New Initiative to Promote Greek Tourism

Up Greek Tourism is a new private initiative whose goal is to promote Greece as a tourist destination. Recently, Up Greek Tourism completed its first crowdfunding campaign to raise $15,000 to display a billboard advertisement in Times Square, New York. In only 20 days, 330 private donors contributed to the campaign, and a total of $20,352 was raised. For 30 days in Times Square, beginning today, March 23, Up Greek Tourism is displaying an electronic billboard encouraging tourism in Greece. Designed by award-winning Greek designer Charis Tsevis, the billboard "will remind the public that, regardless of its economic situation, Greece is a beautiful and safe vacation destination." If you are interested in the Up Greek Tourism campaign, please visit http://www.upgreektourism.gr/ to support!

Greek Cultural Events in DC: April-May

The Greek Embassy is proud to support the various cultural events happening in and around Washington in the next few weeks!

"An Afternoon with the Goddesses"
An Afternoon with renowned Greek author and performer Agapi Stassinopoulos. Stassinopoulos was born and raised in Athens, Greece. She is a veteran of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London and a member of the Young Vic. While her sister, Arianna Huffington, was doing research for her book about Greek mythology, Agapi’s love for the gods and goddesses was ignited and led to two books of her own: Conversations with the Goddesses and Gods and Goddesses in Love. She also performed a one-woman show and a PBS special. She writes for The Huffington Post, and her latest book is entitled Unbinding the Heart: A Dose of Greek Wisdom, Generosity, and Unconditional Love.Organized and benefited by the Hellenic Heritage Museum and Archives of Maryland. The event will begin at 4 p.m. with light refreshments provided by Ikaros Restaurant. Tickets are $45 each and available by advance sales only. To reserve your seat, send a $45 check, payable to the Hellenic Heritage Museum and Archives of Maryland (HHMA of MD), to:George D. Lintzeris (3543 Newland Rd. Baltimore, Md. 21218)Sun. Apr. 1, 2012 @5pmAt The University of BaltimoreLangsdale Library Auditorium1420 Maryland Ave, Baltimore MD (Oliver Street Entrance)For reservations email: Aglae Economides at akeconomides@mail2world.com or call her at 901.233.5725

Burning Heads (To Gala) Film Screening:
Based on the hit stage play "To Gala" by Vassilis Katsikonouris, "Burning Heads" offers an insightful perspective into the life of a family of immigrants living in today's Athens. Lefteris, a 20 year old bordering on schizophrenia, is indulged by his overprotective mother Rina as he lives life through his memories of childhood in the Russian countryside. In contrast, his older brother Antonis rejects his roots and follows his ambition as he prepares for a new life with his boss' daughter Natasa. When Antonis brings home his Greek bride-to-be, the family dynamics are unravelled as each one is forced to face reality and deal with the issues that haunt them.Wed. Apr. 4, 2012 @8pmAt The Avalon Theater5612 Connecticut Avenue, NWWashington, DC.For tickets and more information visit : www.avalon.com

"The Greek Orthodox Easter Traditions, Greek Diet, and Products"
Learn about the Greek Orthodox Easter traditions and meet acclaimed cook-book author and one of the leading authorities on the Greek diet, Diane Kochilas. Ms. Kochilas will talk about the benefits of the Greek Diet and how to incorporate Greek products into your own dietary regimen. Joining Diane will be representatives of the distinguished food retailer Dean & Deluca who will highlight their Greek food products which include 18 authentic products from Navarino Icons' small producers in Messinia, Greece.In collaboration with Costa Navarino a prime, sustainable destination in the Mediterranean, located in the Greek historic region of Messinia in the southwest Peloponnese. Thurs. Apr. 5, 2012 @6:30-8:30pmAt The Embassy of Greece2217 Massachusetts Ave, NWWashington, DC. RSVP: rsvpculture@greekembassy.org

Monastery of Saint Catherine of Mt. Sinai Lecture

The Embassy of Italy is proud to host a lecture on the conservation of the sixth-century icon of the transfiguration at the monastery of Saint Catherine on Mount Sinai. The lecture, given by distinguished archaeologist and founder of the Centro di Conservazione Archaeologica Roberto Nardi, will present the fascinating story of conservation of the magnificent mosaic icon. Minister Counselor of Cultural Affairs from the Embassy of Greece, Zoe Kosmidou, will also be sharing some remarks.

