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

Victorian government launches Anti-Hate Taskforce after wave of antisemitic attacks

A man has been charged in connection with an alleged arson attack on a historic synagogue in East Melbourne.

Summer soundtrack: The ultimate guide to Greek concerts and festivals in 2025

Wherever you are in the country, The Greek Herald has the inside scoop on must-see performances to catch during your summer escape.

Michael Zannis: The Greek Aussie cricket star redefining blindness

Michael Zannis has turned his ‘disability’ into his superpower. He lives as everyone else does and is thriving.

Greek olive oil today: Production, use and export data

Greek olive oil is consumed in large quantities in Greece today. Still, the small population leaves plenty of oil for export.

Greece ranks fifth highest in Europe for short-term rental prices

Greece has become the fifth most expensive destination in Europe for short-term rentals, with the average nightly rate reaching 250 euros.

You May Also Like

Gold Coast restaurant ‘Loki’ shuts down after struggling to replace much-loved ‘Hellenika’ restaurant

During late-November last year the landmark 'Hellenika' restaurant on the Gold Coast's Nobby Beach announced it was closing its doors. Hellenika was credited as "changing...

Fidias Panayiotou: Meet the Cypriot YouTuber who secured surprise European election win

Popular YouTube sensation from Cyprus, Fidias Panayiotou has officially been elected as an independent MEP to the European Parliament.

Constantine Nicholas: Exploring identity through art

As a third-generation Greek Australian, Constantine Nicholas' roots trace back to the isle of Kastellorizo.