This is my Greece! Leda's Greece

Christmas

2012-01-05T12:59:00.009+02:00

St. Nicholas is important in Greece as the patron saint of sailors. According to Greek tradition, his clothes are drenched with brine, his beard drips with seawater, and his face is covered with perspiration because he has been working

hard against the waves to reach sinking ships and rescue them from the angry sea. To members of the Eastern Orthodox Church, as are most Greek Christians, Christmas ranks second to Easter in the roster of important holidays.

Yet there are a number of unique customs associated with Christmas that are uniquely Greek. On Christmas Eve, children travel fro

m house to house offering good wishes and singing kalanda, the equivalent of carols. Often the songs are accompanied by small metal triangles and little clay drums. The children are frequently rewarded with money whereas in earlier times they were given sweets and dried fruits. After 40 days of fasting, the Christmas feast is looked forward to with great anticipation by adults and children alike. Pigs are slaughtered and on almost every table are loaves of christopsomo ("Christ Bread"). This bread is made in large sweet loaves of various shapes and the crusts are engraved and decorated in some way that reflects the family's profession.

In Greece they would decorate a little boat and Christmas trees back in the days were not commonly used in Greece, but today every house has one. Gifts are exchanged on St. Basil's Day (January 1).

Also they break a pomegranate for good luck on January 1st.

It's kourabiedes time again, and the mellow aroma of melomacarona cookies and diples will soon be filling Greek kitchens worldwide.

Epiphany (January 6)

This day, takes on a special meaning in Greece. Here, there is a special ceremony of blessing the waters and of the vessels that ply them.

The modern observance at Piraeus, the ancient port of Athens, takes the form of a priest hurling a large crucifix into the waters. Young men brave the cold and compete to retrieve it. These days, the cross is generally attached to a nice, safe long chain, just in case that year's crop of divers is something less than desired.

After the diving, local fishermen bring their boats to be blessed by the priest.

What does all this have to do with Christmas? Orthodox belief says that it was the day of the baptism of Jesus, and that this is where the day's association with water arises.

Στα Θεοφάνεια (επίσης Θεοφάνια ή Φώτα), που εορτάζονται στις 6 Ιανουαρίου, τιμούμε και θυμόμαστε την Βάπτιση του Ιησού Χριστού. Η λέξη Θεοφάνεια σημαίνει φανέρωση/αποκάλυψη του Θεού και αναφέρεται στην φανέρωση της Αγίας Τριάδας που έγινε κατά την Βάπτιση του Χριστού.

Σήμερα τα φώτα και ο φωτισμός.

Η χαρά μεγάλη και ο αγιασμός.

Κάτω στον Ιορδάνη τον ποταμό

κάθετ' η κυρά μας η Παναγιά.

Καλημέρα! Καλημέρα!

Καλή σου μέρα αφέντη με την κυρά!

Καλημέρα! Καλημέρα!

Καλή σου μέρα αφέντη με την κυρά!

click for christmas carols>>

Makedonia (is Greek by the way)

2011-07-04T20:16:00.013+03:00

Makedonía, is a geographical and historical region of Greece in southeastern Europe. Macedonia is the largest and second most populous Greek region. The region and that of Thrace are often together referred to informally as northern Greece. It incorporates most of the territories of ancient Macedon, a kingdom ruled by the Argeads whose most celebrated members were Alexander the Great and his father Philip II. The name Macedonia was later applied to identify various administrative areas in the Roman and Byzantine Empires with widely differing borders. Under the Ottomans, the name disappeared altogether.

Even before the establishment of the modern Greek state in 1830, it was identified as a Greek province, albeit without clearly defined geographical borders^.By the mid 19th century, the name was becoming consolidated informally, defining more of a distinct geographical, rather than political, region in the southern Balkans. At the end of the Ottoman Empire most of the region known as Rumelia (from Ottoman Turkish: Rumeli, "Land of the Romans") was divided by the Treaty of Bucharest of 1913, following the Ottoman defeat in the Balkan Wars of 1912-1913. Greece, Serbia, Bulgaria each took control of portions of the Macedonia (region), with Greece obtaining the largest portion; a small section went to Albania. The region was an administrative subdivision of Greece until the administrative reform of 1987, when the region was divided into the peripheries of West Macedonia and Central Macedonia and part of the periphery of East Macedonia and Thrace, the latter containing also the whole of the region of Thrace.

ARCTUROS' Environmental Centre (source: http://www.arcturos.gr) was established in Aetos Florina, which originally was founded to provide shelter and care for bears and wolves that were found in a situation of illegal captivity.

Nowadays with more than 50.000 visitors per year the Centre has become a focal point for the region and aims in:

Raising public awareness on conservation issues
Promoting scientific research on large carnivores and their habitats
Assisting international collaboration in the South Balkans
Contributing the sustainable development of the wider region
Promoting voluntarism

The Pozar (Loutraki) thermal waters/spa is located in the province of Almopia, 13 km. northwest of Aridaia, in Pella prefecture.They lie at the foot of Mount Kaimaktsalan, a few kilometers from the HellenicSkopjan borders. The site is built on the banks of thermopotamou river that crosses the region. The spa, hot waters with constant temperature of 37C, gush over thousands of years from the mountain, creating a spectacular landscape of mountain and forest. Visitors arrive at the Spa from every corner of Greece or to accept the beneficial properties of the hot water (treatment - relaxing), or to escape to the beautiful mountains with caves, and either both. The hot springs baths of Loutraki or Pozar Baths, spurting at an altitude of 360 m -390.

Created by rain water that penetrates the ground and reaches a great depth, where it is heated, and rises higher in the course is enriched with minerals and other ingredients.
The healing properties of water are recommended for diseases of the circulatory and respiratory system, rheumatism, gynecological and skin diseases. Also, appropriate drinking therapy for liver disease, kidney, bile, digestive and urinary tract.

Nympheo became inhabited around 1385 by Vlachs Odites, i.e. Latin originated Greeks of Macedonia, who guarded the neighboring Egnatia Road for about 1,400 and then fled to the inaccessible mountains after heavy fights against the Ottoman invaders with whom came to negotiations afterwards since they were privileged with prerogatives of local government, given the right to bear arms under the presupposition of being subordinated to Valinte Soultana (mother of the Sultan), to whom they had to pay lower taxes.
Around 1630 they began work on silver, thus highlighting their village as a well-known region centre of silver and gaining reputation similar to that of the silver makers originated in the regions Syrrako and Kalarryton of Epirus.

In the late 18th century, the incursions of Albanians originated from Orlofika the Vlach-speaking Nympheo for about 1,400 accepted also many refugees from Moschopoli, Linotopi, Nikolitsa and other centers of Vlachs , who were evicted from their places. Furthermore, much of the population of the village moved to the eastern Macedonia (Serres, Nigrita, Porroia Upper, Lower Tzoumagia, Alistrati) up to the Dardanelles and Istanbul. The residents of Nympheo region participated in all national competitions before, during and after the Revolution of 1821.

Inhabitants of Nympheo defended the besieged Missolonghi, participated in the uprising of Thessalomacedonians² in 1854 and in the revolution of the Macedonians against the Treaty of St. Stephen in 1878. Their contribution proved to be of great importance on the battles of 1913, 1916 and 1918, and the battles of 1940 -1941, where Nympheo itself was considered to be the cockpit, taking into consideration the National Resistance and the civil war that followed, where great battles took place in the region of Vitsi.

Prespes Lakes

Agios Achilleios

... at Kastoria

Kastoria

Loutra at Pozar, Aridaia (Warm river water)

Nympheo village

Naxos (Cyclades islands)

2011-07-04T19:33:00.000+03:00

Naxos Island (text by http://www.naxos-island.biz) is the largest and most fertile of the Cyclades.

Due to its important agricultural production, it was one of the latest to open itself to tourism. For that reason, it has kept its authentic beauty which attracts every year more and more visitors.

Naxos has a great variety of things to offer to the visitor: impressive mountainous landscapes with many isolated traditional villages, some of Europe’s most beautiful golden sandy beaches, a charming capital with its Venetian quarter, picturesque fishing villages, many Byzantine churches, ruins, active night life...

The island is situated in the middle of the Aegean Sea and offers perfect wind conditions for windsurfing and kite surfing.

Many famous beaches are exposed to the Meltemi like the beach of Mikri Vigla, Orkos, Plaka or Agios Prokopos which are considered as real windsurfing mecque.

Naxos is world famous for its endless golden sandy beaches with crystal waters situated in the western coast.

Some of these beaches has kept their natural beauty and are considered as some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe: Agios Prokopios, Orkos or Plaka.

Greek Dance

2011-05-20T20:01:00.001+03:00

Dancing has always been important to the Hellenic (Greek) people. In ancient times, dance, song, and music were all integral parts of the theater. In fact, the Greek word 'ΧΟΡΟΣ', (HOROS), referred to both dance and song. The English words chorus, chorale, choir, and choreography all come from this same Greek word. Furthermore, there are numerous references to dancing in ancient literature.Today, Greeks dance for many reasons. For example, they use dance as a means of celebrating, as a form of self expression, and also as a part of ritualistic drama. In effect, dance is just as important to the Greeks of today as it was in ancient times. First, dancing is a part of the celebration of the important occasions in the lives of the Greek people; it is an important part of weddings, baptisms, name day (Saint's day) celebrations, and all religious holidays. Dancing also occurs spontaneously at taverns or in homes, often even without musicians. All that is needed is singing and fellowship. If the mood is right, dancing and singing will take place. We call it "kano kefi" or "exw kefi "which translates to: "make the mood/being in the mood/feeling cheerful". The celebration is an expression of the joy of the moment.

Dance is also a form of self expression. The dancer can "create a dance" by mixing various step variants with the basic step of a dance to make something new or different at that moment. This improvisation by individuals is an exciting part of Greek dance. In fact, each time the Greeks dance, the dance is different in some way from the way it was done before, or from the way it may be done in the future. The dancers can express joy, heroism, sadness, grace, strength, pride, anger, rejection, sensuousness, humor, and almost any other emotion through dance.

In Greek literature for instance, Zorba, in Zorba the Greek by Nikos Kazantzakis, must dance when his joy or sorrow are overwhelming. Just as in the ancient Greek drama, the emotions are purged or expressed through the catharsis of the dance and music. We can see such emotions expressed in a sad, heavy Zeibekikos, the happy, exuberant Syrtos, or the heroic, masculine Tsamikos or Beratis.

There are numerous types of traditional dances, depending on the origin, for example: Kalamatianos from Kalamata, Sirtos, Hasapikos, Ikariotikos, Tsamiko e.t.c. With several hundred (maybe over a thousand) different Greek dances, it's impossible to list them all.

[Ballos] [Cretan Syrtos] [Dodecanese Sousta] [Fysouni] [Gaida] [Hasapiko (& Syrtaki, Zorba)] [Ikariotikos] [Island/Silyvriano Syrtos] [Kalamatianos/Mainland Syrtos] [Kalymnikos] [Kapoutzidon/Macedonian Syrtos] [Karagouna] [Karsilamas/Antikrystos (Marinella)] [Kerkyraikos/Rouga] [Kleistos] [Koftos] [Kotsari] [Lerikos] [Leventikos] [Makedonia] [Malevyziotiko/Kastrinos Pidikhtos] [Menousis] [Pentozali] [Pogonisios] [Serra] [Sta tria] [Svarniara] [Tik] [Trata] [Tsakonikos] [Tsamiko] [Tsifte-Teli] [Tsirigotikos/Kythiraikos/Bourdaris] [Yerakina] [Zeibekiko] [Zonaradiko]

Dance also plays a part in ritualistic drama for the Greeks. The various dances which are used as bride's dances (Horos Tis Nyfis), Greek Thracian fire walkers' dances (Anastenaria), and for other uses are usually dances from the basic village repertoire which are used ritualistically on that occasion, sometimes to a special song. For instance, one of the national or pan-Hellenic dances such as the Syrtos can be used as a wedding dance (Horos Tou Gamou), a bride's dance (Tis Nyfis), or for many other purposes. Thus, Greek dances are also used ritualistically for those "rites of passage" which mark important occasions in the lives of the Greek people.

The ritual use of dance can be seen in the traditional Byzantine form of the Greek wedding as it is still performed in the Greek Orthodox wedding ceremony. The bride and groom, the priest, and the koubaros perform a procession circling around a table three times to the song "Isaia Horeve." This ritual procession is supposed to represent a dance, and it is done in an open circle moving counter-clockwise, just as the majority of the Greek dances are danced. It follows the crowning of the couple with the stefana, or flowered crowns, and it marks their first movement as a couple (androgyno) in their new married state. Here, the word "horeve," which means dance, also means rejoice as a synonym for "dance and sing."

Mentioning just a few, according to origin:

Thrace: Zonaradikos, Baitouska, Troupaiti, Sigkathistos, Mantilatos, Souflioutouda
Epirus: Giatros, Tsamikos, Zagorisios, Fissouni, Blaha Konitsas, Pogonisios Sta tria,Koftos,Fesodervenagas
Aegean Islands: Nisiotikos Sirtos, Ikariotikos, Blaha Naksou, Sousta Rodou, Ballos, Zeibekikos
Macedonia: Gaida, Enteka, Gerakina, Kori Eleni, Makedonia Ksakousti, Kaggeleftos Makedonikos, Syrtos Pileas, Partalos (tis Partalos), Omorfoula, Akritikos
Sterea: Syrtos
Thessaly: Karagouna, Pera ston pera mahala, Despo, Pilioritikos
Ionian Islands: Kerkiraikos, Lefkaditikos, Ai-Giorgis, Thiakisios
Peloponese: Tsakonikos
Crete: Pentozalis, Kritikos Sirtos, Maleviziotikos, Haniotikos
Pontos*: Tik
Asia Minor: Hasapiko, Hasaposerviko

*The structure of these (Pontic) songs is quite different from those we meet in ancient Greek music or Turkish music as we know them. They seem to belong to an archaic culture related to the Celtic family) click here for outside link

Mind Games

2011-04-25T13:52:00.000+03:00

Tι βλέπετε σε αυτές τις εικόνες?

Βλέπετε την κοπέλα; Ή μήπως βλέπετε μια γριά;

For Free -in Greece- links

2011-02-18T13:14:00.002+02:00

Give away-xariseto

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Prices-Super Market

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Gas - Βενζίνη

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http://www.liveinsurance.gr/

http://grel.emallers.com/

http://www.megatravel.gr/gr/index.html

http://www.trivago.gr/

Explore the Greek Culture

2010-07-28T12:40:00.025+03:00

Greek flag

Greek currency

Greek language

Greek Music

Greek namedays

Painting in Greece

Greek Theater (coming up)

Greek sayings

Greek History (coming up)

Folklore & Tradition

Theatre in Greece

Nature

Greek Easter

Greek Carnival

Famous Greeks

Greek Cinema

Greek Dance

Greek Weddings (coming soon)

Greek childhood Games

Greek Food
(coming soon)

Hobbies / Adventures (coming up)

Greek Poetry

Greek Coffee

Awarded beaches for 2010 (Blue Flag)

2010-06-03T00:24:00.003+03:00

The Blue Flag is a voluntary eco-label awarded to over 3450 beaches and marinas in 41 countries across Europe, South Africa, Morocco, Tunisia, New Zealand, Brazil, Canada and the Caribbean.

