Hobart Earle.

Performances at Olympia Theatre will run until March 3.

V I S U A L A R T S

Mama Afrika

Polish cartoonist Wozniak and Spanish drummer Ramón López join forces in an original performance featuring music and visual arts, at the Onassis Cultural Center in Athens. Wozniak, a drawer who has worked with musicians many times before, and López, also famous for merging art forms, create an event rendering their perception of the "real" Africa.

In Mama Afrika, seven stories drawn by Wozniak and directed by Marjorie Guigue are accompanied by López’s drums. The two artists also improvise on stage, with Wozniak drawing in real time and projecting his images on screen.

Masks @ Athens Arts Centre

A series of events focusing on masks and disguise throughout history is presented at the Athens City Arts Centre, on February 10-19.

Exhibitions, workshops, conferences and performances will highlight the ceremonial and cultural aspects of masks from primitive art to modern creation.

Tourism Ahead: Greece Joins "50,000 Tourists" Initiative

noreply@blogger.com (GRECEHEBDO) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 03:12:45 PST

Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism George Nikitiadis, and European Commission vice-president responsible for industry and entrepreneurship Antonio Tajani, signed yesterday a Memorandum of Understanding aiming at strengthening tourist flows between South America and Europe.

Thus, Greece joins the "50,000 tourists" pilot initiative -run by the European Commission in collaboration with European governments, the tourism industry and airlines- to develop tourist flow between South America and the European Union by making use of available spare airline and accommodation capacity in low season.

The pilot phase of the project will encourage 25,000 South Americans to travel to Europe between October 2012 and March 2013, and 25,000 Europeans to travel to South America between May and October 2013. In future, the initiative may be enlarged to other countries, both in Europe and worldwide on the basis of common roots, cultural, linguistic and educational links. France, Italy, Lithuania, Spain and Poland have already joined the initiative.

Google Travel Forum

Google Travel Forum, a special event on the use of the internet in tourism, was held at Athens Arena on February 2, organized by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the National Greek Organisation for Tourism and Google Greece.

Participants stressed the increasing use of the internet in tourism, with 8 out of 10 travelers researching and booking their trips through the internet, highlighted video use, social network review exchange and mobile internet as the foremost trends for travelers. Addressing the event, Culture and Tourism Minister Pavlos Yeroulanos stressed the importance of tourism entrepreneurship in returning to positive growth rates for Greece.

Greek-Turkish Cooperation

Bilateral business and tourism cooperation was the focus of a meeting between Deputy Tourism and Culture Minister Giorgos Nikitiadis and Izmir Chamber of Commerce chairman Ekrem Demirtas. Discussions focused on closer cooperation in the area of sea-cruises and visa centres; a number of new visa centres will be established in West Turkey in early March, which will facilitate visa issuance for non-EU tourists wishing to visit Greece's eastern Aegean islands.