Saint Catherine's Monastery at Mount Sinai is known to be one of the oldest Christian monasteries in the world and has an extensive collection of icons. The monastery's location at the foot of Mount Sinai is particularly noteworthy to Christians, as Mount Sinai is the mountain upon which Christians believe Moses received the Ten Commandments.

The event will take place on Monday, March 26 at 7:00pm at the Embassy of Italy's auditorium. For more information, and to RSVP, please visit: http://iicwashington.info/events/20120326/20120326_sinai.html

Congress Salutes Greek Independence Day

Yesterday, March 21, the American Hellenic Institute hosted an exceptional tribute to the 191st celebration of Greece's independence. The event was coordinated in cooperation with Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) and Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), both co-chairs of the Congressional Hellenic Caucus. The event was held in the impressive Congressional Meeting Room South, and many distinguished guests were invited.

Greek Independence Day is traditionally celebrated on March 25, and many festivities, parades, and ceremonies are taking place throughout the D.C. area in celebration!

Holomontas Mountain: Crossing the Land of Aristotle

Although Halkidiki's turquoise waters and Mount Athos usually steal the spotlight, the peninsula's northern area is a treasure trove of extraordinary beauty and rich history. Holomontas Mountain, in particular, is known for its wide variety of wildlife, including large populations of eagles, falcons, and condors. The area was granted international protection status under the EU Natura 2000 program, since it is such an important birdlife area. With a landscape of valleys and canyons, Holomontas is idea for hiking and mountain biking. Visitors who choose to drive instead will also enjoy an enchanting drive through Holomontas. The mountain's numerous driving routes afford the visitor breathtaking views and a chance to visit traditional villages and landmark sites.

Some highlights include the idyllic village of Agios Prodromos, known for its meat delicacies, as well as the mountain town of Taxiarchis, home to Byzantine-era montasteries. The most-visited spot, however, is Stageira, the birthplace of the philosopher Aristotle and an important city of the Classical period. At Stageira, there is an exceptional archeological site, which features an acropolis, remains of fortifications, an ancient temple, and remnants of Classical and Hellenistic period homes. Legend also has it that it is also the final resting place of Aristotle himself.

Source: Greek News Agenda

Byzantine Art Exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art

On March 13, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York proudly opened its exhibition titled “Byzantium and Islam: Age of Transition”. This exhibition, which focuses on the transition period from the Byzantine era to the world of Islam, was inaugurated by Greece’s permanent UN representative Ambassador Anastassis Mitsialis and Archbishop of American Demetrios. The works in the exhibition demonstrate the exceptional craftsmanship and culture of the Southern Byzantine provinces, from Syria to North Africa, at the beginning of the 7th century.
The exhibition was sponsored by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation and the Hagop Kavorkian Fund. It features pieces from the collections of both the Metropolitan Museum and the Benaki Museum, as well as works on loan from institutions in North America, Europe, and the Middle East.

Source: Greek News Agenda

My Sweet Canary Ensemble: Honoring Roza Eskenazi

This Wednesday, March 14, the Central Presbyterian Church in Austin, Texas will be hosting the U.S. premier of the multi-national tribute to Greek Jewish singer Roza Eskenazi. Known as the "Queen of Greek Rebetiko", Eskenazi will be honored for her tremendous vocal contributions in this extraordinary musical journey. The concert ensemble was inspired by Roy Sher's film My Sweet Canary, which chronicles the story of Eskenazi's life. Famous musicians from Greece, Israel, and Turkey were gathered together to create the concert ensemble, featuring acclaimed female vocalists and unique interpretations of Eskenazi's music. The concert ensemble has already performed in Jerusalem, Ankara, Los Angeles, and Seattle.

Eskenazi's Rebetiko style is world-renowned, and her inspiration for Greek, Israeli, and Turkish music has lasted well after her death, 30 years ago. For more information on the film and touring concert ensemble, please visit: www.mysweetcanary.com.