GREECE: 421 Greek beaches and 9 marinas awarded the Blue Flag for 2010

Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature
20, Nikis Str.
105 57 Athens
Telephone: +30 210 33 14 563, +30 210 3224944, +30 210 3225285
Fax: +30 210 32 25 285
Mail: blueflag@eepf.gr
Blue Flag operator: Dareia-Nefeli Vourdoumpa

Assumption - August 15th

2010-06-02T22:49:00.002+03:00

On the 15th of August the Greeks celebrate the Virgin Mary
Assumption Festival

Tinos is the very special Aegean island where thousands and thousands of devout pilgrims make their way every summer to pay homage in a large, celebrated gathering called, The Assumption of the Virgin. On the 15th of August, a virtual army of believers descend upon this small, rocky Cycladic isle to receive blessings, make solemn promises or give personal offerings to the Icon of Virgin Mary. Tinos is a spiritual center of modern Greece, where pilgrims gather each August to worship the Virgin Mary. In the early 1800's a vision of the Virgin Mary appeared to one of the local nuns and told her to dig in a particular location for a lost icon of herself. The icon of Virgin Evangelistria was discovered and is housed to this day in the Church of the Virgin. Every year thousands of pilgrims journey to kiss the icon, to ask for healing or in gratitude for miracles received. It is a moving spectacle when local worshippers carry the icon though the streets on Assumption Day-August 15th.

From the harbor of Tinos, a wide cobbled street leads up to a mound on which the magnificent chruch called, the Church of the Panagia, or Church of the Megalochari. Here, perched on the top, the stately chuch sit imposingly, towering above the whole town and harbour. Built out of marble from quarries at Tinos and Paros, this is the very spot where the miraculous icon of the Panagia (Virgin Mary) was discovered hundreds of years ago.

Source: www.kefalonia.gr

The miracle-working of the Holy Icon of the Annunciation of Tinos has been known all over the world. Thousands of Christians who come from every part of the world to feel its miraculous influence and help them in the difficult moments of their lives. The impressive church of Megalohari itself, was built after an event in 1822, when a Sister by the name of Pelagia, who was a nun at Moni Kechrovouniou had a vision of Virgin Mary that revealed to her where an icon depicting Mary and an Archangel was to be found. Early the next year, the icon was finally discovered close to the ruins of a byzantine church which had been apparently buried in an underground vault for nearly 850 years. The actual crypt where the icon was found, is now called the Chapel of Evresis (Chapel of discovery). After this, Sister Pelagia herself was canonized and is now called, Agia Pelagia.

Since the discovery of the icon, the sacred Church of the Megalochari has been internationally recognized as a place of pilgrimage, and also known as a philanthropic organization. During the actual ceremonies, the spiritual emotion and the mystical atmosphere is apparent among the masses of believers when the Great Feast of the Virgin takes place. For believers, it is a moving experience to take part in the gathering of the faithful. Even those who are not Christian and know very little about the workings of the actual Holy Icon find themselves touched by the events. From this experience, many foreigners who visit the island leave with fond memories of the Church of the Holy Virgin, which like a divine crown, adorns and watches over the town.

Source

VIRGIN MARY'S SNAKES

On the island Kefalonia (on the Ionian Sea), every year around the midle of August, one can see snakes crawling to a particular church. At the ruins of the old church steeple, in the villages of Markopoulo and Arginia, the miraculous snakes of Virgin Mary start appearing on August 6th. They remain at the church area until the night of August 15th when they disappear. The snakes are completely harmless for visitors. A cross on the head is their characteristic feature. The snakes crawl on the icon of the Virgin Mary, the church filled with people and the priest holding the service but the snakes have no fear, they are there around people's feet and looking to crawl on to the icon, as soon as the festivity is over they dissapear and regain their normal behaviour.
A rather peculiar detail is that they never appear on any other period than between August 6-15th. According to legend, in the 16th century, during a raid from the Pirate Barbarossa, the nuns at the Convent prayed to the Virgin Mary to save them. They were transformed into snakes. Interestingly enough, there were only two times in history that the snakes did not appear: during the German occupation and in 1953, the year of the disastrous earthquake.

Source

Greek Calendar of holidays & festivals 2010

2010-06-02T22:40:00.005+03:00

Holidays

Dec. 25 Christmas

Jan 1 NEW YEAR's

Jan 6 EPIPHANY

Aug. 15 Assumption of Virgin Mary

October 28th

The Anniversary of OXI – 1940

Moveable holidays

Feb. 14 Carnival (Apokries)
Feb. 4 Tsiknopempti

Feb. 15 Clean Monday (flying kites/fasting meat)

Μarch 25 Greek Independence Day,1821

April 1 Protaprilia/April's Fools Day

April 2 Holy Friday

April 4 Easter (Πάσχα)

Apr. 5 Easter Monday

May 1 (Saturday) Protomagia/First of May

May 24 Holy Ghost

HERODION THEATER

The festival is the main cultural event during summer. The performances take place in several venues including the historic Atticus Theater. The Theater was built in the 2nd century AD and the Lykavitos Theater overlooking Athens. The highlight of the Festival are the performances of ancient Greek drama taking place in the splendid Epidaurus Theater near Athens, which was built in the 3rd century BC. Other summer festivals take place in the numerous open-air theaters of the Athens metropolitan area featuring concerts, theatrical plays and other performances. The Athens Festival aims at the preservation of the ancient heritage in conjunction with the promotion of Modern Greek achievements and international artistic trends. The Odeon was built in 161 A.D. by Herod Atticus in memory of his wife, Regilla. From June 7th to October 6th Performances start at 21:00 and at 20:30 in September. Every summer, since 1955 at the Herod Atticus Odeon, performances are held for the Athens Festival. Performances are staged from June through September in the ancient open-air theater, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, in Athens(Acropolis).

www.greekfestival.gr

LYCABETTUS THEATER

Mid June-Late August. Various artistic performances are given during the summer season in the open-air theater on Lycabettus (Likavitos) Hill, in Athens. From May to September each year, there are performances of Greek dancing at the open-air theater on Philopappus Hill in Athens, presented by the Dora Stratou song and ballet group, which is well known throughout the world. Performance start at 21:00. The Lycabettus Theatre was erected in 1964. It was first used by the Greek Scene, Anna Synodinou Company. The theatre was restored and opened again in 1977. It is an outdoor amphitheatre with a seating capacity of 4,000, hosting part of the Athens Festival performances.

EPIDAURUS FESTIVAL

The Epidaurus Festival inaugurated in 1954.Soon established as a world renowned tradition of ancient Greek drama performance. The ancient theater at Epidaurus with 14,000 seats was built by the architect Polycleitos the Younger in the 3rd century B.C. The festival is held weekends only, from June 26th to August 27th. Performance starts at 21:00. Inagurated in 1954. The ancient theatre, built by Polykleitos the Younger in the 3rd century B.C., seats 14,000 people and is famous for its acoustics and its architectural beauty

THE ATHENS CONCERT HALL - MEGARON

Each autumn starts the concert season of the Athens Concert Hall, which is host to the world's greatest performances. These and other indoor concerts cater to a wide range of musical tastes. One cultural center able to house Concerts, Opera and Ballet with famous guest artists from all over the world. Athens boasts a lively theater scene with dozens of theatrical companies showcasing their productions ranging from conventional to avant-garde. Thousands of visitors are also drawn to art exhibitions in the National Gallery and in other venues. In addition, Athens is host to major sporting events such as the Athens Marathon Run, which features the original Marathon-Athens route, the acclaimed Rally Acropolis and sailing regattas taking place in the Saronic Gulf.

www.megaron.gr

in THESSALONIKI

THE THESSALONIKI DEMETRIA FESTIVAL
As part of the broader program which accompanies the International Trade fair, there is an annual October series of theatrical, musical, ballet and operatic performances, given by Greek and foreign companies, as a revival of the tradition of Byzantine festive events in the capital of Macedonia.

FILM AND SONG FESTIVALAs part of the Thessaloniki International Trade Fair in September, a Festival of Greek Popular Song is held in the Palais de Sports which is located inside the grounds of the Fair. As soon as the Fair is over, two interesting festivals of Greek and for eign films are organized. Both events take place in the theater of the Association of Macedonian Studies.

NAUPLIA INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL A festival with renowned classical music performed for one week during the month of June.

Plaka

2010-05-24T00:46:00.004+03:00

PLAKA

The neighborhood of the Gods, as Greeks and foreigners alike have named it, singing its praises. Located on the northeastern slopes of the Acropolis rock, Plaka was the center of Athens since antiquity.
Plaka holds it's fascination as it manages to preserve the sense and the aroma of a more romantic and carefree era, despite the growth of the city during the last decades. The area directly below the Acropolis, the neighborhood of Plaka is Athen's oldest and most picturesque neighborhood. Lying under the shadows of the Acropolis walls, its winding narrow streets, some only fit for one person at a time to get through, Plaka has been restored to its former glory. As soon as you start walking around Plaka 's stone-paved, narrow streets, you will have the feeling that you are traveling back in time.
The charm of its pastel hued walls and wrought iron balconies, geranium spilling onto stone steps, small churches every where, each with their own congregation, and taverns and souvenir shops vying for the visitors attention. The higher reaches of Plaka is called Anafiotika, a white washed 19th century village clinging to the north-eastern slopes of the rock. You will be delighted by the beauty of the neo-classical colors of its houses, their architecture, their lovingly tended little gardens, the elegance, and the total atmosphere of the area. When you decide to take a walk around it be sure to bring a map along, because Plaka is a labyrinth and you may get the feeling that you are lost in its maze of narrow streets and alley ways. No need for alarm though. It is easy to orientate yourself: uphill is the Acropolis and downhill are Syntagma and Monastiraki.
The origin of the area's name is not really known thus allowing various theories to have developed. According to the most recent one, Plaka owes its name to a large stone slab (plaka in Greek) found in the area of the church of Ayios Georgios of Alexandria. near the ancient theater of Dionysos.Most buildings of Plaka are old aristocratic residencies. During the 19th century the area attracted many affluent Athenian families, which left behind marvellous neoclassical mansions. Today, most of them are restored accommodating museums, restaurants or shops.

PHILOMOUSOU ETAIRIAS SQUARE - Plaka's central square was named after the Philomousos Etairia (Friends of the Muses namely the 9 patron goddesses of the Arts) which was founded in 1813. Its aim was to encourage Greek-oriented studies and the preservation of the archaeological treasures of Athens. The square is full of cafes, restaurants, bars and night clubs. Walking in Plaka, one can partake of the light and zesty spirit in the air day and night, as well as select one from its numerous hang-outs for a cup of coffee or a drink with a view to the Acropolis. A variety of souvenir-, clothing- and jewelry-shops are also there to complement the busy and cheerful setting. The area is ideal for an outdoor lunch or dinner, offering a plethora of traditional taverns and posh restaurants which will surely satisfy all those eager for the fine Mediterranean tastes of the Greek cuisine. Furthermore, visitors of Plaka can enjoy special nights of authentic local entertainment thanks to live Greek folk or popular music groups performing at many of the restaurants.

ROMAN AGORA - Just outside the eastern side of the Roman Agora you will come across the octagonal monument, Andronikos Kyristes' clock. Built during the 1st century BC, housed an hydraulic clock. Each of its eight sides was decorated with representations of the eight winds. That is why the monument was nicknamed Aerides (winds)

The Monument of Lysikrates - In ancient Athens the staging of theatrical performances in the theater of Dionysos was sponsored by wealthy citizens called choregoi. The choregos who sponsored the best performance of the year was presented with a prize by the city. When wealthy Lysikrates won the prize (334 BC) he decided to build a monument to house it where it remains to this day. Its construction by Lysikrates was only the beginning of the monument's long and eventful story. In 1658 a Capuchin monastery was founded here by French friars of that order and in 1669 the monument was bought by them. It was in this monastery that Lord Byron stayed during his second visit to Greece. It was in its gardens that in 1818 the first tomato plant in Greece grew after Father Francis brought the seeds from abroad. In 1829 a foreign traveler in Greece was granted permission by the friars to take the monument with him but fortunately it proved too heavy. Later, Lord Elgin put his mind to the same task but was again stopped, this time by the monks.

ARCH OF HADRIAN - A bit off Plaka towards the main avenue of Amalias, one find the Arch of Hadrian. After the construction of the temple of Zeus the Athenians honored Hadrian by building, in AD 131 an arched gateway in the north-west corner of the enclosure of the temple. The arch, built of Pentelic marble (Penteli is one of the mountains surrounding the basin of Athens), bears two inscriptions. The one on the side facing the Acropolis (west facade) reads: This is Athens, the ancient city of Theseus while the other the side facing the sanctuary an the extension of the city by Hadrian reads: This is the city of Hadrian and not of Theseus. If you were to take a walk in Plaka on the east side, you enter Anafiotika a very picturesque neighborhood built in the Cycladic architectural style! There you find the churches of St.George of the Rock and St.Simeon. To your right is Mnisikleos St. which ends at the Acropolis. It is one of the narrowest streets in Plaka and is stepped at many places, and full of small inviting, charming taverns. Today Plaka attracts many visitors from every part of the world. That vivid multinational crowd,strolling down it's narrows alleys, adds to the place's fascination. Plaka can hold you captive for many hours and even days. Countless shops line your way offering souvenirs and popular art items ,giving you the chance to take a small part of Athens back home.

Monastiraki - Next to Plaka is Monastiraki. Monastiraki Square lies at the end of Pandrosou St. According to one account it owes its name to the church of the Virgin Mary which is a monastic estate of the Kaisariani Monastery whose medieval name was the Great Monastery.

Monastiraki begins at Monastiraki Square, goes down to St.Philippe square, and along Ermou St. toThissio, and Pireos St. and peters out in the surrounding narrow side streets. At its center lies Abyssinia Square which is the place where the Sunday bazaar has been held since 1910. Monastiraki had always been the bazaar, decked out in its gaudy colors. Everyone here talks to you about art. Of course, there are shops with real antiques. Leaving that aside, it is relaxing to walk through Monastiraki even if you do not buy anything.Today Monastiraki is a true fair for the one who strolls through it.

Lycabettus Hill, Kolonaki...

