Onassis Foundation Christmas lights receive joyless reaction in Athens

·

This years lighting and Christmas decorations for the festive season in Athens were placed in the trust of the Onassis Foundation, as part of the Athens Municipality’s “Adopt Your City” program.

The Onassis Foundation have undertaken the task to illuminate the iconic Vasilissis Sofias Avenue, from the Hilton Hotel to Syntagma Square. Though, their project has seemingly not spread the festive spirit, as it received negative criticisms that prompted the Onassis Foundation to point out that the “project is not yet complete”.

“It is in the planning stage with blue and white colours…As we approach the festivities will move to a more Christmas version. Consciously, we did not choose the traditional adornment proposal. The city is a living organism and we want the existing work to be the same,” said Dimitris Theodoropoulos, Strategy and Culture Advisor at the Onassis Foundation.

In other areas of Athens, such as Kotzia Square, the Municipality of Athens has installed more classic Christmas decorations, though this has also ignited the conversation of what “traditional Christmas” symbols mean in Greek tradition.

In response, Athens Mayor Kostas Bakoyannis said, “Athens is a vibrant city, with many communities, many voices that create, innovate. We do not adopt the logic of homogenisation. A city is not monotheistic…I think it’s nice to have everything, traditional and modern, to express everyone.”

The “Adopt Your City” program was introduced as a method to clean up Athens, and make it a more interactive, inclusive and progressive landscape. The program allows residents, businesses, institutions and any interested parties to “adopt” a street, sidewalk, park, playground or neighbourhood with the intent to make them more friendly, attractive and reflective of Athens’ vast culture.

During the Christmas period, 19 large organisations including the Onassis Foundation, Coca Cola, COSMOTE, AEGEAN, National Bank, Panathinaikos and more, participated in the “Adopt Your City” program.

“The collaboration with the 19 organizations that participate in the decoration of the city proves that the public and the private sector can cooperate, co-create, and be the cornerstones of the changes the city needs,” said Mayor Bakoyannis.

“It is the philosophy and culture our municipality puts in practice. It is the strategy that envisages Athens free from fixations and prejudices. The city that collaborates, creates alliances and moves forward, changes.”

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Harry Mavrolefteros’ First Education wins ‘Business of the Decade’ at National Awards

First Education, founded by Harry Mavrolefteros, was awarded 'Business of the Decade' at the 2025 Australian Small Business Champion Awards.

Little Legs Foundation sets monopoly World Record in memory of Alegra Vasiliou

The Little Legs Foundation officially set a new Guinness World Record for the most people playing Monopoly in a single venue.

Hellenic Medical Society of Australia’s Careers Day returns to inspire students

The Hellenic Medical Society of Australia invite all year 9-12 students to attend the HMSA ‘Pathways to Success’ Careers Day.

Melbourne man charged for impersonating police officer and assaulting families

Franesko Vamvakaris appeared in Ringwood Magistrates Court on Monday, facing charges of impersonating a police officer and unlawful assault.

Antonopoulos’ Le Sands temporarily closes amid dispute with Bayside Council

The iconic Le Sands Restaurant in Brighton-Le-Sands, owned by Paul and Elizabeth Antonopoulos, has temporarily closed its doors.

You May Also Like

Greek clubs to receive funding for multicultural events in Victoria

Minister for Multicultural Affairs Colin Brooks announced that 346 organisations will share in $1.3 million and Greek clubs are among them.

Paralympic Games opening ceremony kicks off in Tokyo

The delayed 16th Summer Paralympics kicked off its opening ceremony in the National Stadium in Tokyo on Tuesday.

US Commission: Turkey made ‘little to no effort’ in addressing religious freedom issues

The independent US report found President Erdogan's decision to convert Hagia Sophia into a mosque as 'divisive and hostile' to Turkey's religious minorities.