Greek Events: Top Athens Festivals

Hellenic and International Petra Festivals & In Bloom travel guide

Apr 3, 2007

Visitors to the Greek capital can expect international music and dance, Changing of the Guard, floral displays, and free entry during Nights Under The Full Moon.

Athens, the Greek capital, is home to many great festivals and events, including the Hellenic Festival, the International Petra Festival, Changing of the Guard, Athens In Bloom and Nights Under A Full Moon. Here are some facts and information for visitors travelling there.

Greek Events: Top Athens Festivals - Hellenic Festival

Taking place every year, from June to September, this event is the biggest celebration of Greekness in the world. But it’s not just one big frenzy of plate smashing, as there is a distinct international flavour to proceedings, with some of the best dance, music and theatre productions from all over the world descending on the Greek capital. And, if the programme wasn’t spectacular enough, then check out the setting. Most of it takes place in the Theatre of Herodes Atticus, which basks in the floodlights of the Acropolis.

Greek Events: Top Athens Festivals - International Petra Festival

Providing a bit of competition for the Hellenic Festival is the new kid on the block at the Petra Theatre. It also runs over four months (June to September) and features percussion performances as well as a Youth Festival.

Greek Events: Top Athens Festivals - Changing of the Guard

If you like a bit of pomp and ceremony, then head to Vassilis Sofias at 10.45am every Sunday morning. When you’re there you will see a platoon of guards, all done up to the nines in traditional costume, solemnly marching towards the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, right in front of the parliament building.

Every May, the Greek capital welcomes in Spring with a fabulous floral display. This is an offshoot of the flower festival that has been held in Kifissia Park since the 1930s, but the venues tend to be more spectacular. Many Athenian neighbourhoods get green-fingered during the flower festival, but the best place to head is Syndagma Square, where many of the best arrangements and biggest celebrations can be found.

Greek Events: Top Athens Festivals - Nights Under The Full Moon

August is when Athens can beat its most stressful. It’s hot, and it’s full of tourists, but there’s a good reason for this, as entrance to many of the city’s major attractions is free. The city opens up its major monuments and archaeological sites (and there are plenty of them) without charge. On top of this, many of the sites play host to classical music concerts during the evening – and it’s tough to see how you can get more cultural than that…

Want more festivals? Here are the five best in…

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