2010-05-23T22:09:00.007+03:00

Lycabettus hill (909 ft high), sits right in the center of the city and offers an unforgettable view of the city from its peak. On top, you will find there the tiny Chapel of St. George (Ai Yorgis) and a restaurant. It is one of the most attractive points of Athens, especially by night, when below the large lighted city extends its beauty. You can climb it throughout the year and enjoy the superb view that it offers. You can reach the hill either on foot following the stairs, or by car taking the road that leads to the theater of Lycabettus. But the most romantic way to reach Lycabettus, is with the funicular railway thats starts from Kolonaki and goes all the way to the top (275 m.). During antiquity the hill was called Aychesmos Lycabettus. During the times of Pausanias, Aychesmos Lycabettus had a statue of Zeus Aychesmios at its summit. Lycabettus hill is mentioned in Aristophanes' "Clouds" and in Plato's "Critias". During the Middle ages there was a chapel to the Prophet Elijah at its summit.There is a chapel to St. George which was built after 1835. On its northwest side is a cave with the small church of St. Isidore. During the summer, the Lycabettus theater hosts various theatrical performances and concerts. It is a spacious theater with 5,000 seats and occupies one of the most inspiring and idyllic sites in Athens. The funicular railway that goes to the top of Lycabetus is in the Kolonaki area.
Mt Lycabettus photo by Lazopoulou

Kolonaki - The Chic Square of Athens is Kolonaki, officially known as Philikis Etaireias Square. Some of the most fashionable stores in Athens are located on Kolonaki square and the surrounding streets, along with many pastry-shops, cafeterias and bistros which are crowded all day long. Most favorite caffes are Jackson Hall, Prytaneio by the square. Also a wonderful shopping market. One of the things you must do when you are in Athens is have a cup of coffee in one of the coffee shops in Kolonaki Square. To have spent a few hours eating, drinking and just chatting in one of this square's coffee shops, is a prerequisite for trendy Athenians and foreign visitors alike. Kolonaki also offers some of the best shopping in town, some of the best organised and biggest kiosks (periptera) in the city and some very interesting walks around its busy streets. Kolonaki is s officially known as Filliki Eterias Square. A filliki eteria is nominally a "friendly society" but in this case refers to the secret society founded in Odessa, Russia, 1814, during the Ottoman domination of Greece. Its founders were 4 wealthy Greeks of the diaspora whose goal was to seek Greek Independence from the Turks "by any means possible". The four main streets leading from the square: Skoufa, Anagnostopoulou, Xanthos and Tsakaloff are named after these men. Kolonaki contains chic international boutiques and coffee shops, where Athens 'Elite' like to see and be seen. Kolonaki Square is the rich section of Athens.

The shops of Kolonaki have the latest fashions from all over Europe and the rest of the planet. Anything you can find in New York is available in Kolonaki. The Gennadios Library is on Soudias St., and specializes in Greek publications after 1453. The excellent Museum of Cycladic Art is housed on Neophytou Douka St. The most famous shopping street is Ermou, off Syntagma, the main square, and opposite the Parliament building. This pedestrian-only street shouldn't be missed if shopping is among your travel objectives. It's always been Athens' busiest shopping street and is packed with clothing, accessory and quality souvenir shops.

On, past the small Byzantine church of Kapnikarea, one nears Monastiraki and the Flea Market. Best on Sundays, it is still a fascinating area with anything from souvenirs in all their myriad form, marble chess sets, copper pans, ceramic pots, to junk and antiques. Old coins and stamps, furniture which has seen better days in some old neo- classic mansion, baskets and junk, piled haphazardly between office furniture, all go to make this area one of the most fascinating in the city. Kolonaki is the first word that a good shopper should know. This fashionable neighborhood at the foot of Lykavittos Hill has always been the more "chic" place to shop in Athens. When you need a break from shopping, there are plenty of trendy coffee shops and restaurants around Kolonaki Square. Most shops have hours as follows: Monday, Wednesday and Saturday 9 am-3 pm; Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 9 am-2:30 pm and 5-8:30 pm. All department stores and supermarkets and many larger shops now stay open through the day and some stay open until 6 pm on Saturdays. Times change during Easter/Christmas and major holiday seasons. Many shops in the Plaka area are open daily 9 am-9 pm.

Acropolis

2010-05-23T21:33:00.003+03:00

The Parthenon, dedicated by the Athenians to Athena Parthenos, the patron of their city, is the most magnificent creation of Athenian democracy at the height of its power. It is also the finest monument on the Acropolis in terms of both conception and execution. Built between 447 and 438 BC, as part of the greater Periklean building project, this so-called Periklean Parthenon (Parthenon III) replaced an earlier marble temple (Parthenon II), begun after the victory at the battle of Marathon at approximately 490 BC and destroyed by the Persians in 480 BC. This temple had replaced the very first Parthenon (Parthenon I) of c. 570 BC. The Periklean Parthenon was designed by architects Iktinos and Kallikrates, while the sculptor Pheidias supervised the entire building program and conceived the temple's sculptural decoration and chryselephantine statue of Athena. The Parthenon is a double peripteral Doric temple with several unique and innovative architectural features. The temple proper is divided into pronaos, cella and opisthodomos, with a separate room at the west end, and is surrounded by a pteron with eight columns on each of the short sides and seventeen columns on the long ones.

The elegant building known as the Erechtheion, on the north side of the sacred rock of the Acropolis, was erected in 421-406 BC as a replacement of an earlier temple dedicated to Athena Polias, the so-called “Old temple”. The name “Erechtheion”, mentioned only by Pausanias (1, 26, 5), derives from Erechtheus, the mythical king of Athens, who was worshipped there. Other texts refer to the building simply as “temple” or “old temple”. The building owes its unusual shape to the irregularity of the terrain there is a three-metre difference in height between the eastern and western parts - and the multiple cults it was designed to accommodate. The eastern part of the building was dedicated to Athena Polias, while the western part served the cult of Poseidon-Erechtheus and held the altars of Hephaistus and Voutos, brother of Erechtheus. This is where, according to the myth, Athena's sacred snake lived. The sanctuary also contained the grave of Kekrops and the traces of the dispute between Athena and Poseidon for the possession of the city of Athens. The temple was made of Pentelic marble, the frieze of Eleusinian grey stone with white relief figures attached to it and the foundations of Piraeus stone.

The Propylaia of the Athenian Acropolis were built on the west side of the hill, where the gate of the Mycenaean fortification once stood. The first propylon, or gate, was constructed in the age of Peisistratos (mid-sixth century BC), after the Acropolis had become a sanctuary dedicated to Athena. A new propylon, built in 510-480 BC, was destroyed by the Persians in 480 BC and repaired after the end of the Persian Wars, during the fortification of the Acropolis by Themistokles and Kimon.

The monumental Propylaia admired by modern visitors were part of the great Periklean building program. They were erected in 437-432 BC, after the completion of the Parthenon, by architect Mnesikles. The original building plan was particularly daring both in architectural and artistic terms, but was never completed.

The temple of Athena Nike stands at the southeast edge of the sacred rock atop a bastion, which in Mycenaean times protected the entrance to the Acropolis. The Classical temple, designed by architect Kallikrates and built in 426-421 BC, succeeded earlier temples also dedicated to Athena Nike. The first one of these, a mid-sixth century BC wooden temple was destroyed by the Persians in 480 BC. The eschara, the altar believed to have supported the cult statue of the goddess, dates to this period. Under Kimon, c. 468 BC, a small temple of tufa was erected around the base of the statue and a new altar was built outside the temple. The foundations of these early temples and altars are preserved inside the bastion under the floor of the Classical structure. Pausanias (1, 22, 4) refers to this temple as that of the Apteros Nike, or Wingless Victory, and mentions that the cult statue of the goddess had no wings so that she would never leave Athens.
Apart from the cult of Athena Nike other, earlier cults were also practiced on this site. On the west side of the bastion was a Mycenaean double-apsed shrine and on the east side, the pre-Classical shrines of the Graces and of Hekate Epipyrgidia. The construction of the Classical temple of Athena Nike was part of the Periklean building project. Several inscriptions, mostly decrees of the city of Athens, provide information on this particular part of the project.

Photos copyright: Leda Avouri

Text provided by http://odysseus.culture.gr/h/3/eh3530.jsp?obj_id=2384

Athens (Attica)

2010-05-21T02:02:00.007+03:00

Attica is situated in the geographical center of Greece and is washed by the Euboean, Saronic and Corinthian Gulfs. Attica borders Sterea Ellada/Central Greece to the north and the Saronic Gulf to the south. The peninsula ends to the south at Cape Sounion. The position of Athens in the basin is defined by Mt. Parnitha and Mt. Penteli whose great masses command the north. Mt. Hymettus dominates the east, while to the west are the numerous low hills of Egaleo and Korydallos. Athens has developed and spread out in the Attica basin to the point that it has become one with the port of Piraeus, while the suburbs have spilled outside the basin itself. Athens the capital of Greece took its name from the goddess Athena, the goddess of wisdom and knowledge. This is where democracy was born. This is where that marvel of architecture, the Parthenon was created. This is where art became inseparable from life and this is where Pericles gave the funerary speech, that monument of the spoken word. Athens is the symbol of freedom, art, and democracy in the conscience of the civilized world. In Athens memory never fades. Wherever you stand, wherever you turn, the city's long and rich history will be alive in front of you. In the centre of town are two hills, the Acropolis with the monuments from the Age of Pericles, and Lycabettus with the picturesque chapel of Ai Giorgis.

In Athens you will see historical monuments. The perfection of Architecture itself! It is a symbol of culture, science, and civilization. The Olympic Stadium, the world's nicest marble stadium. The Greek Parliament, the changing of the guard at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier,Pnyx, Socrates' prison,Ancient Agora/Stoa of Attalos (right), etc. Keramikos, Museum, Holy Gate, Thission. See the panoramic view of Athens and spectacular sunrises from Lycabettus hill from where all islands are visible. It is absolutely spledid! See the temple of Olympic Zeus, Hadrian's Arch, the University and its library as well as Aristotle's Lyceum! Athens today is a modern city, alive and on the go. Modern but romantic as well, with busy streets and squares, shop windows a riot of colours, as well as little alleys in quiet, peaceful neighbourhoods such as Plaka and Metz.

The sunshine of Attica and its pleasant climate give to the visitors the opportunity to enjoy a trip to Athens during all seasons. Besides a planned program of visits to specific places, one always has the opportunity to get away to the countryside, to the mountains or the sea. The distances are not so far and the changes in the weather, even in winter, hold pleasant surprises in store: a heavy rain is often followed by brilliant sunshine! In Sounion, the sanctuaries of Poseidon and Athena, in Vravrona the sanctuary of Artemis, in Rhamnous that of Nemesis, in Marathon the famous victory of the Greeks against the Persians, in Eleusis (Elefsina) the sanctuary of Demeter, as well as Byzantine monuments such as Kaisariani and Daphni monasteries.

The morphology of the land is characterized by a constant alteration between low mountains and small plains. The picturesque peculiarities of the Attic coast makes it look like a long piece of lace. Bays and small rocky or sandy coves dot the area and during the summer are filled with Athenians and foreigners enjoying their beauty. Of the plains, it is worth mentioning those of Eleusis and Athens, as well as the Mesogeia which are fertile and systematically cultivated.

The heart of the modern capital houses the most important buildings, which are connected to the Greek culture and history. As "the modern city center", we can define the area which includes the Lycabettus Hill, the elegant square of Kolonaki and the main streets which connect the Syntagma and Omonia Squares, as well as the nearby neighborhoods like Exarcheia. Piraeus is still the largest harbor in the country and facilitates communications in the area. Among a lot of small and higher hills, is the one that glorified not only Athens, but the whole Greek world and became the symbol of the western civilization: the rock of Acropolis.

Most of the places you'll want to get to are all within a couple of miles of each other, and navigating is fairly easy with a good map, available for free at the Greek Tourist Organization. If you can't see the Acropolis, you can get your bearings by looking for Lykavitos Hill--that's the other hill in Athens, the one without the Parthenon sitting on top of it. Otherwise, just travel from square to square: Kolonaki Square, Syntagma Square, and countless others--they are the lily pads, you are the frog. For gewgaws, you can while away your days in the Plaka district, which curls around the eastern side of the Acropolis. Besides the tourist traps, this district is home to a few hidden gems where you can buy some truly unique momentos, and an astounding number of cafes/bars for your drinking pleasure. Most visitors seem to prefer this area for their nightly carousals. Plaka also has the highest concentration of restaurants, hotels, Internet cafes, and other services for the weary traveler. Abutting Plaka's northwest border is Monistiraki, home of the famous Monistiraki Flea Market. Psiri, just north of Monistiraki, is the hottest new party neighborhood in Athens, though you would never know it in the daytime, when it's like a ghost town. But when the sun sets, Psiri blossoms like a nocturnal party flower, awaft with aromas from some of the finest restaurants in Athens, and positively cluttered with cool bars and clubs. You might be something of a novelty at these establishments--it seems the tourist contingent hasn't discovered Psiri yet. Kolonaki, a 15- to 20-minute walk east of Psiri, is the most classically European neighborhood, with the prettiest buildings and streets in town. This is a nice, relaxing area to while away siesta (approximately 2 till 6pm) as the rest of the city sleeps, and it's one of the most popular areas to dance the night away, too.

If you haven't the cash or time to travel to any of the Greek islands, despair not: Take the 30-minute bus ride to Glyfada, on the outskirts of the city.

Along with a string of beaches, this area boasts some of the hottest clubs in Athens, serving up everything from traditional Greek rebetika music to techno. One of the great things about Athens is its even distribution of party spots.

Discover Athens: [Syntagma, Lycabettus, Plaka, Acropolis, Psirri, The suburbs, Coastal areas, Outskirts of Athens, Pireaus]

Click for photos of Attica

Saronic Gulf Island

Greek music

2010-04-24T01:57:00.005+03:00

Eleftheria Arvanitaki - Complaint / Exile

Found at abmp3 search engine

Έντεχνο τραγούδι

Προς το τέλος της δεκαετίας του 1950, όπου το λαϊκό τραγούδι είχε πλέον διαμορφωθεί και βάδιζε παράλληλα με το ελαφρό τραγούδι, δυο συνθέτες οι Μάνος Χατζιδάκις ► (Ξάνθη 1925 – Αθήνα 1994)Ο Μάνος ΧατζιδάκιςΟ Μάνος Χατζιδάκις στο BroadwayΜάνος Χατζιδάκις – Ευτυχία Παπαγιαννοπούλου «Είμ’ αϊτός χωρίς φτερά» [1961]. Τραγουδά ο Γρηγόρης ΜπιθικώτσηςΑπόσπασμα από την ταινία του Αλέκου Σακελάριου «Λατέρνα φτώχεια και φιλότιμο» (1955) σε μουσική Μάνου ΧατζιδάκιΜάνος Χατζιδάκις - Μιχάλης Κακογιάννης «Ο μήνας έχει δεκατρείς». Απόσπασμα από την ταινία του Μιχάλη Κακογιάννη «Στέλλα» (1955)Μάνος Χατζιδάκις «Κάπου υπάρχει η αγάπη μου». Απόσπασμα από την ταινία «Ραντεβού στην Κέρκυρα» [1960]. Τραγουδά η Νάνα ΜούσχουρηΜάνος Χατζιδάκις - Γιώργος Εμιρζάς «Ιλισός». Απόσπασμα από την ταινία του Νίκου Κούνδουρου «Ο δράκος» (1956)και Μίκης Θεοδωράκης ► (Χίος 1925) «Ο Μίκης Θεοδωράκης ενώ δίνει συνέντευξη στην ελληνική υπηρεσία του BBC το 1958» «Ο Μίκης Θεοδωράκης το 1960» Μίκης Θεοδωράκης – Δημήτρης Χριστοδούλου «Είναι μεγάλος ο καημός» [1961]. Τραγουδά ο Γρηγόρης Μπιθικώτσης Μίκης Θεοδωράκης «Η Μαργαρίτα η Μαργαρώ» και «Η Κοκκινιά» - Απόσπασμα από συναυλία στην Αθήνα το 1962. Τραγουδούν Γρηγόρης Μπιθικώτσης και Μαίρη Λίντα έχοντας πλέον ωριμάσει συνθετικά έκαναν αισθητή την παρουσία τους. Κοινό τους χαρακτηριστικό ήταν ότι επηρεάζονταν από τη δυτική λόγια μουσική που είχαν και οι δυο σπουδάσει, αλλά και από τη λαϊκή μουσική, την οποία ερευνούσαν και προσάρμοζαν στις συνθέσεις τους. Η Μελίνα Μερκούρη και ο Μάνος Χατζιδάκις παρουσιάζουν τον «Κυρ Αντώνη» [1961] στο γαλλικό κοινό. Τραγουδά ο συνθέτης Χαρακτηριστική ήταν η διάλεξη για το ρεμπέτικο τραγούδι, που έδωσε στην Αθήνα το 1949 ο Χατζιδάκις, τονίζοντας την σημαντική καλλιτεχνική ποιότητα των ρεμπέτικων τραγουδιών, τα οποία την εποχή εκείνη αποτελούσαν αντικείμενο περιφρόνησης από τους περισσότερους έλληνες διανοούμενους και καλλιτέχνες, όπως και από τη μεγαλύτερη μερίδα της κοινωνίας.
Οι δυο αυτοί συνθέτες για πρώτη φορά, παντρεύοντας τη δυτική με την ελληνική λαϊκή μουσική, μελοποίησαν όχι μόνο στίχους γραμμένους ειδικά για τον σκοπό αυτό, αλλά και ποιήματα καταξιωμένων ποιητών όπως των Γιώργου Σεφέρη ► «Ο Γιώργος Σεφέρης στην απονομή του Νόμπελ» Μίκης Θεοδωράκης – Γιώργος Σεφέρης «Τώρα που θα φύγεις» [1968]. Τραγουδά η Μαρία Φαραντούρη , Οδυσσέα Ελύτη ► «Ο Οδυσσέας Ελύτης» Μάνος Χατζιδάκις – Οδυσσέας Ελύτης «Με την πρώτη σταγόνα της βροχής» [1972]. Τραγουδά ο Δημήτρης Ψαριανός Μίκης Θεοδωράκης – Οδυσσέας Ελύτης «Μαρίνα» [1963]. Τραγουδά η Ντόρα Γιαννακοπούλου Μίκης Θεοδωράκης - Οδυσσέας Ελύτης «Της αγάπης αίματα» [1965]. Απόσπασμα από συναυλία στην Αθήνα το 1977. Τραγουδά ο Γρηγόρης Μπιθικώτσης Νίκου Γκάτσου ► «Ο Μάνος Χατζιδάκις με τον Νίκο Γκάτσο» Μάνος Χατζιδάκις – Νίκος Γκάτσος «Μικρή Ραλλού» [1971]. Τραγουδά ο Μανόλης Μητσιάς Μίκης Θεοδωράκης – Νίκος Γκάτσος «Στράτα τη στράτα» [1964]. Τραγουδά ο Γρηγόρης Μπιθικώτσης Μάνος Χατζιδάκις - Νίκος Γκάτσος «Χάρτινο το φεγγαράκι» [1958]. Τραγουδά η Μελίνα Μερκούρη Τάσου Λειβαδίτη «Ο Τάσος Λειβαδίτης» Μίκης Θεοδωράκης – Τάσος Λειβαδίτης «Βρέχει στη φτωχογειτονιά» (1960]. Τραγουδά ο Γρηγόρης Μπιθικώτσης , Ιάκωβου Καμπανέλλη «Ο Ιάκωβος Καμπανέλλης», Μάνος Χατζιδάκις – Ιάκωβος Καμπανέλλης «Στην ποταμιά σωπαίνει το κανόνι» [1960]. Τραγουδά ο Λάκης Παπάς Μίκης Θεοδωράκης – Ιάκωβος Καμπανέλλης «Στρώσε το στρώμα σου» [1963]. Τραγουδά ο Γρηγόρης Μπιθικώτσης Μίκης Θεοδωράκης - Ιάκωβος Καμπανέλλης «Άσμα ασμάτων» [1965]. Τραγουδά η Μαρία Φαραντούρη Γιάννη Ρίτσου ► «Ο Γιάννης Ρίτσος» Μίκης Θεοδωράκης - Γιάννης Ρίτσος «Επιτάφιος» [1958]. Τραγουδά η Μαρία Φαραντούρη κ.ά. Εισήγαγαν έτσι μια νέα κοινωνική προβληματική στο ελληνικό τραγούδι, το οποίο μέχρι εκείνη τη στιγμή είχε ως κυρίαρχα θέματα τον έρωτα, τη διασκέδαση και το κρασί. Με δεδομένη τη μουσική ικανότητα των δυο συνθετών, τα τραγούδια αυτά έγιναν τόσο μεγάλες επιτυχίες, ώστε ο λόγος όλων αυτών των σημαντικών ποιητών, να φθάσει να τραγουδιέται από τα χείλη λαϊκών ανθρώπων στις ταβέρνες και τις γειτονιές. Χαρακτηριστική ήταν η έκπληξη του Γιώργου Σεφέρη «Ο Γιώργος Σεφέρης παραλαμβάνει το βραβείο Νόμπελ» όταν, ερχόμενος στην Αθήνα από το Λονδίνο που υπηρετούσε ως πρέσβης, πήγε σε μια ταβέρνα με τον Θεοδωράκη, όπου άκουσε να τραγουδιέται από το σύνολο των θαμώνων «Η Άρνηση» (Στο Περιγιάλι το κρυφό) Μίκης Θεοδωράκης - Γιώργος Σεφέρης «Άρνηση» [1960]. Τραγουδά η Μαρία Φαραντούρη Η απήχηση της μουσικής των Χατζιδάκι και Θεοδωράκη δεν περιορίσθηκε μόνο στα στενά ελληνικά όρια, αλλά έγινε διεθνής, με επιτυχίες που μεταφράστηκαν σε αρκετές γλώσσες και τραγουδήθηκαν παγκοσμίως. Ο λόγος γίνεται φυσικά, μεταξύ άλλων, για τον ιστορικό «Ζορμπά» του Μίκη Θεοδωράκη από την ομώνυμη ταινία του Μιχάλη Κακογιάννη Η σκηνή του τέλους από την ταινία του Μιχάλη Κακογιάννη «Αλέξης Ζορμπάς» [1964] σε μουσική Μίκη Θεοδωράκη και για τα θρυλικά «Παιδιά του Πειραιά» από την ταινία του Ζυλ Ντασσέν «Ποτέ την Κυριακή». «Η Μελίνα Μερκούρη στην ταινία «Ποτέ την Κυριακή» Μάνος Χατζιδάκις «Τα παιδιά του Πειραιά» - Απόσπασμα από την ταινία του Ζυλ Ντασσέν «Ποτέ την Κυριακή» [1961] Έτσι διαμορφώθηκε ένα νέο είδος τραγουδιού το λεγόμενο «έντεχνο». Ο όρος αυτός χρησιμοποιήθηκε για πρώτη φορά τη δεκαετία του 1960, για να διαφοροποιήσει το συγκεκριμένο είδος τραγουδιού από τα υπόλοιπα.
Η νέα αυτή τάση ακολουθήθηκε και από πολλούς άλλους συνθέτες όπως:

Μίμης Πλέσσας ►(Αθήνα 1924) «Ο Μίμης Πλέσσας» «Ο Μίμης Πλέσσας ενώ διευθύνει» Μίμης Πλέσσας – Λευτέρης Παπαδόπουλος «Γέλαγε η Μαρία» [1969]. Τραγουδά ο Γιάννης Πουλόπουλος Μίμης Πλέσσας - Άκος Δασκαλόπουλος «Ζωγραφισμένα στο χαρτί». Απόσπασμα από την ταινία του Γιάννη Διαλιανίδη «Η Παριζιάνα» (1969)
Μαμαγκάκης Νίκος ►(Ρέθυμνο 1929) «Ο Νίκος Μαμαγκάκης» Νίκος Μαμαγκάκης - Γιώργος Ιωάννου «Όχι μαζί» [1982]. Τραγουδά η Ελευθερία Αρβανιτάκη
Κουγιουμτζής Σταύρος ►(Θεσσαλονίκη 1932) «Ο Σταύρος Κουγιουμτζής ενώ διευθύνει» Σταύρος Κουγιουμτζής – Κώστας Κινδύνης «Το κόκκινο φουστάνι» [1993]. Τραγουδά η Ελευθερία Αρβανιτάκη Σταύρος Κουγιουμτζής «Όταν ανθίζουν πασχαλιές» [1971]. Τραγουδά ο Γιώργος Νταλάρας. Στο πιάνο τον συνοδεύει ο συνθέτης
Λουκιανός Κηλαηδόνης ►(Αθήνα 1934) «Ο Λουκιανός Κηλαηδόνης» Λουκιανός Κηλαηδόνης «Προς νέο συνθέτη» [1978]. Τραγουδά ο συνθέτης Λουκιανός Κηλαηδόνης «Προς κατεδάφιση». Απόσπασμα από συναυλία στο Ηρώδειο με ένα από τα σχετικά άγνωστα τραγούδια του συνθέτη
Δήμος Μούτσης ►(Πειραιάς 1938) «Ο Δήμος Μούτσης» Δήμος Μούτσης – Μάνος Ελευθερίου «Στη Σμύρνη και στο Αϊβαλί» [1972]. Τραγουδά ο Δημήτρης Μητροπάνος Δήμος Μούτσης - Κώστας Τριπολίτης «Δεν λες κουβέντα» [1981]. Απόσπασμα από συναυλία στην Αθήνα την δεκαετία του 1980. Τραγουδά ο Μανόλης Μητσιάς
Σταύρος Ξαρχάκος ►(Αθήνα 1939) «Ο Σταύρος Ξαρχάκος» Σταύρος Ξαρχάκος – Νίκος Γκάτσος «Γεια σου χαρά σου Βενετιά» [1974]. Τραγουδά ο Νίκος Ξυλούρης Σταύρος Ξαρχάκος – Κώστας Φέρρης «Έλα απόψε στου Θωμά» [1983]. Τραγουδά ο Κώστας Τσίγκος Σταύρος Ξαρχάκος - Αλέκος Σακελάριος «Υπομονή». Απόσπασμα από την ταινία «Μοντέρνα Σταχτοπούτα» [1965]. Τραγουδούν Γρηγόρης Μπιθικώτσης και Αλίκη Βουγιουκλάκη
Γιάννης Μαρκόπουλος ►(Ηράκλειο Κρήτης 1939) «Ο Γιάννης Μαρκόπουλος» Γιάννης Μαρκόπουλος – Διονύσιος Σολωμός «Άκρα του τάφου σιωπή» [1977]. Τραγουδά ο Νίκος Ξυλούρης Γιάννης Μαρκόπουλος και Διονύσιος Σολωμός «Πειρασμός». Απόσπασμα από συναυλία στο γήπεδο του Παναθηναϊκού. Τραγουδά ο Νίκος Ξυλούρης
Καραΐνδρου Ελένη (Τυχείο Δωρίδας 1941) «Η Ελένη Καραΐνδρου» Ελένη Καραΐνδρου – Κώστας Μύρης «Τα ελληνόπουλα» [1975]. Τραγουδά η Μαρία Φαραντούρη Απόσπασμα από την ταινία «Το βλέμμα του Οδυσσέα» σε σκηνοθεσία Θεόδωρου Αγγελόπουλου και μουσική Ελένης Καραΐνδρου [1995] Ελένη Καραΐνδρου «Ταξίδι στα Κύθηρα». Από την ομώνυμη ταινία του Θεόδωρου Αγγελόπουλου [1984]. Τραγουδά ο Γιώργος Νταλάρας
Κουρουπός Γιώργος ►(Αθήνα 1942) «Ο Γιώργος Κουρουπός» Γιώργος Κουρουπός – Ανδρέας Αγγελάκης «Νανούρισμα» [1985]. Τραγουδά η Σαβίνα Γιαννάτου
Διονύσης Σαββόπουλος ►(Θεσσαλονίκη 1944) «Ο Διονύσης Σαββόπουλος» Διονύσης Σαββόπουλος «Ωδή στον Γεώργιο Καραϊσκάκη» [1969]. Τραγουδά ο συνθέτης Διονύσης Σαββόπουλος «Ας κρατήσουν οι χοροί» [1983]. Τραγουδά ο συνθέτης Διονύσης Σαββόπουλος «Η Ζωζώ» [1966]
Χατζηνάσιος Γιώργος ►(Θεσσαλονίκη 1944) «Ο Γιώργος Χατζηνάσιος» Χατζηνάσιος Γιώργος – Γιώργος Κανελλόπουλος «Τα γαλάζια σου γράμματα» [1976]. Τραγουδά η Δήμητρα Γαλάνη Γιώργος Χατζηνάσιος - Σέβη Τηλιακού «Μάθημα Σολφέζ». Πρόκειται για την ελληνική συμμετοχή στο διαγωνισμό Eurovision το 1977
Μάνος Λοΐζος ►(Αλεξάνδρεια 1947 – Μόσχα 1982) «Ο Μάνος Λοΐζος» Μάνος Λοΐζος - Λευτέρης Παπαδόπουλος «Δέκα παλικάρια» [1969]. Τραγουδά ο Γιώργος Νταλάρας Μάνος Λοΐζος «Το ζεϊμπέκικο της Ευδοκίας». Απόσπασμα από την ταινία του Αλέξη Δαμιανού (1971)
Θάνος Μικρούτσικος ►(Πάτρα 1947) «Ο Θάνος Μικρούτσικος με τους τραγουδιστές Μανόλη Μητσιά και Γιάννη Κούτρα» Θάνος Μικρούτσικος – Νίκος Καββαδίας «Κούρο Σίβο» [1979]. Τραγουδά ο Γιάννης Κούτρας Θάνος Μικρούτσικος - Άλκης Αλκαίος «Ρόζα» [1996]. Τραγουδά ο Δημήτρης Μητροπάνος
Μπακιρτζής Αργύρης (Θεσσαλονίκη 1947) «Ο Αργύρης Μπακιρτζής και οι Χειμερινοί Κολυμβητές» Χειμερινοί κολυμβητές «Από το πάρκο στη Μυροβόλο» [1985]. Τραγουδά ο Αργύρης Μπακιρτζής
Σπανουδάκης Σταμάτης (Αθήνα 1948) «Ο Σταμάτης Σπανουδάκης συμπράττει με τη Βασιλική Φιλαρμονική ορχήστρα του Λονδίνου» Σταμάτης Σπανουδάκης «Τ’ άμαλο» [1987] – Τραγουδά η Ντόρη Σπανουδάκη Σταμάτης Σπανουδάκης «Μαρμαρωμένος Βασιλιάς» [1998]. Απόσπασμα από συναυλία στο Ωδείο Ηρώδου του Αττικού
Βαρδής Αντώνης (Αθήνα 1948) «Ο Αντώνης Βαρδής» Αντώνης Βαρδής «Ξημερώνει» [1980] – Τραγουδά η Χαρούλα Αλεξίου Αντώνης Βαρδής Σοφία Αργυροπούλου «Απόψε θέλω να πιω» - Τραγουδά η Χαρούλα Αλεξίου
Ανδριόπουλος Ηλίας ►(Ηλεία 1950) «Ο Ηλίας Ανδριόπουλος» Ηλίας Ανδριόπουλος - Μάνος Ελευθερίου «Θα σε ξανάβρω στους μπαξέδες» [1978]. Τραγουδούν ο Αντώνης Καλογιάννης και η Άλκηστη Πρωτοψάλτη Τραγούδια του Ηλία Ανδριόπουλου. Τραγουδά η Άλκηστις Πρωτοψάλτη
Νίκος Ξυδάκης (Κάιρο 1952) «Ο Νίκος Ξυδάκης» Νίκος Ξυδάκης – Θοδωρής Γκόνης «Ιερά οδός» [2002]. Τραγουδά ο συνθέτης μαζί με την Ελευθερία Αρβανιτάκη Νίκος Ξυδάκης - Μανόλης Ρασούλης «Οι μάγκες δεν υπάρχουν πια» [1979]. Τραγουδούν ο Μανόλης Ρασούλης και η Σοφία Παπάζογλου
Νίκος Κυπουργός ►(Αθήνα 1952) «Ο Νίκος Κυπουργός» Νίκος Κυπουργός – Μαριανίνα Κριεζή «Λαέ της Λιλιπούπολης» [1981]. Τραγούδι από την ιστορική ραδιοφωνική εκπομπή «Λιλιπούπολη». Τραγουδά ο Σπύρος Σακκάς.
Αντύπας Νίκος (Αθήνα 1953) «Ο Νίκος Αντύπας» Νίκος Αντύπας - Λίνα Νικολακοπούλου «Δι ευχών» [1992]. Τραγουδά η Χάρις Αλεξίου Νίκος Αντύπας - Λίνα Νικολακοπούλου «Διθέσιο» [1997]. Τραγουδά η Άλκηστις Πρωτοψάλτη
Τσακνής Διονύσης (Καρδίτσα 1954) «Ο Διονύσης Τσακνής» Διονύση Τσακνή «Ταραντέλα» [1990]. Τραγουδά η Τάνια Τσανακλίδου Διονύσης Τσακνής - Μαριαννίνα Κριεζή «Φτιάξε καρδιά μου το δικό σου παραμύθι» [1996]. Τραγουδά ο συνθέτης
Σταμάτης Κραουνάκης (Αθήνα 1955) «Ο Σταμάτης Κραουνάκης» Σταμάτης Κραουνάκης – Λίνα Νικολακοπούλου «Τα λαϊκά» [1993]. Τραγουδά η Άλκηστις Πρωτοψάλτη
Μάλαμας Σωκράτης (Χαλκιδική 1957) «Ο Σωκράτης Μάλαμας» Σωκράτης Μάλαμας – Γιάννης Μελισσίδης «Μάντης» [2005]. Τραγουδά ο συνθέτης Σωκράτης Μάλαμας «Νεράιδα» [2002]. Τραγουδά ο συνθέτης
Ορφέας Περίδης (Αθήνα 1957) «Ο Ορφέας Περίδης με τη Μελίνα Κανά σε συναυλία» Ορφέας Περίδης «Φωτοβολίδα» [1993]. Τραγουδά ο συνθέτης Ορφέας Περίδης «Αλυσίδες» [1999]. Τραγουδά ο συνθέτης
Παντελής Θαλασσινός (Πειραιάς 1958) «Ο Παντελής Θαλασσινός» Παντελής Θαλασσινός – Τασούλα Θωμαΐδου «Αν μ’ αγαπάς θα σ’ αγαπώ» [2001]. Τραγουδάει ο συνθέτης Παντελής Θαλασσινός - Ηλίας Κατσούλης «Τα σμυρναίικα τραγούδια» [1996]. Τραγουδά ο Γιώργος Νταλάρας σε συναυλία στο Ηρώδειο
Ρεμπούτσικα Ευανθία (Κάτω Αχαΐα 1958) «Η Ευανθία Ρεμπούτσικα» Ευανθία Ρεμπούτσικα – Ελένη Ζιώγα «Εφτά ποτήρια» [1997]. Τραγουδά ο Γιάννης Κότσιρας Ευανθία Ρεμπόυτσικα - Ελένη Ζιώγα «Το τσιγάρο» [1997]. Τραγουδάει ο Γιάννης Κότσιρας
Παπακωνσταντίνου Θανάσης (Τύρναβος 1959) «Ο Θανάσης Παπακωνσταντίνου σε συναυλία» Θανάσης Παπακωνσταντίνου «Άστρο του πρωινού» [1995]. Τραγουδά ο Νίκος Παπάζογλου Θανάσης Παπακωνσταντίνου «Έρημα κορμιά» [1996]. Τραγουδά η Μελίνα Κανά
Ανδρέου Γιώργος (Σέρρες 1961) «Ο Γιώργος Ανδρέου μαζί με τον Χρήστο Θηβαίο στο εξώφυλλο του άλμπουμ Μυστήριο τρένο» Γιώργος Ανδρέου «Εγώ με την αγάπη μάλωσα» [2001] – Τραγουδά ο Μανόλης Λιδάκης Γιώργος Ανδρέου «Άβατο» [2006]. Τραγουδά ο Χρήστος Θηβαίος
Ιωαννίδης Αλκίνοος (Λευκωσία 1970) «Ο Αλκίνοος Ιωαννίδης σε συναυλία» Αλκίνοος Ιωαννίδης «Του έρωτα σημάδι» [1999]. Τραγουδά ο συνθέτης Αλκίνοος Ιωαννίδης «Όσα η αγάπη ονειρεύεται». Τραγουδά ο συνθέτης
Δεληβοριάς Φοίβος (Αθήνα 1973) «Ο Φοίβος Δεληβοριάς» Φοίβος Δεληβοριάς «Αυτή που περνάει» [2003]. Τραγουδάει ο συνθέτης Φοίβος Δεληβοριάς «Προορισμός» [2007]. Τραγουδά ο συνθέτης
Χατζηγιάννης Μιχάλης (Λευκωσία 1978) «Ο Μιχάλης Χατζηγιάννης» Μιχάλης Χατζηγιάννης – Νίκος Μωραΐτης «Όλα ή τίποτα» [2006]. Τραγουδά ο συνθέτης Μιχάλης Χατζηγιάννης - Λήδα Ρουμάνη «Πάρε με αγκαλιά και πάμε» [2004]. Τραγουδά η Ελευθερία Αρβανιτάκη κ.ά.

Το έντεχνο τραγούδι, προσαρμοσμένο στις σύγχρονες ανάγκες, συνεχίζει να καλλιεργείται μέχρι σήμερα.

Το νέο κύμα

Τα πρώτα χρόνια της δεκαετίας του 1960 άνθησε και το νέο κύμα. Ο όρος αυτός είναι ακριβής μετάφραση του αντίστοιχου γαλλικού που χαρακτηρίζει το ομώνυμο κίνημα (nouvelle vague) που επικράτησε στον γαλλικό κινηματογράφο και στο γαλλικό τραγούδι στα τέλη της δεκαετίας του 1950. Το νέο κύμα χαρακτηρίστηκε από τρυφερά τραγούδια, αρκετά συχνά στη μορφή της μπαλάντας, που εκτελούνταν από λίγα όργανα ή ακόμα συνηθέστερα από μια κιθάρα και μια φωνή Ηλέκτρα Παπακώστα - Άκος Δασκαλόπουλος «Να διώξω τα σύννεφα» [1967]. Τραγουδά η Καίτη Χωματά. Τα τραγούδια αυτά σημείωσαν μεγάλη επιτυχία τη δεκαετία του 1960 αλλά και τα πρώτα χρόνια της δεκαετίας του 1970 όπου το νέο κύμα παρήκμασε. Τραγουδήθηκαν σε συγκεκριμένους μουσικούς χώρους, τις λεγόμενες μπουάτ (boite στα γαλλικά σημαίνει κουτί). Το όνομα υποδήλωνε το μέγεθος του χώρου που συνήθως ήταν αρκετά μικρό. Οι τραγουδιστές κάθονταν κοντά ή και ανάμεσα στον κόσμο, συχνά συνόδευαν τη φωνή τους παίζοντας οι ίδιοι κιθάρα και προέτρεπαν τους θαμώνες να τραγουδήσουν μαζί τους σαν μια μεγάλη παρέα.
Τα τραγούδια του νέου κύματος τραγουδήθηκαν κυρίως από τη νεολαία της εποχής και υπηρετήθηκαν από συνθέτες και τραγουδιστές όπως
Διονύσης Σαββόπουλος ► «Ο Διονύσης Σαββόπουλος στα στούντιο της Lyra κατά τη διάρκεια ηχογράφησης» http://www.lyra.gr/Files/savopoulos-web.JPG Διονύσης Σαββόπουλος «Η Συννεφούλα» [1966]. Τραγουδά ο συνθέτης Διονύσης Σαββόπουλος «Μια η άνοιξη» [1966]. Τραγουδά ο συνθέτης.
Αρλέτα «Η Αρλέτα» Γιάννης Σπανός - Γιώργος Παπαστεφάνου «Μια φορά θυμάμαι». Τραγουδά η Αρλέτα
Γιάννης Σπανός «Ο Γιάννης Σπανός» Γιάννης Σπανός - Κώστας Κωτούλας «Μαυρομαλούσα κοπελιά». Απόσπασμα από την ταινία «Σκιές στην άμμο» (1970). Τραγουδούν ο Μιχάλης Βιολάρης και η Καίτη Χωματά Γιάννης Σπανός - Σωτήρης Σκίπης «Άσπρα καράβια» [1967]. Τραγουδούν η Καίτη Χωματά και ο Μιχάλης Βιολάρης Γιάννης Σπανός - Γιώργος Παπαστεφάνου «Κι αν σ’ αγαπώ δεν σ’ ορίζω». Τραγουδά ο Γιάννης Πουλόπουλος
Λάκης Παππάς, Γιώργος Ζωγράφος κ.ά.

Πολιτικό τραγούδι

Η σύγχρονη ιστορία της Ελλάδας σημαδεύτηκε από έντονα πολιτικά πάθη και μεγάλες κοινωνικές αντιπαραθέσεις. Η άνοδος (1967) Η δικτατορία εγκαθιδρύεται. Ακούγεται ο παραληρηματικός λόγος του δικτάτορα Γεώργιου Παπαδόπουλου ενώ αστυνομοκρατία και στρατοκρατία επικρατεί στους δρόμους της Αθήνας και η πτώση (1974) της στρατιωτικής δικτατορίας Η εξέγερση του Πολυτεχνείου τον Νοέμβριο του 1973, οδήγησε στην πτώση της στρατιωτικής χούντας όξυνε τα φαινόμενα αυτά. Αυτό είχε ως συνέπεια τη δημιουργία μιας νέας τάσης που ονομάστηκε «πολιτικό τραγούδι». Περιλάμβανε τραγούδια που ήταν γραμμένα στη λογική και στο ύφος του έντεχνου τραγουδιού αλλά με έντονα τα στοιχεία της πολιτικής αμφισβήτησης και της κοινωνικής κριτικής. Δημιουργήθηκε από μουσικούς και ποιητές ενταγμένους στους κόλπους της ελληνικής αριστεράς και είχε ως κύριους αποδέκτες τον κόσμο που την πλαισίωνε.
Η μεγάλη έκρηξη του πολιτικού τραγουδιού έγινε μετά την πτώση της δικτατορίας όπου γήπεδα γέμιζαν ασφυκτικά από κόσμο που τραγουδούσε τραγούδια του είδους αυτού μαζί με τους τραγουδιστές, διακηρύσσοντας με τον τρόπο αυτό την πρόσφατα αποκτημένη ελευθερία του λόγου. Το πολιτικό τραγούδι παρήκμασε και έπαψε να υπάρχει στις αρχές της δεκαετίας του 1980. Υπηρετήθηκε από τους Μίκη Θεοδωράκη «Ενθουσιασμός για την επάνοδο του Μίκη Θεοδωράκη μετά την πτώση της δικτατορίας» «Ο Μίκης Θεοδωράκης σε συναυλία στο γήπεδο Καραϊσκάκη το 1974», «Ο Μίκης Θεοδωράκης σε συναυλία στο γήπεδο του Παναθηναϊκού το 1976» Μίκης Θεοδωράκης – Brendan Behan «Το γελαστό παιδί» [1961]. Τραγουδά η Μαρία Φαραντούρη Μίκης Θεοδωράκης – Αλέκος Παναγούλης «Οι πρώτοι νεκροί» [1971]. Τραγουδά ο συνθέτης Μίκης Θεοδωράκης και Τάσος Λειβαδίτης «Μάνα μου και παναγιά» [1961]. Τραγουδά ο Γιώργος Νταλάρας Μίκης Θεοδωράκης «Το σφαγείο» [1968]. Τραγουδά ο Αντώνης Καλογιάννης σε συναυλία το 1974 Μίκης Θεοδωράκης και Brendan Behan «Ποιος δε μιλά για τη Λαμπρή» [1961]. Τραγουδά η Μαρία Φαραντούρη σε συναυλία το 1974 Μίκης Θεοδωράκης «Μην ξεχνάς τον Ωρωπό» [1970]. Τραγουδά ο συνθέτης σε συναυλία το 1974 που ήταν ο κύριος εισηγητής του ήδη από τη δεκαετία του 1960,

Θάνο Μικρούτσικο «Ο Θάνος Μικρούτσικος με τον τραγουδιστή Γιάννη Κούτρα» «Θάνος Μικρούτσικος - Τα τραγούδια της Λευτεριάς. Το εξώφυλλο του δίσκου» Θάνος Μικρούτσικος – Ναζίμ Χικμέτ «Αν η μισή μου καρδιά» [1975]. Τραγουδά η Μαρία Δημητριάδη Θάνος Μικρούτσικος – Φώντας Λάδης «Ο φασισμός» [1978]. Τραγουδά η Μαρία Δημητριάδη
Γιάννη Μαρκόπουλο «Ο Γιάννης Μαρκόπουλος καθισμένος στο πιάνο» Γιάννης Μαρκόπουλος - Γιώργος Σκούρτης «Μπήκαν στην πόλη οι οχτροί» [1970]. Απόσπασμα από συναυλία την δεκαετία του 1970, λίγο μετά τη μεταπολίτευση. Τραγουδά ο Νίκος Ξυλούρης
Μάνο Λοΐζο Μάνος Λοΐζος «Τσε Γκεβάρα» [1974]. Απόσπασμα από συναυλία. Αθήνα 1974κ.ά.

Σελίδα της music heaven. Αφορά μεταξύ άλλων και δίσκους έντεχνου τραγουδιού. Επίσης: δισκογραφία, νέα, παρτιτούρες, συζητήσεις, αγγελίες και χρήσιμες συνδέσεις. http://www.musicheaven.gr/html/

Τραγουδιστές / Συνθέτες
Χάρις Αλεξίου http://www.alexiou.gr/
Ελευθερία Αρβανιτάκη http://www.arvanitaki.gr/
Δήμητρα Γαλάνη http://www.galani.gr/
Σαββίνα Γιαννάτου http://www.savinayannatou.com/gr/home.htm
Φοίβος Δεληβοριάς http://www.foivosdelivorias.com/
Παντελής Θαλασσινός http://www.pandelisthalassinos.gr/
Αλκίνοος Ιωαννίδης http://perso.wanadoo.fr/ilios/musique/ioannidis.htm
Γιάννης Κότσιρας http://www.kotsiras.gr/
Μανόλης Λιδάκης http://www.manolislidakis.com/
Σωκράτης Μάλαμας http://listen.to/malamas
Νίκος Παπάζογλου http://www.nikospapazoglou.gr/
Μίλτος Πασχαλίδης http://www.geocities.com/miltos_pasxalidis/press.htm
Νίκος Πορτοκάλογλου http://www.nikosportokaloglou.gr/
Άλκηστις Πρωτοψάλτη http://www.alkistisprotopsalti.gr/
Ελένη Τσαλιγοπούλου http://www.elenitsaligopoulou.com/

http://www.musicportal.gr/

http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Forum/7574/Matiamel.mid

http://greek-music.eu/video-clips/

Athens Cow Parade 2006

2010-04-02T04:32:00.007+03:00

The outdoor exhibition that first appeared in Zurich, Switzerland, in 1998, and has since taken place in more than 30 cities across five continents and raised more than 10 million euros for charity, hit the Greek capital!

The event kickes off early May 2006 while the brightly-coloured bovines are to be present in the city's main squares, metro stations and airport until August 28. So get ready Ladies and Gentlemen! It's time for art to go "mooο" in Athens, too!

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70 bovine designs were transformed into works of art by both unknown and well-established local artists and are now on display in Syntagma Square, Kolonaki Square, Klafthmonos Square, Kotzia Square, Vas. Sophias Ave, Old Parliament Square, Varvakeios pedestrian walkway, Mitropoleos Square, Ermou pedestrian walkway, Koumoundourou Square, Agios Konstantinos Square, Karaiskaki Square, Kaningos Square, Omonia Square, Korai pedestrian walkway, Voukourestiou pedestrian walkway, Panepistimiou St, Eleftherias Park, City of Athens Cultural Centre, Agia Sophia Children's Hospital, Aglaia Kyriakou Children's Hospital, National Library, Technopolis, Athens International Airport and at a number of Attiko Metro stations.

Greek Easter

2010-03-29T14:51:00.007+03:00

Easter: 24th of April 2011 - Easter is one of the most important holiday in Greece

The Greek Orthodox Easter is a time for celebrations and festivities that surpass even the most lavish of Christmas revelry anywhere in the world. The Greek Orthodox Easter is calculated using a different calendar to the Catholic Church and the two can be up to three weeks apart. Greek families travel from all over the world to get together in their home villages in an incredible atmosphere with fireworks and feasting.

On Good Friday, all the churches decorate the Epitaph with spring flowers, and cover it with sweet-smelling leaves and petals. It is moving to join the procession of mourners as they go round the parish with lighted candles to bless the area and the houses.Saturday at midnight, the Resurrection is celebrated.

It is customary for everyone to take their candle home with them, doing their best not to let it go out on the way, bringing home the Resurrection light, which is a blessing for the rest of the year. Right after midnight, 'war' is declared when all the fireworks and bangers explode!

It is customary, after the 40-day fast, to roast lambs and eat the red-dyed eggs that have been prepared for the Easter period. The Easter meal would not be complete without the Easter bread, which housewives usually bake on Maundy Thursday. It is decorated with a cross and has a red egg in the centre.

Many Easter traditions originated long before the beginning of the Christian era.
Like Christmas, which is related to pre-Christian winter festivals, Easter is connected in many ways with pagan rituals that accompanied the arrival of spring. It is possible that the name "Easter" stemmed from that of Eostre, an Anglo-Saxon goddess of springtime. Easter is also associated with the Jewish festival of Passover, or Pesach. The term "paschal", meaning "of Easter", is derived from the name of the Jewish festival, as are the names of Easter in some foreign languages. In Greek, Easter is called Pascha, meaning passover: It is the eternal Passover from death to life and from earth to heaven.

One of the most common Christian symbols, especially associated with Easter, is the lamb. It is often depicted with a banner that bears a cross, and it is known as the Agnus Dei, meaning "Lamb of God" in Latin. The origin of the symbol is related directly to the Jewish Passover. In ancient times the Jews sacrificed a lamb in the course of the festival. The early Christians, most of whom were Hebrews, associated the sacrifice of the lamb with Christ's sacrifice on the cross. They connected the joyous Passover festival, which commemorates the liberation of the Hebrews from their years of bondage in Egypt, with the liberation from death represented by the Resurrection. The popularity of lamb as an Easter food is undoubtedly related to its importance as a symbol. During the middle ages roast lamb became the traditional main course of the Pope's Easter dinner, and it is still customarily served on Easter Sunday in many European countries.

Greeks mainly color eggs red (scarlet) to signify the blood of Christ. They use hard-boiled eggs (painted red on Holy Thursday) which are baked into twisted sweet-bread loaves or distributed on Easter Sunday; people rap their eggs against their friends' eggs and the owner of the last uncracked egg is considered lucky. In Christianity, the egg is a symbol of Resurrection, representing the emergence of Christ from His tomb to everlasting life. Over the centuries the symbolic associations of the egg have been more or less forgotten, and modern Easter eggs are valued primarily for their colorful appearance. Eggs of chocolate or other kinds of candy are favorites of the season.

The Midnight service is called the Resurrection Service and it's without a doubt the most important day on the calendar. At midnight all the lights are extinguished in the church and the priest comes from behind the doors on the altar carrying a candle. He walks to someone in the front row and lights their candle and these people who receive the light of the resurrection, the light is a symbol of the resurrection, pass the light from candle to candle and the light fills the church. Everybody leaves the church just before midnight, singing a song the words of which mean, Jesus Christ has risen from the dead. Through death conquering death.

At midnight at the moment of the resurrection all the families have gone to church together, all standing sort of huddled in these little insular units and everybody kisses everybody and say, "Christos anesti?", "alithos anesti", Christ has risen, indeed He has risen. And it's a very touching moment. In the moment of conquering death it's, it has a certain meaning to kiss your family. People have been saying these prayers unchanged for hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of years. It's a custom to carry this candle back home, taking care the flame is not extinguished. At the house a cross is made with the flame above the entrance door to bless the house and its inhabitants by the light of Christ's resurrection.

In some areas of Greece, it is customary for young people to light a huge bonfire in the churchyard to burn Judas, the apostle who betrayed Jesus. On Easter Sunday, after the Easter Service at 12 midday, traditional entertainment with the participation of all people is organised. Fasting has ended (The Great Fast (Lent)--beginning on a Monday 7 weeks before Easter) and huge dishes of lamb are enjoyed. The Greeks have many traditions on this day, however the most important is gathering the family together and roasting a lamb, rotisserie-style, ('Arni Pashalino tis Souvlas': Easter Lamb on the Spit) in their front yards.

Info: www.sfakia-crete.com/sfakia-crete/greekeaster.html

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As for food during Easter... y

ou can't have a proper Greek Easter celebrations without lamb, kokoretsi, magiritsa, and eggs!

On Holy Thursday the custom is to color Easter eggs and bake Tsoureki (Easter Sweet Bread). Out of the kitchens a smell of vinegar fills the air since vinegar is necessary for the color to set on the eggs. Some of the colored eggs are used to decorate the Sweet Easter Bread. The others are placed in glass bowls or in baskets on the living room table, filling the house with the spirit of Easter. Another custom which housewives still observe is to refrain from lighting a fire or cooking on Good Friday. The meal, prepared the day before, is quite simple, usually consisting of lentils boiled in plain water, vinegar, and oregano, and served with olives, scallions, and halva, all considered fasting food.

Nowhere else in the world can the spirit of the Holy Resurrection of Christ be felt as it is expressed in Greece. All the preparations for Easter: the characteristic foods of this important holiday, the Red-Colored Eggs, the Arni sti Souvla (Lamb on the Spit), the Kokoretsi (Lamb Entrails Grilled on the Spit), the Mayeritsa (Easter Soup),together with the cheerful tolling of the bells, the liturgy in church, the pure white candles with their flames dancing in unison, all this and more, make one feel from within the uniqueness and magnificence of this feast.

Easter is the feast that, more than any other, makes the migrating Greeks return to their homeland to roast the lamb on the spit and to crack the red Easter eggs with their families.

Info by Vefa's Alexiadou (famous Greek cook): http://www.greek-recipe.com

Greek cinema

2010-03-26T15:51:00.007+02:00

GOOD OLD GREEK CINEMA - ΠΑΛΙΟΣ ΚΑΛΟΣ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΟΣ ΚΙΝΗΜΑΤΟΓΡΑΦΟΣ

HOMEPAGE

Information taked from greecenow.criticalpublics.com

The First Footage - Cinema as popular entertainment is largely a post-war phenomenon in Greece, although a tradition of Greek film-making can be traced back to the early 20th century. The first Lumiere films were shown in central Athens in 1897 to a mixed response: some members of the audience reportedly fainted, while others threw stones at the screen. Nevertheless, a cinema was established in the capital several years later. The first film made in Greece was a newsreel of the 1906 interim Olympic Games. The first full-length feature film was Golfo (1914) by Costas Bachatoris , a bucolic romance adapted from a popular play of the same name, that premiered at the Pantheon cinema on 22 January 1915.

The Post-War Years - The rise of Greek cinema in the post-war years is closely connected to the establishment of Finos Films production company, which launched with Voice of the Heart in 1943. Self-consciously styled on Hollywood production companies, Finos oversaw production from shooting, through editing, distribution, and marketing. Finos produced mainly comedies and melodramas, as well as Hollywood-inspired musicals and westerns. Some of its greatest hits were many features starring Aliki Vouyouklaki (1937-96), one of the leading lights of Greek cinema. She debuted in 1954 with Nikos Tsiforos ' (1912-70) The Little Mouse , but achieved star status a year later with Dimis Dadiras ' (1927-82) The Lover of the Shepherdess.

The Rise of Neo-Realism - By the mid 1950s, numerous films were being produced. These were mainly comedies, inspired by everything from farce and variety to the shadow puppet theatre (karaghiozis) and Aristophanes. Two outstanding directors of comedy during this period were Yiorgos Tzavellas (1916-1976) and Alekos Sakellarios (1913-1992). Tzavellas directed such classics as The Drunkard (1950), which broke box-office records in Greece, and The Counterfeit Coin (1955). Among the best-known of Sakellarios' fifty or so films are The Germans are Coming Back (1947), Barrel Organ, Poverty and Dignity (1955) and The Aunt from Chicago (1957).

With few exceptions, commercial Greek cinema in this period consisted of low-budget comedies and melodramas. Nonetheless, the early 1950s saw some independent film productions. It was Grigoris Grigoriou (1919-), the director of Bitter Bread (1951), who introduced Greek neo-realism , under the influence of the Italian post-war cinema of Roberto Rossellini, Luciano Visconti and Vittoria De Sica. Shot on location and using non-professional actors, Neo-realism drew on the experiences and struggles of the working class. At the same time, two other independent film-makers launched their careers: Michael Cacoyannis (1922-), a Greek Cypriot, whose film Stella (1955), launched the career of actress Melina Mercouri (1923-94), and Nikos Koundouros (1926-) with his film The Ogre of Athens (1956). Despite such classics as A Girl in Black (1956), starring Elli Lambetti and his screen versions of the Euripidean tragedies Electra (1961), The Trojan Women (1971) and Iphigenia (1977), Cacoyannis is best-known for Zorba the Greek (1964), an adaptation of the novel by >Nikos Kazantzakis (1883-1957).

The New Greek Cinema
- In the 1960s, film directors such as Alexis Damianos, Theodoros Angelopoulos (1935-) and Pantelis Voulgaris (1940-) attempted to break with the commercial film industry. They created the 'New Greek Cinema' - an auteur cinema outside the studio system, much like the French New Wave. A spate of independent film-makers, such as Costas Ferris (1935-), Nikos Nikolaidis (1940-), Nikos Panayiotopoulos (1941), Yiorgos Panoussopoulos (1942) and Vassilis Vafeas (1944-), rose to prominence in the 1960s and 1970s.

The term New Greek Cinema, which was coined by the critic Fotis Alexiou , refers to a broad category of films concerned with contemporary Greek social issues and the nation's recent history of political repression and conflict. In retrospect, New Greek Cinema can perhaps best be understood as a defiant reaction to the oppressive 1967-74 dictatorship, as well as an attempt by directors to reflect upon the meanings of Greekness during a period when Greece was increasingly falling under the political and artistic influence of the United States. While for the most part it eschewed the narrative techniques of mainstream Greek cinema, the New Greek Cinema found inspiration in the experimentation that characterised European art cinema.

Two films can be singled out from this period: Angelopoulos' first feature film Reconstruction (1970) and Damianos' Evdokia (1971), the second part of a loose trilogy which began with Until the Ship Sails (1966) and concluded in 1995 with The Charioteer . Evdokia is a romantic drama that centres on the tragic relationship between a sergeant and a prostitute who meet in a taverna and marry after a brief but intense affair. The film charts the break-up of this relationship against a barren, semi-urban Attic landscape. Sensuality and tenderness are consistently juxtaposed against the harsh discipline of the military compound. The film explores the consequences of social marginalisation, and the tensions between repressive middle-class aspirations and freedom.

In the Spring of 1897, The Athenians have the opportunity and the privilege to witness one of the first cinematographic efforts (films lasting a few minutes in the form of a "journal"). The screening of a moving picture provokes heated debates and this novel spectacle becomes a permanent topic of discussion. The Greek cinema is born in 1906, when the brothers Yiannis and Miltos Manakia start to film in the area of Macedonia and the French filmmaker Leons makes a small film based on the news from the unofficial Olympic Games in Athens. The first cinematographic theatre in Athens starts operating the two years later, 1908, and slowly, one after the other, special cinema halls are created. Hundreds of people stream in to enjoy this new experience.

The period between 1910-11 some short comedy films are made by the director Spyros Dimitrakopoulos, who also acts most of the parts of the films. In 1914 the company "Asty Film" is founded and the production of films starts. Golfo, a well-known dramatic love story, is the first full-length Greek film. During World War I, cinematographic production is not completely stalled, but it is limited to war news. Despite the difficulties of war, many directors become well known (Georgios Prokopiou, Dimitris Gaziadis etc) making films with primitive means which show scenes from the war and the catastrophe of Asia Minor.

The first big commercial success comes in 1920 with the film Villar in the women's bath at Phaliro, which is directed by the comedian Villar who has also written the script and played the leading role. The name Villar was the pen name of Nikolaos Sfakianakis, of Cretan origin. 1927 marks the end of the primitive age of the Greek cinema and heralds the beginning of a more serious attempt at its organization and systemization.

The continual invasion of American and European talking films ousted the silent Greek films. The first social film "Social Decay" (1932) by Tatassopoulos was a silent film. Some others, however, such as "Greek Rhapsody" (1932) and "The Lover of the Shepherdess" (1932) were dubbed in Germany. The cost was very great, and even more excessive was the investment needed to install a sound studio, particularly in view of the heavy and bulky equipment at that time. DAG FILM closed down for good, and during the following decade, the number of Greek films (shot in Egypt) was limited. A typical success was the musical comedy "Refugee Girl" (1938), directed by Togo Mizrachi, with a screenplay by the playwright, Dimitris Bogris. The music and songs were by K. Yannidis and it starred the popular singer, Sophia Vembo. Some of the scenes were shot on location at Meteora and Tembe.

The second period in the history of the Greek cinema begins in the dark days of the Nazi Occupation. It was in these difficult times that the Greeks showed their initiative and energy. Audiences made clear their refusal to watch German and Italian films and sought encou-ragement and national unity in Greek entertainment. The theatre flourished then. Filopoemin Finos, a man with exceptional technical and organizational talents showed great perseverance and managed to overcome all obs-tacles and to present the first complete, modern film: "The Voice of the Heart" (1942), directed by Dimitris Ioannopoulos, who also wrote the screenplay. It was made immediately after the great famine in Athens and was shown in March 1943, selling 102.000 tickets in the still occupied capital city. It was a typical melodrama starring some of the best young actors of the time, such as Dimitris Horn, Alekos Leivaditis and Lambros Kons-tandaras and the great dramatic actor of the stage, Ai-milios Veakis. This film marked the coming-of-age of the Greek cinema. Finos immediately began his next film. He and his father were arrested by the Germans as members of the Re-sistance. He was subsequently released but his father was executed in July 1944. There followed the Liberation and the Civil War between November 1944 and January 1945. Despite all this, Finos produced "The Villa with the Water-lilies", a family, sentimental, dramatic comedy, in April 1945. This was the course he was to follow: hard work, effectiveness, more and better films regardless of the circumstances, but films without social comment.

Moreover, until the fall of the Junta in 1974, there was a double form of censorship, that which sought to prevent and that which aimed at suppressing, particularly harsh during the early years with the outlawing of the Left-Wing parties. In 1944, Giorgos Tzavellas, one of the more notable representatives of good, entertaining cinema, presented his first film. "Applause" was the tragic and true story of Attik, a song-writer and variety artist (like Chaplin's "Limelight") and starring Attik himself.

In 1946, Alekos Sakellarios, a comedy playwright, wrote an original screenplay and turned to film directing with "Home is Best", a fresh, sentimental and social comedy on a topical theme. Characteristic genres of films -the melodrama, the romantic comedy, the comedy- began to take shape while production increased owing to the response of the public: five films in 1945-46, seven in 1947-48, ten in 1950-51, nineteen in 1952-53. It was not until twenty-five years later that this rate of increase would begin to slow down. The melodrama was the first genre to become estab-lished. Even among the foreign films, this was the genre that enjoyed the greatest success. "I figli di nessuno" by the Italian R. Matarazzo, was shown for many weeks in 1952. "The Drunkard" (1950) by Tzavellas sold 305.000 tickets in Athens, a box office record that would not be broken until 1963, when the population of the capital had almost doubled in size.

Next came the comedy films, usually stage-successes, often directed by the writers themselves (Sakellarios was followed by Nikos Tsiforos) and with the same cast.

And so the great comedians of the popular tradition passed from stage to screen. They were "descendants" of Ka-raghiozis, hero of the shadow-theatre, barefoot, hungry and down-trodden, yet always teasing and quick to reply, himself a descendant of the heroes of Aristophanes. The stage and variety comedians were accustomed to con-versing with the audience and improvising, and each one had created for himself a characteristic type. From the pent-bourgeois Logothetidis to the gentlemanly Konstan-daras; from the excitable Stavridis to the loud-mouthed idler Fotopoulos; the proud yet drunken Makris, the working-class type Avlonitis, the cunning country oaf Hatzichristos, the versatile Papayannopoulos and Ilio-poulos, who came nearer to comedia dell' arte, these comedians became the most popular film stars. The screenplays were made to measure for them, and they retained a large degree of initiative. Their presence was the main asset during the great age of the mainstream cinema.

Moreover, it was certain comic actors who gave some of the best tragic performances: Makris in "The Drunkard"; Iliopoulos in "The Ogre of Athens"; and Vengos in "What did you do in the war, Thanassis?". The films of this second period were mainly portrayals of Greek manners and mores. In a traditional context, with roots in literature and the theatre, they favoured outdoor filming in natural settings and provide us with valuable scenes of the neo-classical Athens of the time and of Greece in general: a Greece which has changed so radically today. These studies of manners and mores with their local colour, naivety, immediacy and simplicity were generally protected from the direct influences of the foreign cinema, which was also spreading at the same time in the Greek market. Sakellarios ("Music, Poverty and Pride", 1955), Tzavellas ("Marinos Kontaras",1947, "The Counterfeit Sovereign", 1955), Giorgos Zervos ("The Lake of Desire", 1958), and the first woman dir-ector Maria Plyta ("The Wolf Woman", 1950) achieved notable results. Perhaps even more noteworthy was a neo-realistic trend. Grigoris Grigoriou came face to face with the impasse of a working family in "Bitter Bread" (1951). Stellios Tatassopoulos depicted the hard life of the emery miners of Naxos in "Black Earth" (1952). The Greek-American Greg Talas-Grigoris Thalassinos (who had edited Renoir's "The Southerner" in Hollywood) told the story of a group of children during the German Occupation in "Barefoot Battalion" (1954).

In this first full blossoming of the Greek cinema, we have the appearance of the first conscious and creative dir-ectors who wanted above all to express a personal view of the world with a corresponding freedom of form, rather than allying themselves with the current system and following the directions laid down by the producers, whose aims were to maximize the financial success of their films.

Already, Grigoriou and Tatassopoulos had endeavoured to control the production themselves in a form of cooperative. However, Nikos Koundouros, who came from the world of Fine Arts, boldly raised the flag of independent artistic creation from the very first with the film "Magic City" (1954). He commissioned the screenplay from a modern avant-garde writer, Margarita Lymberaki, and sought expression more in images and rhythms. "The Ogre of Athens" (1956), one of the most important Greek films, was financed by a personal friend of Koundouros (a method widely employed after 1970) and the extreme combination of expressionism and satire, film noir and symbolic game so "alarmed" both audiences and producers that for many years later, the latter turned down proposals for artistic films, saying: "Not another Ogre!".

The Greek movies of the 50's and 60's are always alive, they become books, diaries and boardgames. Various where the artists of the Golden Greek cinema period (50-60's) Elli Lambeti (30's), Petros Fyssoun, Aliki Vougiouklaki, Kostas Kazakos, Dinos Illiopoulos, Tzeni Karezi, Labros Konstadaras, Dionyssis Papayannopoulos Alekos Alexandrakis (50's-60's)...

Αποσπάσματα από Ελληνικές ταινίες:

All text info originally found at greecenow.com

2010-03-26T15:50:00.002+02:00

Famous Greeks

2010-03-21T00:57:00.002+02:00

FAMOUS GREEKS

Maria Callas - Callas, Maria, professional name of Maria Anna Sofia Cecilia Kalogeropoulos (1923-77), Greek-American soprano, the preeminent prima donna of her day, and the first modern soprano to revive forgotten operas of the bel canto repertoire. Born in New York City, she moved to Athens at age 13, where she studied at the Royal Conservatory in Athens and made her first major appearance there in 1941 as Tosca.

Vangelis Papathanassiou (Vangelis)

Vangelis is one of the most famous Greek singers, whose works have gained the broadest international recognition. His works are the soundtrack of the movie Chariots of Fire (won him an Oscar in 1982), as well as the soundrack for Bladerunner, Colombus, and even the music for many international athletic competitions (World Athletic Championship 1997, Hellenic Olympic Games Theme, etc.) and much much more.

FAMOUS GREEKS IN MEDICINE

Dr. George N. Papanicolaou, MD, the originator of the "Pap test" 1883 -- 1962 - Physiologist and microscopist, born in Kimi, Greece. He studied at Athens and Munich universities, and for most of his career was associated with Cornell Medical College, New York City. His research on reproductive physiology led him to discover that he could identify cancer cells in samples taken from the cervixes of women with cervical cancer. He subsequently pioneered the techniques, now called Papanicolaou's stain, or the pap smear, of routine microscopical examination of exfoliated cells for the early detection of cervical and other forms of cancer.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Voula Papaioannou (1898-1990) began working as a photographer during the 1930s, concentrating at first on studies of landscapes, monuments and archaeological exhibits.The outbreak of war in 1940 marked a turning point in her career, as she was intensely affected by the suffering of the civilian population of Athens. Realising the power of her camera to arouse people’s conscience, she documented the troops departing for the front, the preparations for the war effort, and the care received by the first casualties. When the capital was in the grip of starvation, she revealed the horrors of war in her moving photographs of emaciated children.After the liberation, as a member of the photographic unit of UNRRA (United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration), she toured the ravaged Greek countryside recording the difficult living conditions faced by its inhabitants. She often exceeded her brief, immortalising the faces and personal stories of ordinary people in photographs that stressed dignity rather than suffering.During the 1950s Papaioannou's work expressed the optimism that prevailed in the aftermath of the war with respect to both the future of mankind and the restoration of traditional values. Nevertheless, her photographs of the historic Greek landscape are not in the least romantic, but instead portray it as harsh, barren, drenched in light, and its inhabitants proud and independent, despite their poverty.Voula Papaioannou's work represents the trend towards "humanitarian photography" that resulted from the abuse of human rights during the war. Her camera captured her compatriots' struggle for survival with respect, clarity, and a degree of personal involvement that transcends national boundaries and reinforces one’s faith in the strength of the common man and the intrinsic value of human life. Info and photos from Benaki museum

Elli Souyioultzoglou-Seraïdari

(Greek: Έλλη Σουγιουλτζόγλου-Σεραϊδάρη) b.1899 - d.1998 (better known as Nelly's) is one the most celebrated Greekphotographers of all time, and during the interwar period became one of the world's most celebrated female photographers. Her pictures of ancient Greek temples against sea and sky backgrounds, which were published by the first Greek ministries of tourism, shaped the first visual images of Greece in the Western mind. She was born in Aidini, Asia Minor, and after the 1922 expulsion of the ethnic Greeks of Asia Minor by the Turks following theGreco-Turkish war (1919-1922), she went to study photography in Germany, where she was elected to become pupil of the most famous German photographers of the era (Hugo Erfurth and Franz Fiedler). In 1924 she came to Greece, where she adopted a Hellenocentric and conservative approach to her work.

http://www.fotoartmagazine.gr/01_ELLHNIKO/FVTOGRAFIA/ISTORIA/MIKRES%20BIOGRAFIES/ELLHNES%20FOTOGRAFOI/NELLY'S.HTM

SCIENCE - TECHNOLOGY

Phaedon Avouris (my uncle was a candidate for the Nobel for Physics 2003)

(biography) (nomination-nobel 1 - nomination nobel 2)

Phaedon Avouris, IBM Fellow and Manager, Nanometer Scale Science and Technology
IBM T.J. Watson Research Center

Dr. Avouris has published over 300 scientific papers. He has been elected Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the American Physical Society, the IBM Academy of Technology, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, American Vacuum Society and the New York Academy of Sciences. He is also member of the IEEE, the ACS and MRS. He received the Irving Langmuir Prize of the American Physical Society, the Medard W. Welch Award of the American Vacuum Society, the Feynman Prize for Molecular Nanotechnology, the ACSIN Nanoscience Prize, the Raper Award of IEEE, the Distinguished Alumnus Award from Michigan State University, and a number of IBM Corporation "Outstanding Technical Achievement" awards. He is co-editor of the Springer-Verlag book series on Nanoscience and is currently serving on the Advisory Editorial Boards of Nano Letters, Nanotechnology, Intl. Journal of Nanoscience, Journal of Nanoengineering and Nanosystems, Journal of Computational and Theoretical Nanoscience, Surface Review and Letters, and the Journal of Electron Spectroscopy.

POLITICS

Venizelos, Eleutherios 1864 -- 1936 Greek statesman and prime minister (1910--15, 1917--20, 1924, 1928--32, 1933), born in Mourniés, Crete, Greece. He studied law in Athens, led the Liberal Party in the Cretan chamber of deputies, and took a prominent part in the Cretan rising against the Turks in 1896. As prime minister of Greece, he promoted the Balkan League against Turkey (1912) and Bulgaria (1913), and so extended the Greek kingdom. His sympathies with France and Britain at the outbreak of World War 1 clashed with those of King Constantine I, and caused Venizelos to establish a provisional rival government at Salonika, and in 1917 forced the king's abdication. He was heavily defeated in the general elections of 1920, but served three times more as prime minister before retiring. In 1935 he came out of retirement against the restoration of the monarchy, but failed to win support and fled eventually to Paris.

Papandreou, Georgios 1888 -- 1968 Greek Republican statesman and prime minister (1944--5, 1963, 1964--5), born in Kaléntizi, Greece. A lawyer by training, he moved into politics, holding office in several administrations, including the brief period when the monarchy was temporarily removed (1923--5). He escaped during the German occupation, and returned in 1944 to head a coalition government, but was suspected by the army because of his Socialist credentials, and remained in office for only a few weeks. He then founded the Centre Union Party (1961), and returned as prime minister. A disagreement with King Constantine II led to his resignation, and in 1967, when a coup established a military regime, he was placed under house arrest.

Karamanlis, Konstantinos (also spelled Caramanlis) 1907 -- 1998 Greek statesman, prime minister (1955--63, 1974--80), and president (1980--5), born in Próti, Greece. A former lawyer, he was elected to parliament in 1935, became minister of public works (1952), then prime minister, and formed his own party, the National Radical Union. During his administration, Greece signed a Treaty of Alliance with Cyprus and Turkey. After his party's election defeat in 1963, he left politics and lived abroad, but returned to become premier again in 1974, when he supervised the restoration of civilian rule after the collapse of the military government. He then served as president.

Melina Merkouri was the woman who left her seal on the Hellenic Ministry of Culture during the 80's. Melina Merkouri, a world-famous actress, brave fighter of the resistance movement against the military regime (1967-1974), politician of an enormous radiance in Greece and abroad, Minister of Culture for eight and a half years (1981-1989 and October 1993-March 6, 1994). Still, above all she was a great Greek, a woman that was cherished and passionately loved by the Greek people. y using her own splendor and glamour, Melina Merkouri managed to make Culture part of the everyday lives of the Greek people, a front page story in the newspapers and big news in radio and television. During her years of office at the Ministry she raised the issue for the return of the Parthenon's marbles kept in the British Museum in London, to their rightful place, the Acropolis Museum. The Parthenon's marbles are the masterpieces that were stolen back in the beginning of 19th century by Lord Elgin, then the British ambassador to Constantinople (Istanbul), who mutilated the most resplendent monument of antiquity. Aware of the fact that the existing Acropolis Museum had not enough space to exhibit the marbles, Melina Merkouri started procedures for the construction of a new Museum that would operate keeping its most beautiful, most splendid room empty, waiting for the marbles' return to Greece, the land that gave birth to them. Moreover, it was she who envisioned the creation of a substantial cultural institution, the "Cultural Capital of Europe". The institution which was inaugurated ten years ago from Athens, is -up to now- the first and only event that culturally unites European countries. Melina Merkouri was the one who had said "Culture is Greece's heavy industry" and managed to make everyone amply aware of this. The Melina Merkouri Foundation, which was founded by her husband Jules Dassin after her death, keeps Melina Merkouri's visions alive.

BUSINESS

Onassis, Aristotle (Socrates) 1906 -- 1975 Millionaire ship-owner, born in Smyrna, Turkey. Buying his first ships (1932--3), he built up one of the world's largest independent fleets, and was a pioneer in the construction of super-tankers. He was one of the biggest and most well known ship-owners in the world, and more specifically in the field of oil-tankers. In 1956, he established Olympic Airways airline, which he transferred to the Greek State in 1975, after having developed it into a private company serving the five continents. His first marriage, to Athena, daughter of Stavros Livanos, a Greek ship-owner, ended in divorce (1960). He then had a long relationship with Maria Callas, and in 1968 married Jacqueline Kennedy.

OLDER ERAS:

KINGS

Philip II (of Macedon) 382BC -- 336BC King of Macedon (359--336 BC), the father of Alexander the Great. He used his military and diplomatic skills first to create a powerful unified state at home (359--353 BC), then to make himself the master of the whole of independent Greece. His decisive victory at Chaeronea (338 BC) established Macedonian hegemony there for good. The planned Macedonian conquest of Persia, aborted by his assassination in 336 BC, was eventually carried out by his son.

Alexander the Great 356BC -- 323BC King of Macedonia. Born at Pella in 356 B.C. to the first wife of King Philip II of Macedonia. At age 20, Alexander became the king of Macedon, the leader of the Corinthian League, and the conqueror of Persia. He succeeded in forging the largest Western empire of the ancient world. As a teenager, Alexander was educated by the Athenian philosopher Aristotle. By the year 337 B.C. all of the Greek city-states had been conquered or forced into an alliance by King Philip II. He was planning to lead their joint forces in an invasion of the Persian Empire when he was assassinated in 336 B.C. at the wedding of Alexander's sister to the king of one his vassal states. Alexander succeeded to the throne of Macedonia at the age of 19

Greek Folklore and Tradition

2010-03-21T00:49:00.003+02:00

Metsovo's (a region in Epirus/Western Greece)

Craftsmen and women keep alive the traditions of woodcarving and weaving, producing amazing rugs & carpets, the so-called "Metsovitika".

Popular traditional Cretan (from the island of Crete) art is continued today in weaving, crocheting, carpet making, towels, lace work etc. showing the feel for beauty and art the people of the county have. Village women and local co-operatives make embroideries from silk or wool. Peope from Crete also have their own traditions, in music, and dancing.

Embroideries (Tsevredes, τσεβρέδες in Greek) were made by old women in Greece few generations ago, as a dowry given to girls in order for them to get married. Could be found in the form of pillows, framed embroideries, curtains, sheets, tablecloths etc.

Embroidered products - coloured, white embroidery and lace, gold embroidery - were meant for clothing, the home and the church.

The embroidery is made with threads of silk, cotton and wool, or silver and gold threads, and depending on the technique, was known as "grafta", "metrita", "terzidika" or "sirmakesika". Embroideries varied, from cotton/towel fabrics with cotton/gold and silver threads.

Personal statement: Not available nowadays, cause not many women can take the time..it would take up to 15-30 days to do an embroidery.

Embroidery is the most impressive branch of folk art, and is of significance for both art and folklore. Embroideries from all parts of Greece, especially Macedonia, attest to influences from East and West, and also to distinctively Greek characteristics, which are clear in the variety of the decorative motifs. Embroideries are classified according to their use and their technique, into white, coloured and gold embroideries.

Coloured embroideries are intended to adorn houses, or to form part of both male and, mainly, female costume. They are 'metrita' and 'grapta', with local variations in both the motifs and colours used. The material used is normally silk thread, wool or cotton thread being used more rarely.

In the older times, in reference to marriage, in some parts of Greece, the bride had to have a dowry made by her mother, grandmothers and aunts, consisting of sheets, towels and hand made embroideries, and the father of the bride offers a furnished home to his daughter and son-in-law as a wedding gift.

Personal statement: today, in Athens and other big cities, the bride doesn’t have a dowry anymore.

Painting in Greece

2010-03-20T23:50:00.002+02:00

Greek contemporary Art - with its age-long tradition, its artists and their creations of major importance in the international cultural arena- ancient Greek and Byzantine Art offered world exceptional creators even during the slavery years of the Turkish occupation. A bright example -amongst the great number of artists- is Dominicos Theotokopoulos (El Greco) - with his combination of Byzantine spirituality, Venetian color of mannerist forms and Spanish mysticism. Click for Dominikos Theotokopoulos, the famous El Greco (meaning “The Greek”) was born in Irαklion, Crete (then a possession of the Republic of Venice), in 1541 and was named Domenikos Theotokopoulos. Details of his early life and training are sketchy, but he probably first studied painting in his native city. Although no works from his first years survive, they were probably painted in the late Byzantine style popular in Crete at the time. Reminiscences of this style are seen in his later work. He was an erudite man, whose taste for classical and contemporaneous literature seems to have developed in his youth.Moreover, an important and mainly pioneering part is played by artists from Ionian islands in the 18th and the beginning of the 19th century, who exploit some conquests of the Italian Renaissance and baroque ateliers. As efforts persist with new outsets, preconditions and objectives, Greek artists emerging in the world during the first decades of the 19th century reconnect Greek art with ancient Greek tradition as well as with the quests of the European ateliers, especially those of the Munich School.

Dominikos Theotokopoulos (El Greco)

Childrens' band by Iakovidis Georgios (1894)

Nikolaos Gyzis, the engagement (1875)

Having focused their interest, as a matter of course, to portraiture and historical issues, they create works that respond also to the character of their times. So that the great masters of Greek contemporary Art -Lytras, Gyzis, Volanakis- can arise and expand its thematic fields, enrich its morphologic vocabulary and advance beyond their teachers' styles. Those are the artists who prepare the creators that are following and turning towards the quests of other ateliers, especially the French ones.

Hence, during the last decades of the 19th century, with the "fathers" of Greek contemporary art of the 20th century, the creators Konstantinos Parthenis, Konstantinos Maleas and George Bouzianis, Greek contemporary art will proceed to entirely new formulas beyond the quests of foreign mainstreams. Particularly in sculpture, one can distinctly observe the success of our artists who manage to combine excellently ancient Greek tradition with the folk art forms and the European quests.

Thus, during the first decades of the 20th century, Greek contemporary art succeeds to be forwarded to an ample disengagement from foreign influences and offers works that distinguish for their sincerity and their expressive wealth. This is a course that continues more plainly with the creators that are emerging to the world during the years between the two world wars. Those are the creators that go even further. For, now Greek contemporary art not only consolidates its course to that of international art but also has creators who move forward in a personal way towards all directions and virtually brake new grounds, impose new characteristics and shape wonderfully the features of our times. Although it is not possible to refer to certain names now, it is easy to ascertain that those creators are successfully presented in all major art centers around the world, they express personal encounters and collective concerns, they give form to the fears and hopes of today's people. It is a course that persists with artists in painting, sculpture and engraving. Artists that emerge to the world after 1940 and enrich the international plastic art creations with their new formulas.

In the 20th century, Greek art distinguishes for the multiformity of its quests and the wealth of the expressive language, the honesty of its voice and the quality of its formulas. So, it creates works of all mainstreams, traditional, contemporary and experimental, that -beyond anything else, beyond any regional character- express faith in Man and love for freedom, in a convincing way, with esoteric truth.
Giannis Tsarouchis - He is one of the most inspired exponents of this movements. A student of K. Parthenis at the Athens School of Fine Arts, he also studied with F. Kontoglou and D. Pikionis, after which he goes to Paris in 1935, and produces his first major works at the end of the 30’s. The influences of Pompey’s frescoes, Fayoum or Byzantium, Theophilos and Karayozis, Renaissance and also Baroque as well as Matisse of Baroque work together within his art in a unique way, to give us pictures with man at their center. Figures which are sometimes realistic, sometimes idealized sometimes effusively decorated, and always with the unique stamp which makes the works of the great artists who have something important to say, stand out from the rest. These unique features are present in the three works displayed in Municipal Art Gallery, Two Friends (1938), Basketball Player (1949) and the Squadron Leader, created in the period 1950-1951. In all three, what strikes one most is the active role played by the masses of color, which prepare for the frontal treatment of the subject. Together with this, the way in which shapes and forms are set out on the canvas gives it an introverted dimension, in which are described the features of the faces. These, in accordance with the habit of the artist, are male figures rendered with characteristic realism, as can be seen mainly in the latter works. Here, the individual features of the figures are emphasized. The design in based on masses of color, with linear strikes to stress the outline. The resultant form confirms the power of the artist to express his thoughts and his ideological relationship with art itself, together with the inborn feeling and understanding he has for his native country. Tsarouhis does not reject anything out of hand, but uses everything which moves him as part of his work.

My childhood

2010-03-20T23:23:00.006+02:00

I always remember the movies I used to watch.. the cartoons, and the books into their world I'd sunk for hours...

Favorite scenes from Singing in the Rain:

Singing in the rain

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FW02c5UNGl0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu6--WBPBHo

Grease - You Are The One That I Want

Greek Flag

2010-03-20T23:18:00.001+02:00

The pattern and colors of the Greek Flag haven't changed a lot since the Revolution of the Greek Nation in 1821. Many people wonder why the founders of the Hellenic Democracy have chosen the symbols, patterns and colors that appear on the National Flag of Greece.

The National Anthem was written by Dionysios Solomos (1823) and was composed by Nikolaos Mantzaros, and has been the official anthem from 1864, by King George's decision. It consists of 158 stanzas, however, it is usually the first two stanzas presented as the national anthem.

click flag below, to hear our National Anthem

The Greek Square Cross that rests on the upper left-side ofthe flag and occupies one fourth of the total area demonstrates the respect and the devotion the Greek people have for the Greek Orthodox Church and signifies the important role of Christianity in the formation of the modern Hellenic Nation. During the dark years of the Ottoman rule, the Greek Orthodox Church helped the enslaved Greeks to retain their cultural characteristics: the Greek language, the Byzantine religion and generally the Greek ethnic identity, by the institution of the Crypha Scholia (hidden schools). The Crypha Scholia were a web of schools that operated secretly throughout Greece and were committed in transmitting to the Greeks the wonders of their ancestors and the rest of their cultural heritage. Today, Christianity is still the dominant religion among Greeks. Therefore the existence of the Cross is justified.

"We know thee from your sward's awesome sharpness, We know thee from your shape's awesome look. From the graves of our slain Shall thy valour prevail

As we greet thee again- Hail, Liberty! Hail!

Σε γνωρίζω από την κόψη του σπαθιού την τρομερή, σε γνωρίζω από την όψη που με βία μετράει τη γη.
Απ' τα κόκαλα βγαλμένη των Ελλήνων τα ιερά, και σαν πρώτα ανδρειωμένη, χαίρε, ω χαίρε, Ελευθεριά
Εκεί μέσα εκατοικούσες πικραμένη, εντροπαλή, κι ένα στόμα ακαρτερούσες, «έλα πάλι», να σου πεί.
'Αργειε νάλθει εκείνη η μέρα, κι ήταν όλα σιωπηλά, γιατί τά 'σκιαζε η φοβέρα και τα πλάκωνε η σκλαβιά. Δυστυχής!
Παρηγορία μόνη σού έμενε να λές περασμένα μεγαλεία και διηγώντας τα να κλαις.
Και ακαρτέρει και ακαρτέρει φιλελεύθερη λαλιά, ένα εκτύπαε τ' άλλο χέρι από την απελπισιά
Κι έλεες: «Πότε, α, πότε βγάνω το κεφάλι από τσ' ερμιές;».
Και αποκρίνοντο από πάνω κλάψες, άλυσες, φωνές
Τότε εσήκωνες το βλέμμα μες στα κλάιματα θολό, και εις το ρούχο σου έσταζ' αίμα, πλήθος αίμα ελληνικό
Με τα ρούχα αιματωμένα ξέρω ότι έβγαινες κρυφά να γυρεύεις εις τα ξένα άλλα χέρια δυνατά
Μοναχή το δρόμο επήρες, εξανάλθες μοναχή - δεν είν' εύκολες οι θύρες εάν η χρεία τες κουρταλεί
'Αλλος σου έκλαψε εις τα στήθια, αλλ' ανάσαση καμμιά - άλλος σου έταξε βοήθεια και σε γέλασε φρικτά
Αλλοι, οϊμέ, στη συμφορά σου οπού εχαίροντο πολύ, «σύρε νά 'βρεις τα παιδιά σου, σύρε», έλεγαν οι σκληροί
Φεύγει οπίσω το ποδάρι και ολογλήγορο πατεί ή την πέτρα ή το χορτάρι που τη δόξα σού ενθυμεί
Ταπεινότατη σου γέρνει η τρισάθλια κεφαλή, σαν πτωχού που θυροδέρνει κι είναι βάρος του η ζωή
Ναι, αλλά τώρα αντιπαλεύει κάθε τέκνο σου με ορμή, πού ακατάπαυστα γυρεύει ή τη νίκη ή τη θανή
Απ' τα κόκαλα βγαλμένη των Ελλήνων τα ιερά, και σαν πρώτα ανδρειωμένη, χαίρε, ω χαίρε, Ελευθεριά!

HOMEPAGE
These two colors symbolize the blue of the Greek Sea and the Whiteness of the restless Greeks waves! According to the mythic legends, the Goddess of Beauty, Aphrodite emerged from these waves. In addition, it reflects the blue of the Greek Sky and the White of the few clouds that travel in it. The number of the lines is based on the number of the syllables in the Greek phrase: Eleutheria H Thanatos (Freedom or Death) which was the motto during the years of the Hellenic Revolution against the Ottoman Empire in the 19nth century [There are claims that the number of lines reflects the number of letters in the greek word for Freedom which equals 9]. This word stirred the heart of the oppressed Greeks, it created intense emotions and inspired them to fight and gain their freedom after 400 years of slavery. The line pattern was chosen because of their similarity with the wavy sea that surounds the shores of Greece.The interchange of blue and white colors makes the Hellenic Flag on a windy day to look like the Aegean Pelagos. Only the quaint islands are missing!